In the early morning sunlight, runners, walkers and fans of all ages, shapes and sizes gathered at the Ripken Baseball Stadium Complex in Aberdeen Saturday with a common goal: to pay tribute to Harford County’s favorite son, Cal Ripken Jr.

For many of the 700 participants and 500 spectators who attended the Run to Cooperstown, a 5K Run/Walk celebrating Ripken’s upcoming induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, it was likely their only time to interact with Iron Man before he’s enshrined in baseball’s most prestigious palace.

“[Cal] was a famous Orioles baseball player,” said Gabbie Hunter, 9, of Timonium. “My dad, he talks to me about him all the time and we are just happy to be here.”

Ripken, who started the race at 8 a.m., did not run, but he extended plenty of autographs and gratitude to those who endured the sweltering heat.

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“It is a fantastic family event and it is a lot of fun and it is again supporting Cal,” said Renee Hunter, Gabbie’s mother. “My husband and I just love Cal. They are a little young, but the kids know who Cal is.”

For Ripken, it was a fitting way to begin his final stretch to Cooperstown, where a crowd of 60,000 — the largest ever to attend an induction ceremony — is expected to see Ripken officially become a member of the Hall of Fame on Sunday.

“These little celebrations are as important or more important than the big ones,” said Ripken, who was the race’s honorary starter. “It allows people to celebrate it the way that they want too, up close and personal.”