Current triathlete, Akeem Harris began running because "I didn't have pool accessible at the time and I wanted a way of staying in shape."

Akeem says that the best part of running is that it "can be therapeutic" plus, "if the cause is good, it makes it feel even better."

The Maryland native first joined in on Casey Cares 5K last year after he viewed "some advertisements for the race" and saw the purpose of the race: to help critically ill kids and their families! From there, Akeem states, "it was a no brainer [to join]."

Most importantly, Akeem's reason to run in our 5K is that "everyone deserves happiness no matter what their circumstances are."

We’re so thankful for runners, like Akeem, who help us provide ongoing, fun, and free activities and programs for critically ill children and their families who face every day with medical challenges, harsh treatments, and difficulties in feeling "normal."

Don't forget to sign up for our 14th Annual 5K/1-Mile Walk at the Maryland Zoo on August 5th and share your fundraising pages!