Friends 10K - 5K and Fun Run/Walk

🏃‍♂️ Race Overview

• Distance: 5K, 10K, and Fun Run/Walk available.
• Date: Sunday, November 2, 2025.
• Location: 14274 William Houck Drive, William Houck (Lake) Area, Cunningham Falls State Park, Thurmont, MD.
• Official Website: Friends 10K - 5K Race.

🌳 Course Details

• 5K: Paved, rolling 5K among the fall colors in Cunningham Falls State Park. Includes "The Hill".
• 10K: Challenging double-loop of the paved 5K course. Among the fall colors and crisp air in Cunningham Falls State Park.
• Fun Run/Walk: An untimed 1.4-mile family-friendly stroll on the pavement in Cunningham Falls Park.
• Start Time: Races begin at 9 am.

🎉 Special Recognition

• Swag for Finishers: If you participated in the Makin' Hay 5K or 10K on April 19 and you finish the Friends 5K or 10K, you will receive a neat piece of swag!
• Achievements: Bragging rights for running (or walking) the two hilliest, most scenic courses in the county.

⏰ Registration Information

• Registration Deadline: Ends at 9 PM on November 1. NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION.
• Savings Time Reminder: Daylight Savings Time ends Sunday at 2 AM. "Fall back" for more time to prepare before the race.

🗺️ Directions to the Event

• From US 15 in Thurmont: Take MD 77 west for 3 miles, then turn left on to Catoctin Hollow Road. Proceed 1.3 miles, then turn right on to William Houck Drive.
• Parking: Turn right into the large parking area (South Beach Circle) just after the Entrance Station on William Houck Drive.
• Address: 14274 William Houck Drive.
• Coordinates: Lat/Long: 39.6265, -77.4632.

📦 Packet Pickups

• Pre-Race Pickup: Saturday, Nov. 1, from 12:00 PM to 3 PM at Charm City Run, 925 W. 7th Street, Frederick, MD 21702.
• Race Day Pickup: Sunday, Nov. 2, from 8:00 AM to 8:45 AM, in the William Houck Area, 200' from the start line at South Beach Circle parking area.

🏅 Event Records

• 5K Male Record: Zachary Newman: 17:33.
• 5K Female Record: Helena Rachtan: 21:54.
• 10K Male Record: Tom Yinger: 40:21.
• 10K Female Record: Erin Snyder: 41:27.

🌱 Beneficiary Information

• Proceeds: Benefiting the Friends of Cunningham Falls and Gambrill State Parks.
• Mission: Support and enhance the programs and recreational offerings of Maryland's Cunningham Falls and Gambrill State Parks.
• Non-Profit Status: 501(c)3 organization.
• Website: Friends of Cunningham Falls and Gambrill State Parks.