REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR

THE NINTH ANNUAL

FORT MCHENRY TUNNEL 5K RUN/WALK

Register today at tunnelrun.org & support Special Olympics Maryland

BALTIMORE, MD - The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) will host the ninth annual 5K Fort McHenry Tunnel Fun Run presented by Geico on Sunday, Oct. 8, to benefit Special Olympics Maryland (SOMD). The event will begin at 9 a.m. and will take participants on an out-and-back course through the northbound right tunnel tube.

"The MDTA Police is proud of its long-standing partnership with the SOMD," said MDTA Police Chief Colonel Jerry Jones. "The greatest underwater event allows us the opportunity to showcase our unusual venue, but more importantly to help raise funds and awareness of SOMD athletes."

"I am grateful to the MDTA and our title sponsor Geico for their incredible efforts and support in hosting the event," said SOMD President and CEO Jim Schmutz. "We're expecting more than 800 enthusiastic runners who are eager to eclipse our $35,000 fundraising goal all in support our 7,549 SOMD athletes who compete year-round in 27 sports free of charge. Together through sport, we are creating a world where opportunity is not limited by disability."

Visit tunnelrun.org to register, form a team or support a registered runner/walker. Awards will be presented in various categories, including numerous age groups for men and women. Participants are invited to a post-race celebration sponsored by SOMD. The entry fee is $35 through Oct. 7 and $40 the day of the event.

All northbound I-95 traffic will be directed through the tunnel's northbound left tube until the conclusion of the event at approximately 12 noon. Minimal traffic impact is expected.

As avid supporters of SOMD, the MDTA Police participate in the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run and Polar Bear Plunge and previously hosted the MDTA Police Plane Pull at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport.

The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) Police is a nationally accredited law-enforcement agency. MDTA Police Officers provide safety, security and service to Maryland's citizens and visitors as they use transportation facilities across the State. Visit our website at mdta.maryland.gov and click on MDTA Police.

Follow us on Twitter and find us on Facebook at /TheMDTA.