Local runners from all of the Walter Johnson cluster schools get up and get out for the Kensington 8K Race through Old Town Kensington. This year’s race took place on September 22; WJ teams, middle school teams, and elementary school groups all participated in the local fall tradition.

The profits from the race are divided between Walter Johnson High School, North Bethesda Middle School, Wyngate Elementary School, Ashburton Elementary School and Kensington Parkwood Elementary. Since 2009, WJ has received $35,000 from the race.

“My dad, John Seabreeze, has organized the event for the past six years and was very excited to do it again,” junior Chase Seabreeze said.

Motorcyclists led the two-mile challenge and 8k trail to guide the runners, while Seabreeze led the 1k on his bike. The festival consists of an 8k race, a two-mile challenge, and a 1k fun run. While the 8k race is more popular among experienced runners, the 1k is a family favorite. The walkable route is fun for runners and walkers alike.

“It’s a very family-oriented event. Many people actually brought their dogs this year and ran with them. It was a good time,” Seabreeze said.

Many WJ students participate and volunteer in this yearly event. Members of cross country ran in the race, and members of the poms team handed out water.

“I had a lot of fun at the 8K handing out water to the runners as they crossed the finish line,” sophomore Elen Manukyan said, “I’ll probably be coming back next year.”

The event raised $20,000 from all of the schools this year.

“I really enjoyed the 8K course and I hope that we can get more cross country members to participate next year,” senior Jacob Greenberg said.