The Frederick Douglass Honor Society/YMCA of Talbot County 10 Mile Race and Celebration was held in the historic district of Easton on May 1, 2010 and raised almost $8,000 for both organizations. Half of the race proceeds will be used for the creation of a memorial to honor Frederick Douglass on the Talbot County Courthouse lawn. The other half will be given to the YMCA of Talbot County to promote physical fitness in the community.
The event attracted over 200 runners and walkers to the 10-mile route that brought racers by historic sites in Easton where Frederick Douglass spoke as a free man. Inspirational quotes and facts about Frederick Douglass were placed on signs on the side of the course for racers to learn about the man whose accomplishments changed history and made extensive improvements in the lives of all Americans.
Over 70 volunteers were on-hand to lend support to the many logistical details of this 300th Anniversary event for the Town of Easton.
Tyler Sharp, age 22 and a Naval Academy midshipman, was the top overall male finisher completing the ten-mile course in 1:01:16 (average pace of six minute, eight second mile). Theresa Koebel, age 43 of Annapolis, MD, was the top overall female finisher completing the full course in 1:14:13 (average pace of seven minute, 25 second mile). In addition to awards being given to these overall top male and female finishers, awards were given to the top three finishers in specific age groups.
Judge Katie O’Malley, Maryland’s First Lady arrived just in time to congratulate Tyler Sharp as he crossed the finish line and cheered on the other racers to immediately follow. In addition to meeting local community and civic leaders, Judge O’Malley spoke to the crowd about the importance of memorializing Frederick Douglass in the same county as his birth. Judge O’Malley also took the time to visit the booth of local Random House author, Timothy Young, where he showed her his children’s book that he wrote and illustrated, I’m Looking for a Monster!. Judge O’Malley then stopped and spoke to teachers and students of The Benedictine School from Ridgely, MD to learn more about this school specializing in education, programs and services for both children and adults with developmental disabilities.
Visitors to the post-race celebration were able to enjoy music by the Union Baptist Mass Choir of Easton; blues music by the Blues Deville Band; Motown and R&B sounds by the highly popular XPD Band and throwback tunes from the local barbershop quarter, Bay Country Chorus.
Racers were welcomed in the morning by the mayor of Easton, The Honorable Robert C. Willey; The Honorable Corey Pack, Talbot County councilman; The Honorable Megan Cook, Easton Town councilwoman; Eric Lowery, president, Frederick Douglass Honor Society; and Robbie Gill, CEO of the YMCA of Talbot County with Eric Lowery actually starting the race.
Speakers at the celebration included Delegate Addie Eckardt; Walter Chase, president of the Talbot County NAACP; Eleanor Shriver Magee, executive director of the Historical Society of Talbot County and Delegate Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio, with Delegate Haddaway-Riccio presenting an official House of Delegates Citation to leaders of the Frederick Douglass Honor Society and the YMCA of Talbot County.
Megan Cook, councilwoman for the Town of Easton and chair of the entire race committee says, “The event was a huge success! We had the support of a lot of racers, volunteers and visitors to the celebration. We’re happy with our fundraising efforts.”
About the Frederick Douglass Historical Society/YMCA of Talbot County 10 Mile Race and Celebration
To learn more about the Race and Celebration, please visit http://www.frederickdouglassymca10miler.com or contact Mary Ann Henker of The Henker Group at 410.253.7023 or mahenker@thehenkergroup.com.