A crescendo of cheers filled downtown Baltimore Sunday as supporters urged runners across a finish line on Lexington Street across from War Memorial Plaza.
Runners raced each other furiously down the final lengths while others raised their hands in victory as they completed the 20th annual Maryland Center for Veterans Education and Training 5k/10k.
The event, which coincides with Memorial Day weekend, raised money for the veterans education center, which provides services to more than 8,000 homeless veterans. The setting was appropriately chosen as the plaza honors those who have served the nation in wartime. Just outside Baltimore City Hall, it also serves as a hangout for many of the city's homeless.
Helping people who need a hand up was the goal of the fundraiser but it was also a literal goal many racers shared as they pushed friends along in wheelchairs or with shouts of encouragement.
Tech Sgt. Alonda Foster of the Maryland National Guard finished her first 5k ever on Sunday. She wore bib No. 204 and embodied the spirit of the fundraiser. The Severn resident had signed up for the race after a co-worker asked her to run with her. And for most of the race, Foster did just that.
"But then when we got to a quarter mile, I left her," Foster said.
After finishing with a time of 35 minutes and 30 seconds, Foster then ran back into the race pack, found her friend and finished with her.
A few yards from Foster, a tent outfitted disabled individuals with sleek racing wheelchairs that cost between $1,000 and $5,000. They belonged to Athletes Serving Athletes, a nonprofit group that strives to "empower athletes living with disabilities across the finish line," said Sarah Slomkowski, operations director.
The group provides the disabled with wheelchairs as well as a "wingman" or an able-bodied volunteer who runs alongside or helps push competitors. The "wingmen" raise about $350 a year each to help Athletes Serving Athletes cover registration costs and other services for wheelchair-bound participants.
On Sunday, Slomkowski said the group had two mothers and one father pushing their disabled children in races.
Across from the War Memorial, one of the 550 runners who signed up for a race held a gold statue high in the air surrounded by his friends. Other finishers grabbed snacks from a table of bagels, potato chips, orange slices and bananas while giant speakers blared Beyonce's "Move Your Body."
The lyrics went: "Now run to the left, to the left, to the left … Now run to the right, to the right, to the right … Now wave the American flag, Wave the American flag."
Roseline Taylor, race director, said many of the runners return year after year because they believe in the cause. "Like Mr. Pointer," she said, pointing to a thin man stretching out in the nearby grass wearing a "Just Do It" sleeveless shirt.
A Towson electrician, Maurice Pointer, 59, said he has participated seven years in a row. An avid runner, he said the race holds special meaning as he has one brother who served in the Air Force and another brother who served in the Army.
"It's my way to say thank you to the veterans," Pointer said. "Because of the veterans, we have freedom to enjoy things like the running here."
For Pointer that is especially important. He said he competes in 30 to 40 races a year.
Many of the racers felt compelled to run in the fundraiser because of family connections. Crystal Rehak, 40, of Federal Hill, said her father served in the Korean War. "I like what it's about," she said.
Congratulating competitors as they came in to collect their trophies was George W. Owings III, the secretary of the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs.
He shook hands and thanked people for their support and told them they were making a difference. He said he challenged them to help even more next year.
Bring a friend, he said, and "human to human" they could help many more.
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