More than 300 runners and walkers took part in the third annual Girl Scout Cookie Classic Trefoil Trek 5K and Samoa Stroll One-Miler on Jan. 21 at the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail.

The Trefoil Trek 5K race competitors took off at 9 a.m., following an opening ceremony with the Girl Scout Promise and Law, the national anthem sung by Chesapeake Girl Scout Hailey George, and a welcome from Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast Chief Executive Officer Tracy Keller. Everyone was awarded with a Cookie Classic medal at the finish line. The race was professionally timed by Tidewater Striders.

Julie Williamson, a member of Troop 5563, was the first Girl Scout to cross the 5K finish line.

An hour later, the 1-mile Samoa Stroll participants assembled at the starting line. They were awarded with a patch at the end of the race. Both races ended with a sweet treat, as participants had the opportunity to taste the new Girl Scout S’mores cookie.

Between the two races, Girl Scout troops competed for Best Spirit and Best Costume. Many Girl Scouts were dressed as their favorite cookies, while others were decked out in tutus and other fun outfits. Top race finishers for each age category were also recognized during the event.

Girl Scouts who participated in either race completed requirements towards earning a badge for their age level, including the My Best Self badge for Girl Scout Brownies and the Staying Fit badge for Girl Scout Juniors.

Proceeds from the Cookie Classic will help provide programs for Girl Scouts, learning opportunities and training for Girl Scout volunteers and financial assistance for girls who would otherwise not be able to participate in Girl Scouts.

The Girl Scout Cookie Program runs through March 26. Cookie booth sales will begin on Feb. 19, and customers can visit girlscoutcookies.org to enter their ZIP code and find a list of scheduled cookie booths nearby. Find more information about the local Girl Scout Cookie Program at www.gsccc.org.