POLICE PACE 5K, 10K & 1 MILER
Sept 20, 2026 | Ellicott City, MD | 9:00 AM
REGISTRATION OPENS FRIDAY, APR 3, 2026
In partnership with the Howard County Police Foundation to benefit the Howard County Police Department.
For sponsorship opportunities and donations, click HERE.
Through a modern approach to Physical Therapy and Sports Rehab, Rehab 2 Perform™ provides solutions to improve movement, increase physicality and help you perform in all areas of life. With an emphasis on education and physical competency, R2P serves competitive athletes, active adults and those looking to become more active, by focusing on movement, and not primarily pain.
THE RACE
Help the Howard County Police Foundation raise funds to support the department with special needs and programs not met through the annual budget process, including youth programs, special equipment and scholarships. A portion of all registration fees is donated to the Police Foundation.
This race is appropriate for all level runners.
Race registration includes a shirt and finisher medal.
Pets, baby joggers/strollers, and any other non-official wheeled vehicles are prohibited.
SPONSORSHIP
Interested in sponsoring the race or donating
to the Howard County Police Foundation? Click HERE.
RACE LOCATION
Centennial Park - South Entrance
10000 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042
AGE REQUIREMENT
Runners must be at least 7 years old to participate in the 5K and 10 years old
to participate in the 10K. Runners of any age can participate in the 1 miler.
REGISTRATION
Registration fee for the 5K, 10K and 1 Miler includes a t-shirt and finisher medal.
Register by Aug 15 to be guaranteed a shirt.
5K
$35 - Apr 3 - 5, 2026
$45 - May 2 - June 3, 2026
$50 - June 4 - Sept 4, 2026
$55 - Sept 5 - September 17, 2026
$60 - Race Weekend September 19-20, 2026*
10K
$45 - Apr 3 - 5, 2026
$55 - May 2 - June 3, 2026
$60 - June 4 - Sept 4, 2026
$65 - Sept 5 - September 17, 2026
$70 - Race Weekend September 19-20, 2026*
1 Miler
$15 (pre-race and race weekend*)
*In-person at packet pick up, Sept 19 & 20, 2026.
Registration transfers are not permitted to other RIVAL race events. Race organizers reserve the right to close registration due to capacity limits. Race organizers reserve the right to delay or cancel event due to extreme weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances. Pets, baby joggers/strollers, in-line skates, bicycles, and any other non-official wheeled vehicles are prohibited.
RACE SWAG
Registration fee includes soft cotton t-shirt and finisher medal.
(Below image is 2025 swag. New image to be added soon.)
RACE INFO
VENUE
Centennial Park - South Entrance
10000 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042
PARKING
Participants may park inside Centennial Park in any public space. Additional parking will be along side of route 108 leading up to the park.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Saturday, Sept 19
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM - Packet Pick Up at Race Venue
Sunday, Sept 20 (RACE DAY)
7:30 AM - Packet Pick Up opens
9:00 AM - The 5K, 10K & 1 Miler distance will start at the same time (click HERE to see start line locations)
10:15 AM - 5K awards ceremony
10:30 AM - 10K awards ceremony
(There are no awards for the 1 Miler)
PACKET PICK UP
Registered participants are required to pick up their packet before the start of the race. You packet includes your race bib and timing chip. If you're unable to attend packet pick-up, someone may pick up your packet on your behalf. All runners must pick up their race packet at ONE of the following dates/time.
Saturday, Sept 19
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM at race venue
or
Sunday, Sept 20
7:30 AM - 9:00 AM at race venue
BIB TRANSFERS
Allowing a non-registered runner to use your bib is NOT PERMITTED.
RACE CATEGORY CHANGES
Prior to the race:
If you decide to switch from the 10K to the 5K (or vice versa), please let us know at packet pick up on Sept 19 & Sept 20. Please let us know when you pick up your race bib.
Switching during the race:
10K runners - If during the race, you decided not to complete both loops of the 10K course, you will be removed from the race results (marked as DQ) and will not be eligible for awards. Runners will still receive a finisher medal.
5K runners - you may not upgrade to the 10K distance during the race.
STARTING LINE
The 5K/10K will start and finish in the grass field under the inflatable arch.
The 1 Miler will start on the road above the grass field. The 1 miler will join the 5K/10K course at mile 0.5 and finish under the arch in the grass field. Click HERE to view course map.
BATHROOMS
Porta-potties will be stationed near the start/finish line. There are no bathrooms along the run course.
WATER STATIONS
There will be two water stations on the run course, one at mile 1.5 (4.25 miles) and one at mile 3.
PARTICIPANT SHIRT & FINISHER MEDAL
Register by Aug 15 to be guaranteed a shirt. Participants will receive the shirt size they selected at online registration. Runners who register after the guaranteed t-shirt deadline will be given a shirt AFTER the race. Shirt size exchanges can be completed at the conclusion of the race. Athletes will receive a finisher medal at the finish line.
TIMING & RESULTS
This race will be using bib tag timing. Your timing chip will be affixed to the back side of your bib number. Please do not remove your timing chip. Results will be posted directly online in real time. Finishers can use their smart phone to access their individual results by viewing the RESULTS webpage at the conclusion of their race.
AWARDS
Awards will be given to the following categories for both 5K and 10K:
Overall Male - Top 3
Overall Female - Top 3
Overall Non-Binary - Top 3
Age Group - Top 3 (male & female) 7-8, 9-10, 11-13, 14-19, 20-29, 30-39,
40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80-89
Participants must accept their award in-person at the conclusion of the race.
Awards will NOT be mailed to participants. Friends of runners may accept an award on your behalf.
Additional 1st Place Finisher awards (male & female) for both 5K and 10K in the following categories:
HCPD Police Officer
Non-HCPD Police Officer
HCPD Civilian
HCPD Dispatcher
Firefighter/EMS
CONTACT
We look forward to see you on race morning!
Please send any questions/concerns to racedirector@ripitevents.com.