MDOT SHA Logo Baltimore, MD – Nearly 200 citizens have already registered for a rare opportunity to see a portion of the first segment of the Intercounty Connector (ICC)/MD 200 up close as they travel it by foot during the ICC 5K Walk/Run on Sunday, Oct. 17 -- all while raising funds to support Special Olympics Maryland (SOMD). The Walk/Run begins at 9 a.m. and will take participants on an out-and-back course over paved travel lanes of the ICC, beginning near the new ICC bridge over Shady Grove Road. Governor Martin O’Malley will participate in the event by joining Special Olympics athletes in counting down to the start of the race. As of today, the 5K event has received more than $6,000 in pledges. To register for this unique event or to sponsor a registered walker/runner, visit www.iccrun.org. Awards will be presented in various categories, and the first 500 registrants will receive a commemorative event t-shirt from SOMD. The entry fee is $25 during pre-registration and $30 on race day. Police and emergency vehicles also will be on display from the Maryland Transportation Authority Police and local law-enforcement agencies. As long-time supporters of SOMD, the MDTA Police recently hosted the Second Annual Fort McHenry Tunnel 5K Run/Walk on Sept. 19, participate annually in the Law Enforcement Torch Run and previously hosted the MDTA Police Plane Pull at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport to benefit SOMD. The first seven-mile segment of the ICC -- of which 5.5 miles are tolled -- between I-370 at Shady Grove Road and MD 97 (Georgia Avenue) in Rockville/Olney is expected to open to traffic in late 2010 or early 2011. The State Highway Administration (SHA) is managing ICC construction. Once construction is complete, the MDTA will own, operate and maintain this new all-electronic toll facility. ###