Almost 400 runners and walkers participated in the 3rd annual “Tiger Trot” 5K run/walk held on Sunday, April 14 — a beautiful, sunny breezy day. While many participants came from nearby Potomac and Bethesda, many racers journeyed all the way from Alexandria, Warrenton, Germantown, Kensington, Arlington — and even from Hermosa Beach, Calif., Mt. Penn, Pa., — and points beyond to participate with the friends, family, students, parent, alumnae and faculty of the Connelly School of the Holy Child.

The proceeds of the race went to Holy Child’s Health and Wellness programs — as well as to the Cabin John Park Volunteer Fire Department (CJPVFD). This year, Holy Child presented them with a check for $3,500 for the firefighter’s fund. A team of firefighters from the CJPVFD arrived with ambulances and other equipment to show off. “It’s where the money goes,” their spokesman said. “It saves all of us tax dollars.” The CJPVFD fielded several runners, including Chief Paul Sterling.

More than $900 was awarded in prize money in 15 different age categories, along with medals and gift cards. Jason Belinde of Bethesda was the overall and men's winner with a time of 17:28 and Anna Holt-Gosselin of Vienna, Va., won the women's division — and came in 4th overall — with a time of 18:30. A highlight of the day was when Gaithersburg resident Dee Nelson, age 69 and mother of late alumna Susie Nelson, Class of 1988, bested her 2012 time with a final of 25:37 — and won her division.

After the race, festivities abounded with face painting, a moon bounce, a school “blue/gold” team costume contest, lots of food and raffle prizes for the participants.