Kentlands 5K T-shirt Design Winner Selected

This year's winner of the 18th Annual Kentlands/Lakelands 5K Race T-shirt design contest is rising 6th grader and Kentlands resident Isabel Osorio. Osorio is a recent graduated from Rachel Carson Elementary School in Kentlands.

Her colorful design features a young girl going through the race's finish line with a banner that cheerfully broadcasts the "Kentlands/Lakelands 5K Fun Run!" Besides its sunny disposition and community feel, Osorio's drawing also communicates a concern for the environment. A blue recycling box is prominently featured in the foreground.

"The Earth is very important to me," explained the young artist whose artwork was chosen from more than 75 entries into the competition. The Kentlands Community Foundation will award her a $50 cash prize.

In addition to Osorio, three age category winners were selected: Davis Kessler for the 6 and under category, Briana Segal for the age 7-9 category and Alex Brun for the age 10-12 category. They will each receive $25 cash prizes from the Kentlands Community Foundation.

Osorio's design will be printed on the official race T-shirts and receive recognition at the Race Expo on race day, Saturday, September 3, 2011. All submitted artwork will also be on display.

The original April 2011 Call-for-Entries for the competition required that all submitted designs be in marker, limited to four colors, on 8.5"x11" white paper and that they illustrate the environmental, health and community benefits of participating in the 5K.

"This year's design really shows the spirit of our community, and it's a wonderful continuation of a great tradition," said Carrie Dietz, President of the Kentlands Community Foundation.

Although the 5K and its related fundraising and community events provide ample participation opportunities for children, including a Toddler Trot for ages 5 and under and a Kid's Dash for ages 6-14 with awards, goodie bags and T-shirts in tow, adults can put on their fleet feet before the race in September.

This Friday, August 12, from 7:30 - 9:30 pm Diva and Dude Night gathers local businesses, race sponsors and community members in Kentlands Square Shopping Center for a night of wine, hors d'oeuvres, music, chocolate, pilates, seated trigger-point therapy and make-up refreshers to benefit the 5K.

Co-sponsored by Fleet Feet Sports, Gaithersburg and the Kentlands Community Foundation, the event features Bonefish Grill Seafood Restaurant, SPAGnVOLA Chocolatier, , Dr. Swistak's Active Family Chiropratic and Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa. A silent auction of gift certificates to various local businesses, including Pinky and Pepe's Grape Escape, Coal Fire Restaurant, O'Donnell's Seafood Restaurant, Clover Boutique and Schrier Physical Therapy among others will also take place during the evening.

The event is limited to 50 attendees, and tickets are $10. Participants will also receive a goodie bag valued at $40. To register, email Kanayo Anekwe, Fleet Feet Director of Operations at kanayo@fleetfeetgaithersburg.com.

"The event is taking place in our Kentlands store," said Robyn Gault, Fleet Feet Co-Owner. "We are excited to be part of the 5K, and the money is going to really great causes."

All proceeds from Diva and Dude Night benefit the 5K, which raises money for the Dolores C. Swoyer Camp Scholarship Fund, which sends Gaithersburg kids to summer camp; the Maryland Senior Olympics; The Dwelling Place, which provides transitional housing in Gaithersburg; and Kentlands Community Foundation programs, including The Kentlands Community Garden, Community Children's Chorus, Go Green Group, Film Society and .

According to the Kentlands Community Foundation, the Annual 5K events bring over 4,000 people to Downtown Kentlands. The Foundation is still seeking business sponsors for this year's race.

Lake Coulson, Course Director, emphasized the significance of this annual tradition - the largest 5K in Montgomery County to date - to the local area: “The race really gives our community the chance to showcase its beauty, spirit and giving nature – half of the race proceeds go to other local charities each year – but it takes a lot of supporters to make it happen successfully...I want to thank everyone in advance for their patience and cooperation – and it’s not too early to sign up to volunteer on September 3rd!”

To read past Patch coverage of the 5K, .