The community is invited to celebrate the lives of two local runners at the Tim Kennard River Run and Rob’s Run for Kids, both happening this month.

The 18^th annual Tim Kennard River Run, presented by Pohanka of Salisbury, is set for Sunday, March 19, and it will start and end at Salisbury Bible Fellowship, located at 1500 Court Plaza Lane in Salisbury. Events begin at 8:30 a.m. and include a 10-mile race, 5K run/walk and 5K noncompetitive walk.

The Tim Kennard River Run is held in memory of Tim Kennard, who passed away at age 48 on March 11, 2004, after a battle with kidney cancer.

There are cash awards for the top three overall male and female runners in the 10-miler and competitive 5K, along with cash awards for the top master (age 40-59) and grand master (age 60-plus) in each race. Custom age group awards will also be presented.

The race benefits TEAM 360, which helps people of different abilities train and participate in mainstream athletic events; Coalition of Caring, a fund for our animal friends; and the Eastern Shore Running Club Scholarship Fund.

“We are excited to bring runners together and benefit these amazing community organizations, while honoring Tim’s wish of supporting children and animals,” said Race Director Harlan Eagle.

The sixth annual Rob’s Run for Kids, held in honor of Rob Schultheis, who lost his life while running, will be held Saturday, March 18. This event, sponsored by King Kone, takes place at the Evolution Craft Brewing Co. Public House and offers different distances for kids ages 2-10. The run starts at 2 p.m., with registration beforehand. The registration fee is a donation to the Robert Schultheis Memorial Scholarship at Salisbury University.

  The registration fee for the Tim Kennard River Run is $65 for the 10-mile run and $35 for the 5K events through March 18. Race-day registration is $5 more per race, with an 8 a.m. cutoff.

“Whether you’re looking to run a competitive race, walk with your dog in the noncompetitive 5K, or bring your child out for their first race at Rob’s Run for Kids, this weekend of events offers something for everyone,” said Race Director Linda Mills.

To learn more or register, visit TimKennard.org.