Fort McHenry Tunnel Walk And Run To Benefit The Special Olympics
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Thousands of cars and trucks travel through the Fort McHenry Tunnel every day. On Sunday, runners and walkers will get their chance.
Ron Matz reports the 5K Tunnel Walk and Run raises thousands of dollars for a good cause.
The Fort McHenry Tunnel Run is unique. Motorists use one part of it and runners and walkers, the other.
It's hosted by the Maryland Transportation Authority Police.
"We close down the northbound tunnel, bore four, and runners run through the tunnel underneath the water. It's a great experience," said Major Mike Kundrat, Maryland Transportation Authority Police.
The 5K run benefits Maryland Special Olympics and athletes.
"Last year, the Tunnel Run raised $40,000 for us. We had over 600 runners and we're hoping to beat that and more this year," said Linda Ellingsworth, Special Olympics Maryland. "We have athletes coming out on Sunday using this event as a qualifier for our Fall Sports Festival coming up in October."
Members of the MDTA Officer Recruit Class 45 will also lace up their running shoes.
"It's a great honor for us to be able to participate in this event," said Alicia Pastorek, a member of the class. "I have not participated in the event but my husband did last year so I'm looking forward to it."
Kundrat said the run is an event like no other.
"It's very unique. I've run through it. It's a different experience. It's pretty cool," he said.
Kundrat doesn't anticipate any traffic issues for commuters on Sunday.
"We put a lot of safety and security efforts into this detail. We have plenty of volunteers and police. We normally don't have any traffic issues at that time of the morning on a Sunday, so there won't be any problems for commuters," said Kundrat.
The walk and run will begin at 9 a.m. This is the fourth year for the event.
