Potomac will come alive on Sunday, April 17 as more than 400 runners and walkers await the starting gun and then leap forward to sprint or stroll in the 6th 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.

The 2016 event will span the hills of Avenel and then circle onto Persimmon Tree Drive and end back at the Bradley Boulevard school grounds. This community race draws both elite runners from the area as well as family, friends, neighbors, firefighters and the school’s faculty. All are welcome to participate in the picturesque run and walk through the neighborhoods of Potomac.

Maria Welsh and Rosina Aguilar are co-chairing the 2016 “Tiger Trot.”

“We are so proud that our Holy Child community offers this event that not only benefits the awareness of our emergency response teams at the Cabin John Volunteer Fire Department but it does it in a way that inspires community building between the local businesses and our young adults in a very fun and active way,” Welsh said. “Walking and running offers not only the obvious health benefits of being physically fit, but it increases ones mental well being and can also provide a bonding experience for friends, families, neighbors or even pets when done as a social activity."

The 5K run/walk will begin at 8:30 a.m. Registration fees are $35 for adults (19 and older), $25 for students (11-18) and $20 for children (10 and under). Packet pickup and in-person registration is on Saturday, April 16, from 12-4 p.m. at the Connelly School of the Holy Child, 9029 Bradley Blvd, Potomac. Race Day packet pickup and registration will be held from 7:-8 a.m. at Holy Child.

All proceeds from the “Tiger Trot” remain in the Potomac neighborhood — to benefit the Connelly School of the Holy Child Health and Wellness Programs as well as the Cabin John Park Volunteer Fire Department. The fire department provides fire prevention, education and suppression activities and is the primary care provider of emergency medical services, river rescue services and heavy rescue in the area. When a resident requires an ambulance, has a fire in their home or another emergency, the CJPVFD is usually the first on the scene. A team of firefighters will be participating in the run.

A list of sponsors, along with many parents and businesses has contributed money, food and prizes. Savantage Solutions is the presenting sponsor and Charles Schwab and Tammel Demolition are water station sponsors. Coakley-Williams Construction is a prize sponsor. SunDun is a Mile Marker Gold Sponsor and Criswell Auto.Com is a Pace Car Sponsor.

Following the run/walk, there will be activities for the entire family. Co-chair Aguilar said, "Our participants won’t want to miss the post-race party. It’ll include a rock climbing wall, an obstacle course, moon bounce, food and a DJ."