A new 8-mile race-within-a-race called Dozer’s Dash has been added to the 2012 Maryland Half Marathon in honor of Dozer the Dog, a Goldendoodle who made national news after accidentally joining the runners at mile five in the 2011 Maryland Half Marathon.
Dozer passed the finish line wet and muddy during his first race, but he was sporting a newly groomed ‘do when he came to the Medical Center Thursday, Dec. 8, to kick off registration for the fourth annual Maryland Half Marathon. The race benefits the University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center.
The actual race will be Sunday, May 6, 2012, in the Howard County community of Maple Lawn. Maple Lawn is located in the Fulton area of Howard County.
“We’re looking forward to returning to Maple Lawn, which proved to be a challenging, fun course for runners. This half marathon is designed for those who enjoy running with a purpose, since 100 percent of the net proceeds benefit the Greenebaum Cancer Center,” says Michael Greenebaum, race co-chairman. ”When we started the race in 2009, a goal was set to raise $1 million for the cancer center by 2012. To date, the event has raised close to $750,000, and we hope to realize this goal next year.”
“By introducing Dozer’s Dash and revamping our Marlene’s Mission fundraising program to allow for expanded participation, we are offering new twists that keep the race fresh for runners,” said Jon Sevel, Maryland Half Marathon co-chairman.
Dozer’s Dash will begin at the five-mile mark, where Dozer made his now-famous entrance into the race in 2011. Male and female runners having the lowest times in this leg of the half marathon will be awarded medals of honor and named Top Dog of Dozer’s Dash.
Dogs will be permitted to join Dozer at the race that morning to cheer on runners along the course – as long as they’re accompanied by an owner and on a leash. For the safety of the animals and those running in the race, however, dogs will NOT be allowed to run in the 2012 Marathon Half Marathon or Dozer’s Dash. Not even Dozer himself.
Also new this year is a more-inclusive “Marlene’s Mission” fundraising program, named in honor of Marlene Greenebaum, a two-time cancer survivor and the inspiration behind the race. Runners who raise $2,500 or more for the Greenebaum Cancer Center will be recognized as part of this elite fundraising program and receive incentives as a special thank you for their efforts.
Ever notice the race has moved to different locations in Maryland? There’s a method behind that. At the 2012 race, the County Cup will again be presented to the county executive representing the ‘home’ county of the first Maryland resident to cross the finish line. Adam Callaway, the 2011 top finisher who ran the course in 1:18:51, helped Baltimore County reclaim the Cup from Harford County in 2011. Baltimore County was the inaugural recipient in 2009.
“The Maryland Half Marathon is one of the state’s premier races, and we are honored that it will return to Howard County in May 2012. The race brought runners from around the state and elsewhere to our beautiful county, and allowed us the opportunity to showcase the Maple Lawn community. We are pleased to be part of this effort to support the great work being done at the University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center to fight cancer,” says Ken Ulman, the Howard County executive.
This year’s event also will feature a Kids Fun Run and Kids Zone as well as live music. The half marathon starts at 8 a.m., and the Kids Fun Run at 8:30 a.m. Registration is $75 for the half-marathon and $15 for the Kids Run. The Kids Zone is free.
Race Co-Chairmen Michael Greenebaum and Jon Sevel started the Maryland Half Marathon in 2009, combining their passion for running with a desire to help the cancer center, which is named for Greenebaum’s parents, Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum.
Kevin J. Cullen, M.D., the cancer center’s director, says, “We’re extremely grateful to all the runners and volunteers who make the Maryland Half Marathon so successful each year. The money that they have raised has been crucial to helping us provide outstanding care for our patients and to continue our research into new ways to fight cancer. We can’t thank them enough for their generous support.”
A number of cancer survivors and members of their families take part in the half marathon each year, along with doctors, nurses and other members of the cancer center staff. Cancer survivors give medals to all those who finish the race.
The University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center, a National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center, is ranked in the nation’s top 25 cancer centers by U.S. News and World Report. The cancer center offers a multidisciplinary approach to treating all types of cancer and has an active cancer research program.
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