Runners will assume their positions and leap forward at the sound of the starter’s gun — and walkers will follow behind, enjoying a stroll through picturesque neighborhoods of Potomac. The 2013 Holy Child “Tiger Trot” — a 5k run/walk that spans the hills of Avenel and then circles onto Persimmon Tree Drive and ends back at the Bradley Boulevard school grounds will take place on the morning of April 14.

The Connelly School of the Holy Child is joining forces with the Cabin John Park Volunteer Fire Department again this year — and Chief Paul Sterling and other firefighters will be joining the race along with Holy Child staff, students and their families and friends. All proceeds will benefit the Connelly School of the Holy Child Health and Wellness Programs and the Cabin John Park Volunteer Fire Department.

Co-chairs Christine Drummond and Bunny Lamb are pleased with the community support. “We are looking forward to joining forces with the CJPVFD again this year,” Drummond said. “They will be on-site to provide emergency medical and first aid services on race day and will also join in the fun. We are delighted by the enthusiastic response from the firefighters.

“Many new and established local businesses have jumped in to support the Tiger Trot, some as lead sponsors and some as prize, food and beverage, and entertainment donors for the post-race party. Savantage Solutions is our presenting sponsor, Giselle Colavita with Charles Schwab is our water station sponsor, Orange Taxi is our pace car sponsor and Bethesda Magazine, Potomac Grocer, D&A Dunlevy Landscapers, the Potomac Branch of M&T Bank and Gettysburg Bluegrass are all platinum level sponsors. Many other local businesses have donated as well.”

The 3rd annual 5K run/walk will begin at 8 a.m. with last-minute registration opening at 6:30 a.m. Every online registrant who registers by April 12 will receive a race goodie bag that will include a long-sleeved tee shirt, tiger trot koozie and coupons for local restaurants, shops and fitness facilities. Packet pick-up and late registration will be held at Holy Child from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 13 and also on race morning. Registration fees on or before April 5 are $25 for adults (20 and older) and $20 for students (19 and below). After April 5, the fees are $30 and $25. Nine hundred dollars in prizes to the top runners will be awarded.

The post-race party will include festivities for the whole family including music, a moon bounce, raffles, vendors and more. MIX 107.3 daytime DJ John Martin (and Holy Child dad) will emcee. There will be complimentary food and drinks for the race participants before and after the race. The awards ceremony will begin at 8:45 a.m. Overall awards will be based upon Gun Time and age division awards will be based upon Net Times. More information and registration forms are available at www.holychild.org/tigertrot.