More than $25,000 was raised to fight brain cancer at the fourth annual Keep Punching 5K/1Miler on May 21.
Approximately 575 people – including more than 360 runners and 100 walkers – turned out for the event at Goucher College in Towson.
Keep Punching is a Pikesville-based nonprofit that raises funds for brain cancer research and provides practical aid and treatment to patients. The organization was created by Daron Fisher, who succumbed to brain cancer in August 2013, and his wife, Beth Flaks Fisher.
On May 16, Beth Flaks Fisher, her two children and other Keep Punching supporters were at the Maryland State House in Annapolis for the official proclamation of “Brain Cancer Awareness Day in Maryland” with Lt. Gov. Boyd Rutherford. The proclamation was celebrated at the 5K.
The 5K race started at the Goucher College Track Complex and completed two loops of the campus before finishing back on the track.
The 1-mile walk was on the track, where participants enjoyed music and a festive atmosphere. Kids’ races and activities took place on the field inside the track.
The 5K’s winners in the male overall category were Mateo Aron-Ortiz, Diment Singh and Hayden Schindler. Winners in the female overall category were Olivia Ozbolt, Blakely Smith and Emma Capell.
Also on hand were such vendors as the Maryland Proton Treatment Center, which Keep Punching supports, and SoldierFit Columbia.
“It was an awesome day with a great turnout,” said Beth Flaks Fisher. “The generous ongoing support of the sponsors, runners, walkers and volunteers made the day truly beautiful.”
Jmore was a cosponsor of the 5K.
Sophie Brodinsky sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” prior to the start of the 5K, and among the dignitaries in attendance was Sen. Johnny Ray Salling (R-6th), who was instrumental in the creation of “Brain Cancer Awareness Day in Maryland.”
Keep Punching’s next event will be its second annual bull & oyster roast and silent auction on Sept. 16 at Columbus Gardens at 4301 Klosterman Ave. in the White Marsh area. For information, visit keeppunching.org/events .
Photos by Steve Ruark
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