The Bowie Veterans Day 5K had a great turnout this year with over 300 runners, despite some stormy weather predictions. It’s a fun, family-friendly event that honors veterans and promotes green initiatives, and even local officials joined in on the action!
Here are the highlights:
- The Bowie Veterans Day 5K took place despite threats of tropical storm downpours.
- The event attracted 500 sign ups and over 300 participants this year.
- It aims to honor local veterans while promoting green initiatives and community wellness.
- The run is non-competitive, but times are recorded and medals are awarded to top finishers.
- This year’s first and second place finishers were local Army veterans.
- City officials, including the city manager and deputy chief of police, participated in the run.
- Local service organizations, such as the Bowie Lyons Club and Bowie Green Team, were also involved.
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Bowie Veterans 5K Sees Big Turnout
Despite threats of tropical storm downpours, the weather turned out crisp and dry for the annual Green Bowie Veterans Day 5K, a growing local tradition that attracts more participants every year.
Billed as a free, family-oriented way to honor local veterans and promote green initiatives, the run attracted 500 sign ups and just over 300 participants this year.
Describing the event, the city mission for the 5K states, "Every year the event brings together green groups, veterans groups, and groups that promote physical activity. It is a day of fusion, honoring the men and women around us who have served and who continue to serve, while showcasing Bowie's love for the environment and dedication to community wellness."
"We strive to prove that events can be held in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way, no matter what the cause may be."
The run is officially non-competitive, but times are kept for those interested and medals are awarded to first, second and third place finishers. The run encompasses a USATF Certified 5K course map starting and ending at the Bowie Town Center. This year's first and second place finishers were two local Army veterans.
After awarding a silver medal to the second-place finisher, a Fort Meade-based Army officer, Council Member Michael Estève quipped that the city needed to call the Marine Corps to inform them they were being shown up.
In a strong showing of support, dozens of city officials participated in the run, including the city manager, assistant city manager, deputy chief of police, and dozens of park ranger, business management, planning, and community services staff.
Several local service organizations participated as well including the youth chapter of the Bowie Lyons Club and leaders with the Bowie Green Team.