Team Kennedy Krieger

For a lucky 13 years, Team Kennedy Krieger has participated in the Baltimore Running Festival. Our more than 1,400 participants over that time have raised more than 1.3 million dollars. These donations have allowed us to purchase therapy equipment to benefit patients across Kennedy Krieger Institute as well as provide adaptive recreational and athletic opportunities including skiing, fishing, bowling, canoeing, handcycling and more to individuals with physical limitations.

However, this year we made the decision not to participate in the Baltimore Running Festival. Despite our advocacy efforts, we were not able to secure changes we sought to ensure the safety of our athletes and supporters. While there have been so many benefits to our participation in this yearly event, safety and inclusion must be our top priority.

By foregoing this year’s festival, we realized we have the opportunity to design an inclusive, community-wide event that will bring adaptive sports to a new audience. How could we pass that up? Please save the date for “Pickleball for All,” the area's first accessible pickleball tournament for all level players and adaptive athletes to be held Saturday, September 20, at Pickleball House, located in White Marsh, Maryland.

Though Kennedy Krieger will not be an official charity team at the Baltimore Running Festival, you can still participate in the race and support Team Kennedy Krieger by creating your own fundraising page at KennedyKrieger.org/FundraiseYourWay. Email Events@KennedyKrieger.org for more details.

Thank you for your past support of the Baltimore Running Festival. Whether you raced, donated, volunteered or did all three, your support enabled us to exceed all expectations and build a community of individuals sharing a common sense of connection.

We hope that you will continue to participate and support Team Kennedy Krieger. We look forward to seeing you at Pickleball for All in September.