Fantastic Prizes, Delicious Brunch, Kids' Fun Runs, All Contribute to a Great Community Event

Register by September 12 to be Eligible for Random Prize Drawings

Now is the time to register and begin training for one of the Washington area's greatest family running events - the 21st Annual Back-to-School Classic 8K, 2K and Fun Runs, which will take place in Chevy Chase, MD on Sunday, September 21, 2008. The Back-to-School Classic benefits Somerset Elementary School.

Close to 800 runners compete in the 8K and 2K races, running through the charming neighborhoods of Somerset, Chevy Chase, and Friendship Heights. The course has rolling hills, and hundreds of children and area residents cheering from the sidelines. The 8K will begin at 8:00 a.m. with the 2K beginning shortly after. The 8K is USTAF-certified, with Capital Running Company managing race logistics and time keeping.

The Classic also features Kids' Fun Runs in many different age categories and a terrific brunch for all participants after the race. There are great prizes for the top three male and female overall finishers in both the 8K and 2K races. Age group prizes will be awarded for the top three male and female finishers for the 8K In addition, the Back-to-School Classic is renowned for its abundance of great random prizes, including the top prize of a Giant MTX 225 24" bicycle donated by Griffin Cycle. The drawing will be at the conclusion of the races. You must be registered by September 12 to be eligible for the random prize drawings.

The title sponsor of this year's Back-to-School Classic is Bonnie Lewin, Evers and Co. Real Estate. Other sponsors include: Platinum Sponsors--Bethesda Magazine, Breads Unlimited, Clayboy Shaved Ice, Esprit Rainbow Travel, Friendship Hospital for Animals, Gilday Renovations, Potomac Pizza, PromotionSource.com; Gold Level Sponsors--Cafe Deluxe, International School of Music, Metropolitan Pediatric Dentistry, Saks Fifth Avenue, Sandy Spring Builders, Whole Foods Market; Silver Level Sponsors--Clyde's of Chevy Chase, DrinkMore Water, Honest Tea, Manion & Associates, National Capital Bank, The Bartozzi Family, The Christopher Family.

Proceeds from the race help Somerset Elementary School provide scholarships for the after-school programs build its library collections and classroom resources and offer a rich cultural arts program. The Classic is the school's largest fundraiser.

Photo below by Drew: Girls race around cones in the Somerset E.S. yard during a 2007 children's fun run.

For more information and to register online, see the event Web site.

Read all about last year's race and take a look at the race Photo Gallery for 2007.