Oriole Advocates' Home Run returns as a virtual event

By Pete Kerzel

Orioles

September 16, 2021, 9:14am

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The Oriole Advocates' Home Run - the race that used to end on the warning track at Camden Yards - is returning for 2021 as a virtual event.

From the late 1980s through 2008, runners participated in the race, which was tied to opening day. Fields numbered from 400 to more than 1,000 athletes. One race even began at Memorial Stadium and ended at Camden Yards.

However, conducting road races in race-crazy Baltimore became pricey and increased competition spelled the end of the Home Run.

"The Oriole Advocates' Home Run was a highlight of the year for runners throughout Maryland", said Jim Menendez, president of the Oriole Advocates' Charitable Foundation, Inc. "However, the cost of holding races in the city and the emergence of many competing events throughout the year made it difficult to continue hosting the race."

As COVID-19 has changed the way we do many things, the Orioles Advocates' Charitable Foundation has decided to revive the Home Run as a virtual race, which allows athletes to compete and support the organization in a safe manner and on an individual basis.

The 21st Orioles Advocates' Home Run will be open from Saturday, Oct. 16 to Sunday, Oct. 31 and participants can register for the event here.

Proceeds from the Home Run will benefit the Orioles' Advocates' Charitable Foundation, Inc., which supports organizations both domestic and abroad that promote baseball at all levels for individuals of all abilities.