Members of the Baltimore Ravens organization will participate in the Packard Center's fourth-annual Fiesta 5K on Saturday, a race with proceeds benefiting ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) research at Johns Hopkins.
For the third consecutive year, O.J. Brigance, the Ravens' director of player development, will serve as the event's honorary chair.
Brigance, who played in the NFL for seven seasons, was a linebacker for the Ravens in 2000 and a vital part of the team's Super Bowl XXXV Championship. He was diagnosed with ALS – also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease – in 2007 and has been a leader in the fight against the disease ever since.
The race centers around M&T Bank Stadium, with the start and finish lines set in front of the Johnny Unitas statue. Over 1,500 participants are expected, including Ravens coach John Harbaugh, who will kick off the morning with opening remarks at 7:40 a.m. Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake will also be in attendance to officially start the race (8 a.m.), and Brigance will conclude the day as part of an honorary presentation around 9:30 a.m.
Though online registration for the race is now closed, interested participants can register in person Friday (April 30) at Charm City Run on York Road in Timonium from 3-7 p.m. Registration can also be done in person the morning of the race beginning at 6:30 a.m.
Baltimore Sun photo of O.J. Brigance and Lenny Moore by Kenneth K. Lam / Sept. 29, 2009