In May, the British are again invading St. Michaels, MD – known during the War of 1812 as “the town that fooled the British.” BritishMania, an authentic Beatles Tribute Band, will be the headline band at the first annual St. Michaels Running Festival on Saturday, May 19, 2012 in historic St. Michaels. The band has played around the globe, including the Hollywood Bowl as well as the legendary Cavern Club in Liverpool, England. Familiar favorites will include the local band, “Them Eastport Oysterboys,” and DJ Groundhog, who will round out this family-oriented festival. The event, sponsored by the YMCA of the Chesapeake, in partnership with Eastern Shore Endurance Events, LLC, is promoting community health, physical fitness and wellness in the Bay Hundred area.

The Festival activities will include a USATF certified half marathon, a 10K run and a 5K run/walk. The races and walks are open to people of all fitness levels and abilities. In addition to the live music, the day-long festival will feature awards and a variety of vendors, including restaurants, businesses and nonprofit organizations. Eastern Shore signature pit beef and steamed crabs will round out the day’s special offerings, along with massage therapists providing sports massages to tired athletes.

The Festival will benefit the local business and nonprofit community. A portion of the proceeds from this community-wide event will benefit the St. Michaels Family YMCA for its new building fund and the St. Michaels Community Center for its summer youth programs, as well as other area nonprofit organizations. Administrative support is provided by Running Maryland. To register for the Festival, visit www.stmichaelsrunningfestival.com call 443-812-1346.

In photo: The first annual St. Michaels Running Festival, sponsored by the YMCA of the Chesapeake, in partnership with Eastern Shore Endurance Events, LLC, will be held on Saturday, May 19, 2012 in historic St. Michaels, MD. Pictured left to right is race organizer Peter Paris, Eastern Shore Endurance Events; with Trish Payne, executive director of the St. Michaels Community Center and Tracy Cohee, Branch Executive Director of the St. Michaels Family YMCA; as well as race organizer Mike Kerrigan, Eastern Shore Endurance Events. A portion of the proceeds from this community-wide event will benefit the St. Michaels Family YMCA for its new building fund and the St. Michaels Community Center for its summer youth programs, as well as other area nonprofit organizations.

In photo above: In May, the British are again invading St. Michaels, MD – known during the War of 1812 as “the town that fooled the British.” BritishMania, an authentic Beatles Tribute Band, will be the headline band at the first annual St. Michaels Running Festival on Saturday, May 19, 2012 in historic St. Michaels.