On Sept. 26 at 9:00 a.m,. families, friends, and supporters joined together in Baltimore City for the 7^th annual Donate Life Family Fun Run. The run serves to commemorate and recognize those who have donated organs to others in need through the Living Legacy Foundation of Maryland.

The Donate Life Family Fun Run has been celebrating the lives of donors for seven years, holding a 1K and 5K for those involved. At 7:00 a.m. on the day of the race, check-in and registration began. Maria Dennis from station 101.9 took the stage at 8:00 a.m. to explain the happenings for the day. At 8:40a.m., pre-race warm ups began, and by 9:00 a.m., runners were on their way to the finish line. At 10:30 a.m., after the race, awards and activities were held.

Before and after the run, small activities were held for children at the event. Several tents were set up around the picnic area including the Donor Family Tent and Community Outreach Tent.  Donate Life t-shirts were available for purchase, along with smaller items such as bracelets and free bumper stickers. Displayed by the tents were messages, pictures, and custom t-shirts made by the specific teams running in honor of loved ones.

At the end of the race, runners were greeted with cheering supporters, music, fruit, and water to replenish the racers’ energy.  Food trucks were also waiting for the runners, selling entrees and light refreshments.

Ellie Harris, sister of passed Bobcat Ryan Harris says, “It means a lot that so many people came together to support a great cause. It is an amazing way to remember Ryan. Thank you to everyone who participated.”

More information on the Living Legacy Foundation and next year’s upcoming Donate Life Family Fun Run can be found at http://www.donatelifefunrun.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.main  and http://www.thellf.org/ .