Douglas Rabil (45) of Herndon, VA leads Becca Houston (34) of Centreville, VA to the finish.

The Van Metre Companies has announced a date change for their annual 5-Mile Run for Children's Hospital. For the past 14 years, Van Metre has held this very special race in the fall, but it will now move to the spring of 2007. The 15th Annual Van Metre 5-Mile Run for Children's Hospital will take place on Saturday, March 10th 2007, beginning bright and early at 8:30 am, at Broadlands in Ashburn, Virginia. Hundreds of participants from all ages and skill levels will come together to enjoy fitness and fun, all for a great cause. The event kicks off with a Kids Run for Fun and the One-Mile Fun Run/Walk, followed by the 5-Mile Run. The Van Metre Companies host a post-race celebration for all participants including refreshments, awards, and random prizes.

The Kids Run for Fun and the One-Mile Fun Run/Walk start at 8:30 a.m. The 5-Mile Run starts at 8:35 am. Participants include serious runners, weekend and occasional joggers, walkers, and even strollers (for the One-Mile Fun Run/Walk only) of all skill levels.

Cash prizes are to be presented to the first, second, and third place overall male and female runners. Additional prizes will be presented to the top two male and female runners in the following age groups: 19 and under; 20-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60- 69; and 70 and over. Also, every child 12 years of age and under who finishes the Kids Run for Fun will receive a commemorative gift.

Registration fees to participate will be $20 for adults ($25 after February 15th), and $5 for children 12 and under. Corporate teams can register for $50 plus $15 per team member. On-site registration will be available Thursday, March 8th from 5 pm to 8 pm at the Potomac River Running Store in Old Ashburn Square, and Friday, March 9th from 12 pm to 5 pm at the Broadlands Nature Center located at 21907 Claiborne Parkway. Late registration and packet pick-up for registrants will also be available race day, at Broadlands Nature Center Race Site, from 7:00 am to 8:00 am.

In an area tradition that extends over each of the past 14 years, the Van Metre Companies have raised over $1.5 million for Children's Hospital through their sponsorship of the 5-Mile Run for Children's Hospital. At the first race in 1992, Van Metre raised $6,000. Last year, $200,000 was raised. Held at Broadlands, the best-selling Loudoun County planned community, just off the Dulles Greenway in Ashburn, Virginia, this event draws hundreds of Van Metre business associates and members of the general public who wish to combine a day of fitness, fun, and camaraderie with support from one of the very best causes in the nation's capital region.

Photo below: Elizabeth Ottaway (41) of Alexandria, VA enjoys the run in the rain, flying home just ahead of David Kitzmiller (45) of Chesapeake Beach, MD.

As one of the largest privately held and locally owned homebuilding, development, commercial real estate and property management companies in Northern Virginia, Van Metre "Builds Trust" in everything it does, including the Van Metre 5-Mile Run for Children's Hospital. To learn more about The Van Metre Companies and to register for the Van Metre 5-Mile Run for Children's Hospital phone 703-425-2637.

October 8, 2005 Race Day Report