Hub City 100 Miler returns Jan. 9 with kickoff at Hagerstown Field House; registration open

Hagerstown Parks and Recreation urged residents to register for the Hub City 100 Miler on Dec. 9, announcing a Jan. 9 kickoff at the Hagerstown Field House and expanded vendor space for the event.

"If you're looking for something to keep you motivated in the new year, we are encouraging folks to register for our annual biggest program of the year," Amy Riley, recreation coordinator, said. She said the program asks participants to commit to one mile a day for 100 days and that the kickoff at the Field House will feature vendors, giveaways and an opportunity for participants to see the facility.

Riley said the basic registration fee is $10 and that participants can upgrade to receive shirts ($20 for a short-sleeve shirt, $25 for a long-sleeve). A $25 registration option includes a shirt for a participant and a small prize for a dog. Riley described weekly drawings and grand prizes, employer sponsorships for employee wellness participation, and past participation that peaked at about 1,600 participants; current averages are about 1,000 to 1,100.

The program is self-directed (honor system), and Parks and Rec provides motivation via a weekly newsletter and a Facebook group. Riley encouraged businesses and vendors to contact the Parks and Rec office for vendor space at the kickoff and noted registration remains open through January, with on-site registration available at the Field House kickoff.

No formal council endorsement vote was recorded at the Dec. 9 work session; the presentation was informational and promotional.