Proceeds from the Run for the Shelter benefit LAWS (the Loudoun Abused Women's Shelter).

In Photo above, Bert Rodriguez sets the half marathon course record.

A competitive finish punctuated the half marathon in the 13th Annual LAWS Run for the Shelter on Sunday, April 20, 2008 at the Loudoun County Fairgrounds.

In spite of sometimes heavy rain, top ranked Bert Rodriguez of Arlington, VA successfully pulled away in the final miles from Abiyot Abebe of Burke, VA to set a course record at the Run for the Shelter Half Marathon, finishing in 1 hour, 10 minutes, 15 seconds. The race for 2nd place was even closer as Abebe, who finished in 1:11:12, had to hold off a fast-closing Nate Carlson of Silver Spring, MD who got 3rd place in 1:11:33.

In the half Marathon's women's race, 27-year-old Yihunlish Bekele won first prize with a solid time of 1:26:30. Richmond runner Theresa Conroy (1:39:15) and Joan Sicyan of Paeonian Springs (1:39:39) were second and third respectively.

In addition, the Run for the Shelter continued growth in its registration with a total of 614 runners (including more than 300 in the half marathon) compared to 592 in 2007. The 5K continues to be a popular alternative. This year, Justin Fritzias of Purcellville, VA won the men's race in 16:34 and elite masters Linda Foley (46) of Oak Hill, VA won for the women in 19:40. Her victory was closely followed by the two other top ranked masters women to fill out the top three. Registration in the kids' race sold out and more than 25 children dashed through the rain to the finish. Total finishers for all three races were more than 450 runners.

According to Race Director, Randy Skovrinski, "This quality of the race course and awards is helping the Run for the Shelter to grow rapidly into one of Loudoun County's most popular sporting events." In addition to the runners, several groups of people - family members and friends of the runners positioned themselves along the course to cheer the runners. Also, the Old Dominion Corvette Club (ODCC), which was the title sponsor for the race, had several Corvettes on display at the Fairgrounds.

Both the Half-Marathon (the longest foot race in Loudoun County) and 5K are certified courses that take place along part of the historic W&OD Railroad Trail. The race is also part of the Loudoun Championship Series, making it an excellent opportunity for runners to earn points for prestigious prizes.

In photo below Abiyot Abebe hurries towards a the runner-up spot.

Top Three Half Marathon

Name              Age  City             ST      Time
Bert Rodriguez	  28   Arlington        VA      1:10:15.0
Abiyot Abebe	  20   Burke            VA      1:11:12.9
Nate Carlson	  27   Silver Spring    MD      1:11:33.4



Yihunlish Bekele  27   Burke            VA	1:26:30.1
Theresa Conroy	  43   Richmond         VA	1:39:15.9
Joan Sicyan	  26   Paeonian Springs VA	1:39:39.6

Top Three 5K

Name               Age  City            ST      Time
Justin Fritzias	   23   Purcellville    VA	16:34.6
Robert R. Jones	   37   Ashburn         VA	17:58.4
Michael Vega	   29   Ashburn         VA	18:21.3


Linda Foley	   46   Oak Hill        VA	19:40.9
Ruth Olson	   45   Fredericksburg  VA	19:50.7
Anita Freres	   43   Reston          VA	20:18.3

Nate Carlson finishes third overall a little over a minute off the course record set this Saturday.

Full Race Day Results