Running for a cause

Texas Quarry hosts 3rd annual crusher run

Instead of the usual sounds of rocks breaking and machinery humming, cheers and music filled the air at the East Division’s Texas Quarry on June 1.

The 3rd Annual Crusher Run, a 5K race hosted by Martin Marietta, Gray & Son, and the Maryland Transportation Builders and Materials Association, attracted athletes from across the region. Many said they were struck by how much the event has grown.

In 2023, just over 100 runners participated in the Crusher Run. This year, more than 550 runners took part in the 5K and the family fun run, helping raise more than $60,000 for local Maryland charities.

Capital Region Vice President-General Manager Marc Kmec said the event’s success has reflected extraordinarily well on his team and the company.

“We strive to be good stewards of the environment and active partners in our community,” he said.
“The Crusher Run allows us to visibly demonstrate both of these important Martin Marietta values.”

Planning for the Crusher Run began months in advance, with leaders from each organization working together to ensure every detail is in place and safety protocols are met. On Martin Marietta’s side, Texas Quarry Office Manager Trevor Hedrick led the charge this year.

Hedrick said the quarry welcomes more than 2,000 visitors annually, offering educational opportunities to those who want to learn about the company’s operations. The race, he said, is another way Martin Marietta demonstrates its commitment to being a responsible and engaged neighbor.

“Watching this grow, and seeing the same volunteers come back each year because they want to, and seeing the participants return because they love it. This is something you don’t often see,” Hedrick said.
“Running in a quarry of this size and scale is truly unique, and providing that opportunity to so many fills us all with a lot of pride.”

Beyond the excitement of the race, the event serves a meaningful purpose. Proceeds benefit two impactful organizations: Construction Angels, which supports the families of construction workers who lose their lives during job-site incidents, and the Fund for Educational Excellence, which works to close opportunity gaps in Baltimore City Public Schools.

Before the start of this year’s race, each nonprofit received a check for $20,000.

Bringing an event of this magnitude to life requires a dedicated team. Quarry staff and volunteers worked tirelessly to prepare the site, and their efforts were widely appreciated.

Among the first to cross the start line were runners from Athletes Serving Athletes (ASA), an organization that pairs volunteer runners with individuals who have disabilities or limited mobility. ASA volunteers push athletes in wheelchairs, allowing them to fully experience the race and cross the finish line.

ASA Founder and Executive Director David Slomkowski attended the event and expressed his enthusiasm for returning next year.

“Not only was the course set at a local landmark that most of us drive by without truly seeing or knowing much about, but I was blown away by the hospitality shown to our teams. From registration and pre-race accommodations to the race and the post-race celebration that surpassed most local events,” Slomkowski said.
“I’ve heard from parents that the greatest gift is seeing their children feel loved, significant and part of something special. This event, and the individuals and volunteers who made it happen, accomplished exactly that.”