“We have a harder population to serve that may need support for a longer time.” — Rebecca Hightower, development and communications associate, Carpenter’s Shelter
The Carpenter’s Shelter is organizing RunForShelter, its 6th annual 5K and 10K race. It also includes a one miler for dog walkers and moms and dads with strollers. The race takes place Nov. 20 at 8 a.m. along Eisenhower Avenue, beginning at the USPTO building.
Prizes will be given to the top three male and female 5K and 10K runners. Also, this year the shelter adds age group awards, starting at age 19 to those over 60. Each runner receives a swag bag, including sponsor coupons and touchscreen gloves.
All proceeds from RunForShelter benefit the Carpenter’s Shelter, a nonprofit that’s been around since 1982. Money raised keeps the shelter’s lights on, among other operations, and achieves mission goals: quick sustainable independence for homeless men, women and children.
Alexandria saw a 16 percent drop in homelessness in 2016 compared to 2015. However, the bad news is, according to Rebecca Hightower, the shelter’s development and communications associate, “We have a harder population to serve that may need support for a longer time.” Mental illness and larger families make the homeless issue more difficult, which is compounded by the lack of affordable housing in the City of Alexandria.
As of Oct. 27, about 220 people have registered for RunForShelter. Last year the shelter had more than 700 people run. The hope is to get about 500 more people to register before the race starts.
Because the race’s course is USATF certified, for speed runners, RunForShelter is an opportunity for record setting and comparing past efforts to the present. “The course is also beginner friendly,” said Bob Platt, president of RacePacket.
For those who’ve never run before, President of the Northern Virginia Running Club Erin Masterson advises people to alternate running and walking, and to “go out moderately.” The race is long – 3.1 miles for the 5K and 6.2 for the 10K. Nate Crutchfield, Snap Fitness Old Town personal trainer agrees. “Take it slow and trust your body … your body knows best.”
“If you can mobilize a hobby that you love and have impact,” said Masterson, “what a good way to put in a single day.”
Race Details
Online registration: Go to www.CarpentersShelter.org
Onsite registration: Available on day of race at USPTO
Race date: Nov. 20
Start time: 8 a.m.
USPTO Address: 600 Dulany St.
Fee: 5K/10K fee: $40; Fun Run fee: $30
Closest Metro: Eisenhower Avenue (Yellow line)
Parking: West Parking Garage, 550 Elizabeth Lane (for participants/volunteers)
Pre-Race Packet Pick-up:
Nov. 18, 4 - 7 p.m., Carpenter’s Shelter/David’s Place: 930 N. Henry St.
Nov. 19, 12:30 - 4:30 p.m., Whole Foods Market in Old Town: 1700 Duke St.