
There are ③ ways to register
Registration
Pre-registration $35, Race day registration $40, Children six and under free.
Register online and pay with a credit card.
Start a fundraising page and have others pledge toward your fundraising goal.
Download a paper registration form to return to the Hospice office.
5K Run - 8:45am
One loop through the streets of beautiful and historic Leonardtown, MD.
Course subject to change
Results


5K Run Turn by Turn Directions
- Leave Start on Leonard Hall Drive
- Left on Hollywood Road
- Right on Doctors Crossing Way
- Right on Miss Bessie Drive
- Right on Moakley Street
- Follow to end to turnaround cone
- Stay straight on Moakley until the next turnaround cone
- Right on Miss Bessie Drive
- Left on Doctors Crossing Way
- Left on Hollywood Road
- Right on Baldridge
- Left on Leonard Hall Drive to Finish
10K Run - 8:30am
One loop stretching around rural, country road course.
Course subject to change
Results


10K Run Turn by Turn Directions
- Leave Start on Leonard Hall Drive
- Right on Hollywood Road
- Right on St. John's Road
- Right on Cedar Lane Road
- Right on Point Lookout Road
- Right on College Circle
- Right on Hollywood Road
- Right on Baldridge
- Left on Leonard Hall Drive to Finish
Fun Walk - 8:45am
One loop through the streets of beautiful and historic Leonardtown, MD.
Course subject to change
Course Map


5K Walk Turn by Turn Directions
- Leave Start on Leonard Hall Drive
- Left on Hollywood Road
- Continue Straight on Washington Street
- Left on Courthouse Drive
- Right on Camalier Drive
- Left on Tudor Place
- Left on Breton Bay Drive
- Right on Camalier Drive
- Right on Court House Drive
- Left on Fenwick Street
- Right on Washington Street
- Continue Straight on Hollywood Road
- Right on Baldridge
- Left on Leonard Hall Drive to Finish
Defender's Cup
A 5K Run Team Competition.
Results

2022 Dedication - Captain Peter James Riester
United States Navy, Retired
The son of a Navy pilot and grandson of a submariner, Peter Riester graduated
from the United States Naval Academy in 1981. After graduation, Mr. Riester reported
to Pensacola Florida for flight training and then to Corpus Christi Texas for
multi-engine training - earning his Wings of Gold in 1982. Mr. Riester flew the
P-3 Orion aircraft on multiple deployments and served aboard the USS Dwight D.
Eisenhower nuclear aircraft carrier during Operation Desert Storm before being
selected for transition to Aerospace Engineering Duty Officer. Mr. Riester eventually
served at the Naval Air Systems Command, where he rose to the level of Major
Program Manager, commanding the Naval Air Traffic Management Systems Program
Office (PMA-213).
While simultaneously serving as an active duty Navy Captain, Mr. Riester was widely recognized as a beloved volunteer coach. He volunteered for six years as the Assistant Lacrosse Coach at St Mary’s Ryken High School while also heavily supporting the St Mary’s County Youth Lacrosse Club program and the development of youth academic-athletes. In 2000, Mr. Riester was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). He retired from active duty in 2006 and continued as a DoD Civilian until 2013 when the progression of his disease forced his retirement.
However, Mr. Riester – who embodied the mantra “Think Globally and Act Locally” throughout his life and career – knew what he wanted to do with the extra time in retirement: Help Sailors, Marines and their families as a volunteer with the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS).
Throughout his life, Mr. Riester was an active member and volunteer at his church, including serving with the Knights of Columbus. Although Mr. Riester made innumerable, selfless contributions to the Nation and to the St Mary’s community, he took the most comfort in his faith and in his unwavering devotion to family and friends. Hospice of St. Mary’s and The Run for Hospice Volunteers are honored to recognize the legacy of this American Patriot and Community Servant.
Overview
A tribute to the men and women who work in support of our National Defense. A trophy sponsored by some of the Nations top Defense Contractors – companies that are committed to providing safety and security for our Troops and our Country in an unpredictable world.
Initially born out of appreciation of the Navy’s presence at the Patuxent River Naval Air Station in Southern Maryland- since its inauguration the Defender’s Cup competition has evolved into a popular and patriotic event competed for by both Military and Civilian teams from all over the region. The Defender’s Cup honors and commemorates the hard work, sacrifice and commitment of the men and women who Protect our Liberty, Guarantee our Freedom, and Safeguard our Future.
The winning Team will have their name and year engraved on a plate which is permanently attached to the trophy. In addition, the winning team is allowed to hold the trophy for one year.
Rules
This 5K Run Team Trophy competition is open to teams comprised of either Active/Retired and/or Reserve/National Guard Duty Military personnel (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard) Department of Defense (DoD) Civil Servants, Defense Contractor Employees and immediate family members who are amateur runners. CAC card, military identification, proof of employment and proof of identity for immediate family members will be required for application.
Teams must designate a Captains/POC who should contact the Defender’s Cup Coordinator to register their team for the event.
All teams must have at least 4 participants and there must be (at least) 1 female member per team.
An organization may field multiple teams.
The winning team will be determined by the fastest mean time of the teams top four runners in the 5K run event (must include the female entrant’s time).
5K Run Turn by Turn Directions
- Leave Start on Leonard Hall Drive
- Left on Hollywood Road
- Right on Doctors Crossing Way
- Right on Miss Bessie Drive
- Right on Moakley Street
- Follow to end to turnaround cone
- Stay straight on Moakley until the next turnaround cone
- Right on Miss Bessie Drive
- Left on Doctors Crossing Way
- Left on Hollywood Road
- Right on Baldridge
- Left on Leonard Hall Drive to Finish
Frequently Asked Questions
You have questions. We have answers.
The event is held at the St. Mary's County Governmental Center. The nearest address to the Start/Finish line is 23110 Leonard Hall Drive, Leonardtown, MD 20650
Sponsors
We couldn't have this event without the support of our
sponsors.
Find out how your company can become a sponsor.
Silver Sponsors ($2,500)
Defender Cup Sponsors ($2,000)
Bronze Sponsors ($1,000)
Friends of Hospice ($500)
About
A brief history of the Run & Fun Walk.
1st March 24, 1996
Our Humble Beginnings
The 1st Annual Maryland Day Run & Fun Walk was held on Sunday, March 24, 1996 at St. Mary's Ryken High School.
2nd March 22, 1997
On The Move
The Run & Fun Walk moves to it's current location at the Governmental Center in Leonardtown.
3rd March 21, 1998
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Third time's the charm.
4th March 28, 1999
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Maryland my Maryland.
5th March 25, 2000
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No Y2K problems here. Held on Maryland Day.
6th March 24, 2001
Saturday Evening Post
A new 10K run and a Norman Rockwell inspired logo for the 6th Annual Run & Fun Walk.
7th March 23, 2002
Our True Colors
2002 brought a patriotic theme as we remember the events of 9/11 and honor those who were lost.
8th March 29, 2003
Going The Distance
We never run alone.
9th March 27, 2004
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Running side by side.
10th April 9, 2005
A New Spring
The Run & Fun Walk moves to April.
11th April 8, 2006
A Starfish is Born
The iconic Starfish logo makes its debut as the official brand of the Run & Fun Walk.
12th April 21, 2007
The Old Line State
Maryland flag inspired colors for this year's theme.
13th April 18, 2008
Lucky 13
Nothing but good luck for the 13th Annual Run & Fun Walk
14th April 18, 2009
Feeling Fit
Working harder, getting stronger.
15th April 17, 2010
A Banner Year
Finish strong.
16th April 16, 2011
Golden Event
The 16th was held on the 16th. We celebrated by hitting the road.
17th April 14, 2012
Love Is All You Need
A Beatles inspired theme from the Summer of Love.
18th April 13, 2013
Award Winning
We thought we deserved a medal.
19th April 12, 2014
Carrying The Torch
Inspired by the Olympics we're going for the gold.
20th April 11, 2015
Hitting Our Stride
Celebrating 20 years.
21st April 9, 2016
Viva Las Vegas
We got lucky with the weather but that's how we roll.
22nd April 8, 2017
Maryland Pride
Running for Maryland and St. Mary's County.
23rd April 14, 2018
A Wharf with a View
Celebrating Leonardtown's Scenic Waterfront
24th April 13, 2019
Solid Gold
That's Gold Jerry! Gold!
25th April 23, 2022
Silver At Last
Better late than never.
26th April 15, 2023
Moving Forward
Join us on April 15th for the 26th Run & Fun Walk.

The Run & Fun Walk began in 1996 and has raised over $850K for Hospice of St. Mary’s County. 100% of net proceeds benefit Hospice of St. Mary’s in providing comfort, care and support of the terminally ill.
We are Southern Maryland’s biggest and best running event featuring our "World Famous Brunch", music and fun. We welcome children, strollers/baby joggers and pets.
Your presence at this event will make a difference.
2022 In Memory Of

Our Amazing Volunteer Team
Figuring it out as we go...
Emily Cantrell-Stagner
Jim Dicus
Brook Fallon
Laurie Lawrence
Aaron Okun
Jennifer Overstreet
Jeff Thomas
Jamie Thomas
Jeannette Wolter
You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave...