Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School senior Greg Picard is bringing back the “Runners for the C & O Canal” 5K race to help raise money to preserve the C & O Canal trail, the scenic 184.5-mile biking and running path that runs along the Potomac River from Washington to Cumberland.
This year’s race is set for Sept. 16 at 8 a.m. at Meadowbrook Park. Last year’s inaugural race, the result of Picard’s love for the trail, cross-country experience and a project he completed as a LearnServe fellow, drew about 100 participants and raised almost $2,000 for the C & O Canal Trust.
“I visit there every summer, have a lot of great memories there. And I’ve run a lot of races,” said Picard, who runs cross-country at B-CC. “I was just kind of curious to see if that could all come together. The race last year would not have been possible without all the volunteers.”
This year, Picard is hoping to double the attendance. His cross-country teammates made up much of the race last year.
As a sophomore, Picard participated in LearnServe, a “social entrepreneurship” program for area high school students that culminates with a nonprofit-based social change project.
Registration costs $20 before Sept. 8, $25 from Sept. 9 to Sept. 14 and $30 on the day of the race. Registration includes a t-shirt and is available through the race website.
