Online Registration Closed
Packet Pickup Friday 9 am - 4 pm
Online registration is closed to allow time to prepare our t-shirts and bibs for packet
pickup on Friday.
You can register in person on Friday between 9 am and 4 pm during packet pickup
or
Saturday between 7 am and 8 am at the race site.
Leonard Hall Recreation Center
23145 Leonard Hall Dr Leonardtown, MD 20650
Thanks for supporting Hospice of St. Mary's.
There are ③ ways to register
Registration
Pre-registration $35, Race day registration $40, Children six and under free.
Race day registration $40, Children six and under free.
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
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
2024 Dedication - Felix de Weldon
Pax River’s "Monument Man"
The Iwo Jima Memorial was conceived and the scale model was created aboard Patuxent River Naval Air Station by Felix de Weldon, an Austrian immigrant who volunteered for service in the US Navy after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. When AP Combat photographer Joe Rosenthal’s photo of the 2nd flag raising on Mt. Suribachi crossed the AP wire on Friday, February 23, 1945, PTR2 de Weldon was so inspired by “the will to sacrifice & the relentless determination” exhibited by the American soldiers he worked non-stop three days and nights sculpting a three-foot tall model out of the only material he could find - a combination of floor and sealing wax. In de Weldon’s hands the wax would be powerfully transformed to convey not just the incredible valor of the 5 Marines and Navy corpsman - but also embody the spirit & soul of EVERY Marine and American soldier/sailor. It would also become the model and catalyst for the most recognized & visited sculpture of the 20th century and a symbol of America's unwavering commitment to democracy and freedom. Unveiled 70 years ago the US Marine Corps War Memorial is dedicated to the Marine dead of all wars and those of other services that fell fighting beside them. It also stands as a testament that freedom isn’t free but is only possible through the devotion of the men & women who are willing to fight and die for it. The 2024 Defender's Cup is dedicated to Patuxent River's “Monument Man” Felix de Weldon and the Defenders of American Freedom- past, present, and future.
Note: You don’t have to travel to Washington DC to see one of de Weldon’s sculptures. De Weldon carved the 3000-pound life-size marble crucifix in the St. Nicholas Chapel and the chapel bell is the bell salvaged from the light aircraft carrier USS Attu (CVE-102) which participated in the Battle of Iwo Jima.
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, 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.
Platinum ($8,000)
Defender Cup Sponsors ($5,000)
Gold Sponsors ($3,000)
Silver Sponsors ($1,000)
Bronze Sponsors ($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
Maryland my Maryland
Third time's the charm.
4th March 28, 1999
Running like it's 1999
Maryland my Maryland again...
5th March 25, 2000
Crabby
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
Together
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
Back on track.
27th April 6, 2024
Full speed ahead
Join us on April 6th for the 27th Run & Fun Walk.
Join us for the 27th Run & Fun Walk for Hospice of St. Mary's, taking place on Saturday, April 6, 2024. This event, which includes the following activities: 5K Run, 10K Run, and Fun Walk, has been a staple since its inception in 1996, thanks to the dedication of community volunteers. Over the years, it has expanded significantly, featuring the world-famous brunch, included in your registration.
All proceeds from this event go directly to support Hospice of St. Mary’s, a non-profit organization that offers hospice and bereavement services to the residents of St. Mary’s County and their families. When faced with the challenges of caring for a loved one with a life-limiting illness, difficult decisions arise, including when to consider hospice care. Too often, individuals experience increased symptoms and frequent hospitalizations during declining health, detracting from their quality of life. Hospice offers a compassionate and less stressful alternative, enabling patients to live their remaining time as fully and comfortably as possible.
2024 In Memory Of
