<bt>Once again it's time to prepare for the Fair Lakes 8K and 2K Fun Run/Walk, so get on the treadmill and lace up the old running shoes for the Sunday, Sept. 11 race.
"The race has moderately rolling hills, winds through Fair Lakes and crosses over the Fairfax County Parkway," said race volunteer Zack David.
Last year's race attracted a total of 1,346 runners — 1,024 in the 8K and 322 in the 2K — and raised roughly $50,000 for the National Marrow Donor Program. This year's proceeds will go towards the Inova Kellar Center, a local nonprofit organization which has provided mental health and substance abuse treatment for the community since 1992.
"We offer our services even if [patients] are unable to pay, so raising money through the race is extremely important," said Dr. Rick Leichtweis, the Kellar Center director. "We are very grateful because the 8K proceeds will assist in a capital campaign that will raise funds for our new building."
THE KELLAR CENTER is currently the only nonprofit comprehensive mental health center in Northern Virginia and supports children, teenagers and parents from Alexandria, Loudoun, and Fairfax counties. The Kellar center was honored to be selected as beneficiary of the Fair Lakes 8K proceeds.
An award ceremony will be held following the race, highlighted by an award presentation to the top finishers in the male and female, wheelchair and children's divisions. The fastest male and female will each receive $100, a trophy and a merchandise prize; second- and third-place finishers will win $50 and $25, respectively, plus merchandise prizes.
Awards will also be given to the winners of various age divisions; a trophy and prize will be given to the top team, as well. Non-participants will be rewarded for their support too.
"We award hotel stays and dinners to local restaurants," said David. "We are a little different than other races in that we provide prizes to participants and spectators."
The 8K, which is being sponsored by The Peterson Cos. for the 19th consecutive year, will start at 8:30 a.m., beginning and ending at 12500 Fair Lakes Circle in Fairfax. Registration is $25 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under, and the race fee is tax deductible. Registration and packet pickup is Sept. 10 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and Sept. 11 between 7 and 8 a.m. at Fair Lakes Circle. Register online at www.fairlakes8k.com. For more information, call 703-631-7571.
A detailed course map and driving directions are available on the Web site, and the entire prize inventory can be found at the "Prize List" section on the site.
For more information about the Kellar Center and its out-patient programs, visit them on the Web at www.inova.org.