Runner Sam Bowles, of Crofton, competed in the Casey Cares/Orioles 5K last year because he’s a lifelong Orioles fan. He also loves any athletic event that supports a great cause. 

For Bowles, the best part of running is just losing yourself.

“When you go out for a run, it's just you against you. There are no distractions. Everything else is on hold and you can just spend 'me' time (except when you run with your dog!)” Bowles wrote in an email. 

Bowles started running as a kid to build endurance for the various sports he played.

“I grew up playing just about anything with a ball or puck.  Soccer, baseball, hockey, lacrosse...whatever season it was, that's what I was doing,” he wrote. “As I got older and more competitive, running became one of the foundations of my training.”

Bowles said spandex is a must when he runs.

“I can run without headphones, water, etc. but if I don't have spandex, we've got a problem!” he wrote.

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