Some 800 runners and 200 walkers are expected to participate this weekend in the 10th Annual Goblin Gallop. It's Sunday, Oct. 26, at the Fair Lakes Shopping Center; the 1K fun run starts at 8:30 a.m. and the 5K race kicks off at 9 a.m.
Proceeds go to The John Quadrino Foundation to Benefit Children with Cancer. John died of cancer in 1985, and his father, George Quadrino, helps put on the Goblin Gallop, each October.
"Over eight years, the race has brought in more than $110,000 to help sick children," said George Quadrino. "It's a fun race and, besides the prizes awarded, everybody gets a glow-in-the-dark T-shirt, and kids also get a golden runner's medallion."
The race begins at the Olive Garden restaurant and ends just past it. Race-day registration is in front of Applebee's. Entry fees are $25 for the 5K and $20 for the 1K; register online at www.racepacket.com. Race-day packet pick-up is 7-8:30 a.m. at the registration desk. The course is USATF-certified and goes along the Fair Lakes Parkway. No dogs, strollers, baby joggers or headphones are allowed in the 5K.
Prizes valued at $150, $100 and $50 will be awarded to the top three, overall, male and female finishers. Prizes will also be given to the top three male and female finishers in various age categories. And door prizes including Washington Redskins football tickets will be randomly awarded throughout the morning.
A live band, the Grimes Brothers, will play classic rock and roll. Propel Fitness Water will be supplied to all the runners; afterward, they'll be treated to fruit, bagels and Krispy Kreme doughnuts.
And since this is the Goblin Gallop, both children and adults are encouraged to run in costume. "The tin man always runs; he's wrapped in aluminum foil," said Quadrino. "And we'll be giving prizes for the best costumes in various categories."
The money raised helps families whose children have cancer. Because the medical bills can be overwhelming, parents often need help paying overdue rent and utility bills, making car payments or paying for home or auto repairs, so any extra dollars they receive are truly needed and appreciated. Funds are also used to send these children to special camps.
Tax-deductible donations payable to The John Quadrino Foundation may be sent to the foundation at P.O. Box 4614, Falls Church, VA 22044. For more information, see www.goblingallop.org or call 703-536-2027.