In an effort to help fund necessary improvements for local schools in the Dulles South area, a group of determined parents set out to launch an annual 5K race series to be held every October. The Stone Ridge 5K Race for Education, scheduled for Saturday, October 28, at 9:00 a.m., is the culmination of countless hours and time on behalf of the organizers and, not to mention, scores of volunteers, all working toward raising money to benefit Dulles South public schools.

The sheer growth of Loudoun County, coupled with the subsequent building of new schools to accommodate that growth, have inevitably created a delay in the delivery of critical elements, such as high-tech teaching equipment, athletic facilities and other necessary resources. Therefore, each year, a percentage of the proceeds from the Stone Ridge 5K Race for Education will be earmarked for a different school within the Dulles South corridor to supplement those much-needed resources.

This year, Pinebrook Elementary in Aldie has been selected as the major beneficiary with remaining funds split among Hutchison Farms and Little River Elementary Schools in South Riding as well as Mercer Middle School, Aldie and Freedom High School, South Riding. Along with the funding, each school will compete for the Stone Ridge 5K Race for Education Gold Cup, a traveling trophy awarded each year to the school with the most participation. The Gold Cup not only comes with bragging rights but an additional cash award, as well. What's more, participation includes not only students but also parents, faculty and staff members representing that school.

Through the generosity of corporate sponsors alone, already more than $20,000 has been raised; additional gift donations now total more than $11,000. Those sponsors include race title sponsor Van Metre Homes as well as Toll Brothers Inc., Winchester Homes, Greenvest L.C., Moore Hummer/Cadillac, Dulles South Business Alliance, Harris Teeter, McDonalds Corp., Cold Stone Creamery and scores of other local businesses.

The race is an event designed for first-time and seasoned runners alike. The 3.1 mile race route is U.S. Track and Field certified using ChampionChip timing technology. Chip timing entails fastening a computerized chip to participants' shoelaces to ensure fast, accurate results by giving each finisher a net time while eliminating crowds at the start line. Capital Running Company, Rockville, Md., has signed on to time and score the event, including posting the complete race results on the Washington Running Report Web site: www.runwashington.com.

The event is destined to be a Loudoun County fall classic with activities planned for the whole family. A 1K Fun Run (half miler) will begin immediately following the 5K race start at 9:05 a.m. And the race coincides with Stone Ridge Village Center's Re-Grand Opening Fall Celebration, featuring a Halloween parade, costume contest, hayrides and other fall activities.

A perfect opportunity for anyone interested in running or walking a 3.1 mile course, the Stone Ridge 5K Race for Education promises to be a day filled with fresh air, exercise and activities for all ages. Come join the fun and help raise funds for education!

The 5K race registration fee is $20 ($25 on race day). The 1K Kids Fun Run registration fee is $10. You can register yourself and your family at www.stoneridge5k.org.

Or click on the Active.com logo below to register online.

Alison Gittelman (33) of South Riding, VA on How
She Started as A Runner
"In school, I wasn't particularly good at sports, but I really wanted to be an athlete. I tried everything and was mediocre at all of it, except for running, which, of course, I hated. But I hated losing even more, so I kept at it.

"Running is a great way to challenge your self. It's not always easy, but if you keep at it you'll find it gets easier. Of course, that's when you have to up the ante and challenge yourself to run farther and faster. But before you know it, you're an addict.

"Trying to find time to run can be a bit of a juggling act. I've run at 5:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., either outside or on the treadmill in my basement. I often push my kids, ages two and four, in a baby jogger. I run regardless of the weather; it's the one thing that never gets between me and my run!

"My present motivation is running my first Marine Corps Marathon. I'm following Hal Higdon's marathon training plan; I do the shorter training runs on my own and the longer runs with a group of other marathoners. I also weight train twice a week. I'm a member of the South Riding Runners Club (SRRC) and Reston Runners.

"Running gives me a sense of freedom; it's just me and the road. Quite often I forget that I'm running and just get lost in my thoughts; those are the best runs. But I do enjoy thinking about the run itself. Running keeps me healthy and is a great way for me to start (and sometimes end) my day!

"Running a marathon is not the be-all-to-end-all. I know it's a goal for many, but there are other--perhaps more reasonable-- goals. I've been running for 22 years and only this year did I really develop a desire to run a marathon. I wonder whether people just aren't aware of all the other fun ways you can run-- 5Ks (3.1 miles), 5 milers, 10Ks, 10 milers, half marathons, trail runs, adventure runs--all great workouts without having to go 26.2 miles.

"I'd equate running a marathon to climbing Mt. Everest. No one climbs Everest before climbing smaller, more attainable mountains. You have to summit the smaller peaks first!"