Grab your running shoes and come on down to Clifton. The fifth annual Clifton Caboose Twilight 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk will be held, rain or shine, this Saturday, June 8, beginning at 6 p.m.
Last year's event drew about 700 participants and raised nearly $15,000, and event co-chairmen Bill Hummel and Dan Kelliher are hoping for the same this time. The course starts and ends on Newman Road, which is popular with participants because it's both flat and scenic.
Proceeds benefit Hemlock Overlook Park's Send-a-Kid-to-Camp program; the Clifton Betterment Association (CBA), dedicated to Clifton's preservation; and Rainbow House, an orphanage in Haiti for children with AIDS.
The main sponsor, Pohanka Chevrolet of Chantilly, contributed $1,000. Tax-deductible donations, payable to the CBA Town Improvement Fund, may be sent to: The Clifton Twilight Run, c/o Josie McCarty, 12425 Chapel Road, Clifton, VA. 20124.
On race day, Newman Road will close to traffic from 5:45-7 p.m. Parking is at the flood plain, Clifton Elementary, the Clifton House shopping area on Chapel Road and King's Field at the end of Chapel Street. Baby strollers are welcome, but not dogs, Roller Blades or bicycles. And both walkers and runners may participate in the 5K.
Afterward, The Clifton Store will offer 2-foot Popsicles for children, the Heart in Hand restaurant will have fruit available and Great Harvest Bread Co. will bring bread and cookies. Adults participating in the race will be treated to free beer.
Attendees may also enjoy rock music by a local band at the gazebo in the town park, and the Chiropractic Family Health Center will provide free, chiropractic assessments.
Awards will be presented to the first-, second- and third-place overall 5K male and female race winners and to the top two males and females in various age categories. And there's a special award for the caboose (last-place) finisher.
In addition, awards will be given for the 1-Mile Fun Walk/Run and to the first- and second-place 5K male and female CBA members, over and under age 30. Prizes include Clifton Centennial T-shirts, mugs and posters designed by Clifton artist Lynne Garvey Hodge.
Entry fees are $20/5K; $12/1-Mile. On-line registration may be done at www.RacePacket.com. For more information, see the Web Site, www.CliftonVa.org or call the events hotline, 703-968-0740. Packet pick-up is Friday, June 7, from 5-7 p.m., at the Old Town Hall at 12640 Chapel Road, and on race day from 4:15-5:30 p.m. at the Clifton Town Meeting Hall at 12641 Chapel Road.