Inspiration Run/Walk Patricipation Grows in College Park

The was held at the campus for the first time last weekend and its participation multiplied. For the three years after it started, the event was held at the Watkins Regional Park in Upper Marlboro.

And some organizers were glad for the change, when they saw participants swarm onto the patio at Ritchie Coliseum before the run and walk took off. Police estimated a crowd of about 300 to 400 people at the Special Olympics fundraiser.

"[At Watkins] you'd be lucky maybe to get 100 people," said Patrick Leer, the disc jockey for the event.

The walkers and runners raised about $10,000 for Special Olympics Maryland Prince George's County, according to the group's Director of Fundraising Kathy Chittams.

The change in location was a welcome one for the University of Maryland Police as well.

Chief David Mitchell said the department had been looking for a signature event to partner up with the Special Olympics. The UMd. Department of Public Safety co-sponsored the event and patrolled traffic on Saturday.

Police frequently support Special Olympics events nationwide, and it makes sense, Mitchell said.

"In our profession, we see a lot of sadness. We see a lot of tragedy," — supporting the Special Olympics, "It's immediate payback," he said.

This story has been updated.