A reminder that tomorrow (Saturday, May 1), members of the Baltimore Ravens organization will participate in the Packard Center's fourth-annual Fiesta 5K, a race with proceeds benefiting ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) research at Johns Hopkins.
For the third consecutive year, **O.J. Brigance**, the Ravens' director of player development, will serve as the event's honorary chair.
Brigance, who played in the NFL for seven seasons, was a linebacker for the Ravens in 2000 and a vital part of the team's Super Bowl XXXV Championship. He was diagnosed with ALS – also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease – in 2007 and has been a leader in the fight against the disease ever since. His brave battle inspired the creation of the Brigance Brigade (www.brigancebrigade.org), an organization that promotes ALS research and education.
The race centers around M&T Bank Stadium, with the start and finish lines set in front of the Johnny Unitas statue. Over 1,500 participants are expected, including Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, who will kick off the morning with opening remarks at 7:40 a.m. Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake will also be in attendance to officially start the race (8 a.m.), and Brigance will conclude the day as part of an honorary presentation around 9:30 a.m.
Though online registration for the race is now closed, interested participants can register in person today at Charm City Run on York Road in Timonium from 3-7 p.m. Registration can also be done in person the morning of the race beginning at 6:30 a.m.
Race-Day Timeline: M&T Bank Stadium
6:30 a.m. Registration and packet pick-up opens
7:40 a.m. Opening Ceremony: Director of the Robert Packard Center for ALS Research Jeff Rothstein, Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh and Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake come to stage for welcome and opening remarks
8:00 a.m. Race will begin promptly (5K runners first; walkers shortly after), with Mayor Rawlings-Blake announcing the start
9:30 a.m. Closing/Awards Ceremony: Rothstein and Ravens President Dick Cass come forward to present awards to top runners and teams. Includes special presentation with honorary chair, O.J. Brigance, and 10-year anniversary celebration with Robert Packard's daughters.
