15th Annual Get Ready! Get Set! Get Fit!

Novice or advanced runners of all ages are invited to attend the 15th Annual Get Ready! Get Set! Get Fit! 5K Run-Walk and One-Mile Walk to support older adult health and fitness by raising much-needed funds for County senior exercise classes and fitness centers.

Event Details 

The One-Mile Fun Walk is perfect for our youngest and oldest participants. The 5K race is chip-timed and professionally managed by Charm City Run and includes a virtual component. To celebrate National Senior Center Month, National Falls Prevention Day and Active Aging Week, free fall prevention and health and fitness screenings will be offered, as well as vendor tables and displays. 

Important Note: Participants must wear a mask except when actively participating in the race.

Date and Location

Sunday, September 19
CCBC Essex Campus
7201 Rossville Boulevard
Baltimore, Maryland 21237
Get Directions
Parking: 5K runners and walkers park in Lot 1; one-mile walkers park in Lot 2.

The majority of the route will be on the campus of CCBC Essex with a small part on King Avenue. For safety reasons, the race course is closed to animals, bikes, skaters and baby joggers or strollers.

Amenities

Participants will receive:

• A complimentary long-sleeved performance T-shirt (guaranteed up to the first 500 registered, sizes and availability are not guaranteed for day-of-race registration)
• Water on the course and at the finish line
• Post-race refreshments 
• Entry into door prize drawings

About the Virtual Race

We have created a virtual race option for those who would like to participate but are not local, or do not feel comfortable attending an in-person race at this time. Learn more below:

1. Register for the virtual event. Be sure to sign up for text or email notifications.
2. Pick up your race shirt at packet pick up on Friday. All packets not picked up by close of business will be mailed.
3. You will receive a text or email when the race starts on September 19.
4. Run your race and submit your results by text message, email, or by providing your results to Charm City Run by Sunday, September 26, at 11:59 p.m. Results update in real time as people submit their race times. Be sure to take photos and share on the photo page. 
5. Race results will be posted following the event.

Schedule

The event will be held rain or shine. There are no refunds if participants are unable to attend after registering.

• 6:30 a.m.—Registration opens, sponsor and exhibitor set-up
• 7:30 a.m.—Health and fitness screenings, massages
• 8 a.m.—Event begins, race course roads close to the public
• 8:15 a.m.—Warm-up exercise routine
• 8:30 a.m.—5K race begins in front of the Wellness and Athletics Center
• 8:35 a.m.— One-mile walk begins near parking lot 2
• 9:45 a.m.— Awards ceremony
• 11 a.m.—Event ends

How to Register

Register online or pick up a registration form from any BCDA senior center, and either return the completed form and payment in person, or via mail to:

Susan Brooks
Baltimore County Department of Aging
611 Central Avenue, Room 325
Towson, Maryland 21204

Make checks payable to Baltimore County Maryland.

Registration Fees

Team Registration

Build morale, camaraderie and community by forming a team with your senior center, company, social club, family or friends. We encourage you to wear team t-shirts on race day!

Packet Pick-up

Pick up your packet on race day from 6:30 to 8 a.m., or at the following location:

Friday, September 17
Noon to 4:30 p.m.
Bykota Senior Center
611 Central Avenue 
Towson, Maryland 21204
Get Directions

Prizes

Participants must be present to claim medals and door prizes.

Medals

Medals are given for the following:

• The fastest three male and female 5K finishers 
• The top two male and female runners in all age categories
• The top two female runners in all age categories

There are no medals for participants of the virtual run. 

Door Prizes

Random door prizes will be awarded, including two Fitness Pays VISA gift cards, worth $150 and $100, sponsored by Van Dyke and Bacon Shoes. 

Other Ways to Participate

Businesses

If you are a Baltimore County sole proprietor business which was closed during the pandemic—but has since reopened—celebrate in our Resilience Area. You will be provided a table and two chairs in return for your contribution of a door prize valued at $50. Tables are limited and BCDA reserves the right to reject door prizes. Complete a Resilience Area application (PDF).

Volunteers

If you are interested in volunteering, call 410-887-2040. Volunteers should check in on race day at the volunteer table.

Sponsors

If you are interested in being a sponsor, contact Debra Orlove by calling 410-887-2012 or emailing dorlove@baltimorecountymd.gov.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

We want to express our appreciation to our sponsors and supporters: 

• Cigna—Presenting
• Whiting-Turner—Gold
• Giant Food—Bronze
• Snack/Food Sponsors:
  • Geresbeck's Food Market 
  • Herr's
  • GoGo Squeeze
  • Michele's Granola
• Van Dyke and Bacon Shoes—Fitness Pays 
• CCBC Essex—Facility 
• Comcast—Media 
• Charm City Run

COVID-19 Notice

The safety of participants, volunteers, sponsors and staff is the top priority for the Department of Aging and Charm City Run. We are committed to following all local, state, national and CDC guidelines as these evolve. We will provide clear and continuous communication via email and updates to this web page on the strategies we will use to keep everyone safe. Questions can be directed to events@charmcityrun.com.