Runner Leyla Kosakowski, of Fort Meade, ran the 5K last year to support Casey Cares. She said the run was also a great way to “see the city sights.”

Kosakowski started running because she finds that’s it’s a fun and easy way to socialize. She became more serious about it when she realized her more than 10-minute pace wasn’t going to cut it in the Army.

She said she enjoys running so much that she can run without music, a phone, or a watch.

“Sometimes it’s great to not know how far or how long you’ve run and just enjoy the run,” she said. “The best part of running is the feeling you get once you are done. Sometimes the first mile is the hardest but once you start doing longer distances, it’s a great feeling for what was just accomplished.”

This year’s Casey Cares/Orioles 5K is Saturday, July 14th. You must register by June 30th to receive a race shirt! Register here!