The hills and valleys of Potomac will suddenly come alive on Sunday, April 13 as more than 400 runners and walkers take to the streets for the 4th Annual “Tiger Trot.” The 5K run/walk, sponsored by the Connelly School of the Holy Child benefits the Cabin John Park Volunteer Fire Department as well as the wellness and fitness programs at the school. This community race draws both elite runners from the area as well as family, friends, neighbors, firefighters and Holy Child faculty. All are welcome to participate in the run and walk through Potomac neighborhoods.

All on-line registrants will receive a high-tech performance race T-shirt — and another bonus this year is that each will automatically be entered into the Grand Prize Raffle for a one-year fitness membership in the Sergeant’s Program (worth $2,000) plus a $500 shopping spree at Lululemon. Chronotrack, computerized timing operated by raceDC, will be used to score the event. Over $900 in prizes will be awarded.

Chairman Christine Drummond and her co-chair Cindy Anastasi are pleased that participation numbers continue to rise. “Partnering with the Sergeant’s Program and Road Runner Sports are bringing more awareness to the event,” said Drummond. “We also have tremendous support and enthusiasm from our local business community. Many local businesses have provided sponsorships and in-kind donations that help to underwrite the event and provide prizes for the winners. Some of these donors are Road Runner Sports, Pacers, Potomac River Running, Capital Swim & Sport, Life’s A Beach, Hard Time Café, Chef Geoff’s and Freddy’s Lobsters and Clams.”

Savantage Solutions is the presenting sponsor for the third year. Giselle Colavita with Charles Schwab is the water station sponsor for the second year, and additional sponsors are Tammal Demolition, Gettysburg Bluegrass, Occasions Caterers, Bethesda Magazine, the Roustamov family and the Anastasi family.

Over the last two years, the Cabin John Park Volunteer Fire Department has received more than $6,000 in donations from the Tiger Trot. “The officers and members of the Cabin John Park Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. are pleased to, once again participate in the annual Tiger Trot 5K,” Chief Paul Sterling said. “The efforts of the Holy Child committee to organize such a great community event are beyond words. The financial support of Holy Child and all of those who support this great event, allow us to continue to give back to the community by purchasing up to date, state of the art apparatus and equipment. This will be my third year participating as a runner and I look forward to the opportunity."

The race will begin at 8:30 a.m., with a warm-up prior to the race. After the race, the crowd will be treated to a finish line celebration with food, drinks, music, raffle prizes, vendors and more. After the race, there will also be a Palm Sunday service for those who would like to stay and take part. “This gives those who want to attend Palm Sunday Mass the opportunity since they may miss services while participating in the race,” said Director of Communications Kathy Ely.

On-line registration is currently open until 10 p.m. on Friday, April 11. On-site registration will be available at packet pick-up and on race day from 7-8 a.m. Packets may be picked up prior to the event at Road Runner Sports, 1807 Rockville Pike, Rockville on Saturday, April 12 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Registration is $35 for adults (20 and over) and $30 for students (19 and under.)

Co-Chair Anastasi encourages everyone to come out and participate. “It’s about giving back to a school we love and to a community we respect. Plus, it’s an upbeat fun event.”