This is for you, Delmarva, runners and non-runners! One of the biggest races on the shore is happening in a few weeks and we want you to know all about it. The Tim Kennard River Run (www.timkennard.org) is Sunday morning, March 19, in Salisbury, and it impacts the area in a multitude of ways. The routes will bring runners and walkers all through downtown Salisbury, Riverside Drive, Salisbury University and neighborhoods in between and might affect your Sunday morning drive as some streets will be closed. Police will be out directing traffic but it’s important to know you might need a little extra travel time.

Options to participate include the 10-mile run, 5k run and a 5k non-competitive walk. If you don’t sign up, you are still needed by cheering along the course. Check the maps and head outside that morning! Races start at 8:30 a.m.

The race, in its 18^th year, attracts about 400 athletes from the area and beyond. The course is known as “fast and flat” for our lack of hills and attracts top-notch runners. The namesake of the run, Tim Kennard, was 48 years old and father of a 7 year old when he died from kidney cancer on March 11, 2004. Before he died, his wish was that the race would benefit children and animals, and this year, three charities will benefit: Team 360, which helps people of different abilities train and participate in mainstream athletic events; Coalition of Caring, a fund for our animal friends; and the Eastern Shore Running Club Scholarship Fund.

After years of being held at Salisbury University, race directors were looking for a new location last year and Salisbury Bible Fellowship provided the perfect venue. It was along the route, and the facility is large enough for festivities inside and outside. SBF last year even cancelled church services that day. But as Pastor Tri Evans explained, “We didn’t cancel the service; we are changing the service. Rather than worshiping the Lord as a congregation, we are changing and serving the Lord by serving the community.”

About 60 members from the church volunteered race day, both at the building and on the course at water stops, with the biggest highlight being the homemade pancakes made by Evans himself. 
“We are going to double what we made last year to make sure everyone gets pancakes,” he said. You’ll see him in the parking lot at the griddle working on 800 or so pancakes. 

“We are very thankful to SBF for hosting and the community participating. We are honored to help raise money to help kids and our four-legged friends,” Harlan Eagle, race director, said.

Check the Facebook invitation for more information on the race, too. Tim Kennard Race Invite

Eagle along with fellow director Linda Mills oversee the committee to plan the race, packet pickup events the day before at Evolution Brewery in Salisbury, and Rob’s Run for Kids, the race held in memory of Rob Schultheis, who was a local runner and community advocate. Rob’s Run will benefit a scholarship in his name at Salisbury University. The entry fee is by donation and kids from 2-10 are invited to run from 50 yards to a half mile at 2 p.m. Saturday, along the road near Evo. They will be in age groups ensuring safety for all ages and the kids are treated to snacks afterwards. See the Facebook invitation here: Rob's Run for Kids

On Tim Kennard race day, be sure to look for TEAM 360 athletes and their wingmen. TEAM 360 director Jill Fears said about 10 individuals will participate for both distances, with about 30 wingmen teaming up to push the specially-designed racing chairs. The group is always looking for more wingmen, and pace is not an issue, Fears pointed out.

“For those that are not familiar with our organization, a wingman is someone who runs using their legs and their lungs, but most importantly, their heart, to help an athlete that lives with different abilities train and compete in events like Tim Kennard,” Fears explained. Send a message to their group if you'd like to learn more. (TEAM 360)

The finish line of every event is always exciting and this year, Dustin Thomas, Wicomico County’s 2022 Teacher of the Year, will provide announcements. A finish line bonus for all is that race pictures will be provided free by Dave Insley of Culling Innovations Photography.

The swag for the River Run is always in demand, with Brooks long-sleeve technical shirts included in the registration fee, and surprise premiums for the overall and age group winners. The registration fee goes up after Feb. 28, so head over to www.timkennard.org for more information on the weekend and to sign up. 

Here are route maps to check out the course. Remember, if you are not running, you can still support the race and wave to runners as they go by. If you need to drive in the area that morning, thank you for using extra caution!
(Note that the 2023 maps have stayed the same as last year's route.)

Thank you to Dave Insley, Culling Invitations Photography, for some of the photos.