Showalters invite O's fans to Oct. 29 Trick or Trot 5K

You might not know it by his steely dugout visage, but Orioles manager Buck Showalter can be a softy - especially when it comes to kids. That's why Showalter and his wife Angela are hosting the second annual Trick or Trot 5K run/walk, a family-friendly event that which will wind through the streets of Canton and Patterson Park on Saturday, Oct. 29. The event benefits KidsPeace, a charity near and dear to the Showalters that provides the behavioral and mental health needs of children, families and communities. Buck and Angela have enthusiastically supported KidsPeace's efforts to successfully place foster children and teens with carefully matched families. So the family-focused nature of the Trick or Trot festivities is by design - bring everyone in your clan, including the family pet, to benefit this worthy cause. The race begins at 9 a.m., the walk follows at 9:05 a.m. and you can register online by clicking here. The first 400 registered runners will receive a specially designed, long-sleeve Under Armour t-shirt, while prizes will be given in age group winners and top finishers. Because the race takes place on the weekend before Halloween, participants and their family members are welcome to come in costume. The Oriole Bird and Chick-fil-A cow will lead trick-or-treating through O'Donnell Square after the race, post-race food and fun will be available on The Square, and prizes will be given to recognize the best costumes in several categories. If you register as a team to support KidsPeace foster care programs, the top three money-raising teams will be eligible for special prizes, including a wine tasting for 20, a bar tab at a Charm City watering hole or tickets to a 2012 Orioles game. You don't even have to run to help, since KidsPeace is offering a "snooze-button" option that allows you to participate from the comfort of your own bed. A pre-race party will he held Friday, Oct. 28 on The Square, allowing participants to pick up their race packs and enjoy classic Baltimore food and musical entertainment in one of the city's top nightlife destinations. Free parking for both the pre-race and race day festivities will be available on streets adjacent to O'Donnell Square and Du Burns Arena. Last year's race raised more than $25,000 in cash and in-kind sponsorships from bsuinesses in the O'Donnell Square area. That sets a nice bar for this year's go-around. For more information, to volunteer or to become a sponsor, please contact Gina Seyfried 410-964-9329 or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..