From 8:30 a.m. when the runners take to the highway for the 8K Run Off, until 2:00 p.m. when northbound traffic resumes, the fast lanes of the expressway will be transformed into the world's widest sidewalk. All the sights that are usually a blur in your car are slowed to an enjoyable pace. The event benefits the Jones Falls Watershed Association and serves as a reminder that the Jones Falls is a river as well as a highway and that the valley provides some of the most scenic views in Baltimore.
Biking, walking, and other forms of self-propelled transportation on Baltimore's scenic highway are free, as is listening to local bands at the festival. Paid participants will receive a 4-color t-shirt featuring the creative artwork of Bonnie Matthews. This year, the post-race activities, festivities, vendors and information booths will be on the JFX near the Cold Spring overpass.
Sponsors for the event include Constellation Energy Group, The Columbia Bank, Comcast Cable, WRNR 103.1 FM, WYPR 88.1 FM, Maryland Transportation Administration, The Brewers Art, Baltimore Community Foundation, and P. Flanigan, Inc., and Sunny's Outdoor Store.
Ms. Cothran works with the Jones Falls Watershed Association, which has offices at 3503 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218.