Lee Corrigan organizes the Baltimore Marathon, which hits Inner Harbor and Fells Point streets for the seventh consecutive year Saturday. The event features a race for people at least 16 years old; a half-marathon for those at least 14 years old; and a 5K for runners of all ages.
Children 8 to 12 run about one-third of a mile in the Kids Fun Run, and those 7 and under run about 100 yards. Corrigan estimated the event brings in $15 million to the city each year and donates up to $750,000 to charity.
How did the Baltimore Marathon begin seven years ago?
Mayor [Kurt] Schmoke told us he liked the idea and told us that we would have to come back and resell the concept to the next mayor, but in the meantime, he would start the ball rolling for us. Then Mayor O?Malley is elected, and Councilwoman Catherine Pugh is elected. Catherine Pugh is a running enthusiast and really spearheaded the effort in City Hall with the mayor. Mayor O?Malley?s wife, Katie, was also influential as well. Lo and behold, we got it done.
Who runs in the event, and will you be joining in?
About 14,000 participants fromall over the country ? all 50 states and over 20 different countries will be represented. We are growing at a 20 to 25 percent clip each year, and our event has become extremely popular, one that has a great reputation nationally, because it is organized very well and we have a great title sponsor: Under Armour. I will not be running because I will be organizing the entire show. ? Mike Silvestri
