The running tradition continues with the 23rd Annual Sallie Mae 10K and 2K Walk/Run, sponsored by the Sallie Mae Fund; it will take place on Sunday, April 30, 2006 in West Potomac Park, Washington, DC at 8:00 a.m.

The event benefits The District of Columbia College Access Program (DC-CAP), a non- profit organization that helps local high school students to enter and graduate from college. DC-CAP, in partnership with the District of Columbia Public School system, provides counseling and financial assistance to students who might otherwise never have an opportunity to go to college.

The event is the most competitive 10K road race within the city and has hosted more than 35,000 finishers since its inception in 1984. The race is about helping others who one day in turn will help others. Help to make college a reality for local students.

The USATF certified course is flat and fast and some of the fastest time in the area has been run in West Potomac Park. It is not too late to gather your family members and friends to make the 23rd Annual Sallie Mae 10K a memorable race where you can get a personal best time.

The registration fee is $30.00 and those under the age of 18 and college students (copy of ID required) is $12. The Family 2K Walk/Run is $10.00

Registration and packet pickup:

Friday, April 28th, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., at the Northwest Sport & Health Club, 4001 Brandywine St., NW, Washington, DC, 20016 (Located near Tenleytown-AU metro stop).

Saturday, April 29th, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00.pm., Regency Sport & Health Club, 1800 Old Meadow Road, McLean, VA 22102. (Take 495 to Route 123 towards McLean, VA, turn right at the first light onto Old Meadow Road).

Sunday, April 30th, 6:30 a.m. - 7:30 a.m., PACKET PICK- UP ONLY. Race site: West Potomac Park, Washington, DC

Cash Awards: Total Purse $12, 900

All-Comers (Top 10 finishers)

Open (M/F) $500-$450-$400-$350-$300-$250-$200-$150- $100-$50 Bonus $250 - Male under 27:43, Female under 31:27 Master (M/F) $500-$450-$400-$350-$300-$250-$200-$150- $100-$50 Wheelchair (M/F) $200-$100-$50

1st Place Age Group (M/F) $50 10-Year Age Groups 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, and 80-89.

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

Event Records

Open	Tom Kyariki	          1997	27:43
		
        Asmae Leghzaoui	          2005 	31:27

Master  Pierre Levisse            1992	29:33
	
        Firaya Sultanova-Zhdanova 2003  33:12

2005 Winners

Open	Charles Kibiwot  29:36
		
        Asmae Leghzaoui	 31:27

Master  Paul Aufdemberge  30:15
		
        Laurel Park	  35:37

Full race details, parking and volunteer opportunities can be found at www.thesalliemaefund.org/10k. 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.