The Fried family runs together past the Fairlington Community Center. Photo by Louise Krafft.
The 2nd Annual Fairlington 5K Run & Walk was held Saturday morning, April 11. The family friendly event is hosted by Abingdon Elementary School and the Fairlington Citizens Association. The mission is to promote health and physical fitness while bringing raising money and awareness for Ellie McGinn and Abington Elementary.
Ellie is a first grader at Abingdon Elementary and a Fairlington resident who was diagnosed with leukodystrophy (LBSL) in September 2011. LBSL is a rare degenerative brain and spinal cord mitochondrial disease. Due to the rare genetic disorder, Ellie's body does not produce a protein essential for the production of myelin. Myelin is a critical substance for the brain and nervous system, provides insulation, and helps transmit signals from the brain to the rest of the body. There is no known cure yet for leukodystrophy.
The Fairlington 5K is organized by Abingdon Elementary physical education teacher, Joe Reed and Joe Hartman from the Fairlington Citizen Association. Top three overall runners in the men’s and women’s division were: Hans Samaniego (1), Doug Scott (2) and Mike Sandy (3) in the men’s division; Sarah Goggin (1), Emily Childress (2) and Katherine Smith (3) in the women’s division. For more information visit www.fairlington5K.com.