This year's race is guaranteed to be fun for the whole family. Our 8K route winds through the neighborhoods around the Fairfax County Government Center and is held in conjunction with the 28th annual Celebrate Fairfax Festival. The race starts and ends on the Fair grounds. Whether you run the race or just cheer on the runners, please stay to enjoy the sights and sounds of the festival. It will be an unforgettable day for the entire family particularly if everyone participates.

Alternative House put on a great 10K race in the Town of Vienna for nine years (the CapitalOne Toucan 10K). In 2006 the race moved to Fairfax and was a 5K, but we missed the mid-distance race. Last year was the first year as a 8K called Capital One Celebrate Children & Youth 8K.

The new name is the Rock the House 8K

The 8K race entry fee is $22; $27 after June 4.

Register on-line here. Or print this entry form and send a check payable to "Alternative House" to Rock the House 8K, 13710 Ashby Road, Rockville, MD 20853-2903. Or fax credit card entries to (301) 871-0006 before 6:00 PM on June 4.

List of Registered Runners

The ChronoTrack race timing system will be used. In-person registration and packet pick-up will be available at Dick's Sporting Goods at 12501 Fair Lakes Circle, Fairfax, VA 22033 on Friday, June 5 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm.

On Sunday morning, there will be packet pick-up and late registration starting at 7:00 am near the start line.

Awards & Age Groups:

Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three male finishers and top three female finishers: $100 first place; $75 second place; $50 third place.

Prizes such as running store gift certificates, gift baskets, and entertainment tickets will be awarded to the top male and female finishers in each age category: 19 and under; 20-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60-69; 70-79; 80 and over.

Random prize drawings for all runners. You must be present to win!

Directions: From the Beltway, take I-66 westbound, exit onto Lee-Jackson Memorial Highway/US 50 headed east toward Fairfax (exit 57A). Keep right at the fork and continue on US 50 east. Turn right onto Waples Mill Road. Turn right onto Lee Highway/US 29 south. Turn right onto Monument Drive. Turn left onto Government Center Parkway. Parking is available in the garage of the Herrity and Penino Buildings, just past the main Government Center to the left. The start and finish is on the main Government Center grounds, which are to the right. It is an easy walk from the parking garage to the race site.

See the course map.

Race History
2008 Post-Race Report: Follow this link to read the Race Day Report from the Washington Running Report.

2008 Photo Gallery:Check out all three pages of the Gallery Photos from June 08, 2008.

2007 Post-Race Report: Follow this link to read the Race Day Report from the Washington Running Report.

2007 Photo Gallery:Check out all three pages of the Gallery Photos from June 10, 2007.

2006 Post-Race Report: More than 200 community members came out to support Alternative House at the 10th annual Capital One 5K Race for Children & Youth (formerly Toucan 10K). Congressman Tom Davis, the honorary chair, and Delegate Steve Shannon ran the race and were joined at the awards ceremony by Jeannemarie Devolites Davis. "The 2006 race was a true family event," said Executive Director Judith Dittman. "Runners ranging from seven to 72 years old came out to run the race and support Alternative House. Participants included parents and children running together, seasoned runners, and those running a race for the first time. The pack was made up of friends and families alike who all came out to have a good time, and support a good cause."

2006 Post-Race Report: Follow this link to read the Race Day Report from the Washington Running Report.

2006 Photo Gallery:Check out all four pages of the Gallery Photos from June 11, 2006.

2005 Post-Race Report: More than 300 community members came out to support Alternative House at the 9th annual Capital One 10K Race for Children & Youth (formerly Toucan 10K). Congressman Tom Davis, the honorary chair, and Delegate Steve Shannon ran the race and were joined at the awards ceremony by Jeannemarie Devolites Davis and Vienna Mayor Jane Seeman.

"This year we had runners from 12 years old all the way to 82 years old--a 60 year span! It shows how fun this event is for people of all ages--runners and spectators alike. We are so appreciative of all the support from the community," said Executive Director Judith Dittman.

Photo below: 2005 winner David Kent (33) of Arlington, VA finishing the 10K in 37:21.

Second photo: 2005 winner Julie Monticello (31) of Arlington VA finishing her 10K in 41:36.

Race results from 1997 to 2005 as a 10K race, 2006 as a 5K, 2007 as 8K
Race History

Records from 1997 to 2005 as a 10K race
Course Records

Alternative House.
Celebrate Fairfax Fair.

If you are a new or beginning runner, check out the compilation of articles and training tips especially for you! New and Beginning Runners Section.

See our tips for training for an 8K!