CARNEY, MD—Ken Mihalyov, a science teacher at Pine Grove Middle School, is preparing for a grueling 329-mile journey across Maryland to raise funds for children battling cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. Mihalyov will participate in the annual Maryland Trek, a weeklong event organized by local meteorologist Justin Berk, from August 3-9.
The Maryland Trek, now in its 12th year, supports Just In Power Kids, Berk’s nonprofit organization. The trek has raised nearly a million dollars for pediatric cancer patients to date.
“As an educator, I believe in showing students the power of community, perseverance, and giving back—and this trek is my way of living those lessons beyond the classroom,” said Mihalyov, who is participating in the full trek for the first time.
The 329-mile journey, which spans the diverse landscape of Maryland from Western Maryland’s mountains to the sandy beaches of Ocean City, will involve a combination of walking, running, and biking. Mihalyov noted that each day of the trek honors a “power kid” – a child actively in treatment or recently in remission – whose story is shared and photo carried by the trekkers. Many of these children also meet the participants along the route.
Approximately a dozen individuals, including Mihalyov and Berk, will complete the entire trek, while many others will join for single days. Daily distances will vary, with some days including 14 miles of walking/running and 27 miles of biking, and one day featuring a 56-mile bike ride.
Mihalyov, who admits he doesn’t consider himself a “big biker” and has borrowed a bicycle for the event, has been rigorously training since the school year ended. His regimen includes six workouts per week, with his longest bike ride reaching 30 miles and longest walk 18 miles.
“I am most nervous about the first day. After that, I will just need to keep getting up and doing more,” Mihalyov shared.
Safety and support will be provided by a dedicated team in vehicles, offering snacks, water, and ensuring the trekkers’ well-being. Participants will stay in hotels along the route, with one dinner sponsored by the Outback restaurant in Salisbury. The trek will conclude in Ocean City, with the final two miles walked onto the beach and into the water, where family members, including Mihalyov’s wife, plan to meet them.
Mihalyov, originally from the Chicago area, has been teaching in Maryland for over 20 years and is starting his fourth year with Baltimore County Public Schools. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida and a master’s degree from McDaniel College. This fall, he will teach 6th grade science at Pine Grove Middle.
Mihalyov encourages the community to follow his journey and support the cause by donating through his fundraising page. “Let’s make every mile matter for kids who need our strength, support, and hope!” he urged.
Photos via BCPS
