The crossroads where fitness meets education will take place on Sunday, May 16, 2004, in West Potomac Park, Washington, D.C., at 8:00 a.m. The 21st Sallie Mae 10K, sponsored by the Sallie Mae Fund, benefits The District of Columbia College Access Program (DC-CAP). DC-CAP is a non-profit organization funded by Washington-area companies and foundations dedicated to encouraging and enabling District public high school students to enter and graduate from college. DC-CAP, in partnership with the District of Columbia Public School system, works to provide counseling and financial assistance to students who might otherwise never have the opportunity to go to college.

Registrations are being accepted on-line at www.salliemae10k.org. The late registration fee is $30.00 (postmarked after April 28, 2004). The fee for those under the age of 18 and college students (copy of ID required) is $12. The Family Fun Run is $10.00.

Late registration and packet pick up will take place on Friday, May 14th, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Greater DC Cares, 1725 I Street, NW, Washington, D.C., and on Saturday, May 15th, from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Sallie Mae Headquarters, 11600 Sallie Mae Drive, Reston, VA, 703-810-3000.

The Sallie Mae 10K continues the tradition of quality racing with a national and international flair. The 1989 participants included Marianne Dickerson, '83 World Championship marathon silver medalist; Greta Waitz (Norway), '84 Olympic marathon silver medalist and 9-time New York City marathon winner; Jill Clark (England), '86 British National 10,000 meter cross-county champion; and Michelle Bush-Cuke, former 1500-meter winner from UCLA and '88 Olympian for the Cayman Islands.

The men's field included Steve Taylor, '88 TAC 10,000 meter winner and '88 Olympic Trials qualifier; Chris Fox, '88 TAC 8K national winner, 5th in the '84 Olympics Trials at 5,000 meters and 6-time All-American from Auburn University; and Hans Koeleman (Netherlands), member of the '84 and '88 Dutch Olympic steeplechase team and 6-time All-American from Clemson.

In the same year, the Honorary Chairperson was Darrell Green of the Washington Redskins. Ambassador Kjell Eliassen of Norway attended the awards ceremony.

This year the race will have its largest purse in the race history. More than $30,000 will be shared by international and local runners, wheelchair participants, top age group finishers and the general scholarship funds of the top three participating colleges including runners representing those colleges. All prizes and awards will be based on "gun time."

Cash Awards:
All-Comers
Open (M/F) $800-$500-$400-$200-$150
Master (M/F) $800-$500-$400-$200-$150

Local (residency requirement)
Open (M/F) $400-$300-$200-$100-$75
Master (M/F) $400-$300-$200-$100-$75

Wheelchair (M/F) $250-$150-$100-$50

1st Place Age Group (M/F) $75
Age Groups 50-59, 60-69, 60-79, 80 & Over

Intercollegiate Team Competition - $10,000 - $5,000 - $2,500
The Sallie Mae Fund will provide a grant to the general scholarship fund of the top three college teams.

Top Individuals on the Intercollegiate Teams
Open (M/F), Master (M/F) 1st Place $100, 2nd $50
(Permitted to participate in the All-Comers and local purse)

There will be non-cash awards to the top age group finishers. Team awards will be given to the top all-male, all-female and mixed teams.

To VOLUNTEER for the 10K event, contact Jenny Sternberg at 703-534-4600 x-202. All volunteers will receive a Sallie Mae 10K staff t-shirt.

Full details and on-line registration are available at www.salliemae10k.org. The race hotline is 703-533-4849.

The Sallie Mae Fund is a charitable organization sponsored by Sallie Mae. The Fund achieves its mission-to increase access to a post-secondary education for America's children-by supporting programs and initiatives that help open doors to higher education, prepare families for their investment, and bridge the gap when no one else can.