Organizers of the first 5K race to be held on the Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT) in Northeast DC on Saturday, May 14 announced today that Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC), with funding support from Kaiser Permanente of the Mid-Atlantic States, will provide free adult registration to the first 50 community members residing in Edgewood, Eckington, Brookland and all Ward 5 neighborhoods. By raising awareness about the trail and promoting its use, the mission of this annual event is to further integrate the Metropolitan Branch Trail into building strong and thriving communities.
The MBT has the ability to transform the health, safety and lifestyles of the citizens of Ward 5 by providing access for walking and bicycling for recreation and transportation, safe alternatives to dangerous and difficult street crossings to access Metro trains and buses, a new connection to green space for people of all ages and a place to foster outdoor activity, play and community. RTC and Kaiser Permanente of the Mid-Atlantic States are committed to creating opportunities for nearby residents to use and enjoy the trail and are pleased to support this community event.
Organizers also announced that PEPCO has recently joined as an event sponsor. Additional sponsors include residential developer EYA and local grocer, Harris Teeter. All proceeds will be used to fund further community-trail linkages.
DC Road Runners Club, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, is co-convening the race, which will be held on a USATF-Certified course along the the newly paved portion of the MBT, starting at S Street NE and 4thStreet NE and the trail entrance. Early registration fee of $20 ends April 15, and then increases to $25. To register for the MBT 5K Run/Walk as a runner, volunteer or sponsor, go to: www.gometbranch.com.
Free registration will be available to the first 50 adults within Ward 5 on a first-come first-served basis. If runners are able to pay the registration fee, please consider contributing to this community event in order to allow for need-based free registration. Contact Kelly Pack to inquire about free registration: 202.974.5148 or [email protected].
the trails are only paved once every thirty years, and at present they are not even paved to to a road smoothness standard-- viz., the MBT).
trees will grow and buckle and trail surface.
Posted by: tree hater | April 15, 2011 at 08:05 AM
I think you're on the wrong post, but If you go to the tree planting, you can make sure they plant the trees far enough from the trail to prevent the roots from causing damage...
Posted by: washcycle | April 15, 2011 at 02:27 PM