Community Corner

Security Heightened for Rockville Road Race

Pike's Peek 10K race is Sunday down Rockville Pike. Police said heightened security was precautionary; there was no indication of threats.

There will be a stronger police presence at Pike’s Peek 10K in Rockville on Sunday, a race day that falls almost a week after explosions killed three people and caused mass injuries at the Boston Marathon.

Montgomery County Police Cpt. Paul Starks said more police resources would be on hand, including police dogs that could detect explosives. Starks said police had no indication of possible threats to the local event.

“But in light of recent events, we’re taking extra precautions and are asking the public to help in that effort,” Starks said.

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Police are urging people to avoid leaving packages and bags unattended and reminded people to call police if they see suspicious behavior.

As in past years, county police would be working with Rockville City police.

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Race director Jean Arthur said having a police presence at Pike’s Peek is nothing new and is common at any road race. And while what happened in Boston led to heightened security at the Peek, Arthur said they didn’t want to create an atmosphere of fear.

“For the few moments that you're running, your only stress is whether your legs are going to hold up for the entire distance,” Arthur said.

Nearly 50 runners from the Montgomery County Road Runner’s Club—which coordinates Pike’s Peek—competed in the Boston Marathon on Monday. Arthur said most had finished well ahead of the explosions and none were harmed.

Arthur said there would be a tribute to the Boston victims on Sunday.

The Road Runners Club put on the event in partnership with Montgomery County and the City of Rockville .

Billed as local runners’ welcome into spring, Pike’s Peek attracts more than 3,000 participants, according to Nancy Betress, the event’s media coordinator.

The focal point is the 10-kilometer race down Rockville Pike, beginning at Shady Grove Metro station and ending at White Flint.  A portion of Rockville Pike will be shut down Sunday morning to accommodate the race.

Runners like that the route is straight and that it has a 190-foot downhill slope—adding to its a reputation as a “fast” course.

Each year, Pike’s Peek generates between $15,000 and $20,000 for local charities, according Betress.

This year, proceeds from the event will go to:

  • Scleroderma Foundation of Greater Washington DC
  • Montgomery County Youth Recreation Fund
  • Rockville Youth Recreation Fund
  • RRCA Road Scholars

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If you go …

What: Kaiser Permanente’s Pike’s Peek 10K race

When: Sunday, April 21. 7:50 a.m. (wave starts). The 1-kilometer and 50-meter fun family funs will be held at White Flint Mall and begin at 9:30 a.m.

Where: Race starts at Redland and Somerville Roads (Shady Grove Metro Station); finishes at White Flint Mall

More: www.pikespeek10k.org


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