Photo above is the start of last year's race.

Hundreds of runners and walkers from Northern Virginia will hit the pavement on Saturday, November 1, for Inova Fairfax Hospital for Children's third annual Star Kid 8K Run/Walk at George Mason University. Virginia Congressman Tom Davis of the 11th District will kick off the event with a few words of welcome before he joins run. Next to Washington, DC Mayor Adrian Fenty Davis is the elected official most active in the running scene. Last year's event attracted 750 runners and raised around $60,000.

WHAT:	Star Kid 8K Run/Walk		 
WHEN:	Saturday, November 1
		8:00 a.m.					
		
WHERE:	George Mason University
		4400 University Drive
		Fairfax, VA

In photo, Peter Blank has run more than five hundred races in the last three years

Proceeds from the event benefit the hospital's Pediatric Heart Program, an exceptional team of pediatric cardiovascular surgeons, pediatric cardiologists, electrophysiologists, and anesthesiologists. In 2007, this dedicated group performed nearly 325 cardiac surgical procedures on children. The Star Kid 8K Run/Walk will take place at a USATF certified 8K course though the campus of George Mason University and surrounding areas of Fairfax. Due to construction, this year's certified course will be new (slightly different)- Course VA-08044-RT . There will also be a separate Family Fun Run around Patriot Circle. Race festivities include drawings for prizes during the awards ceremony, food and refreshments. Children can meet Ronald McDonald, enjoy a moon bounce, face painting, and the antics of Mr. Funnyman the clown.

The top three male and female finishers will receive cash prizes ranging from $125 to $500. Additional prizes will be awarded to the first and second male and female winners in each of the five-year age groups, ranging from 14 & younger to 70 & older. Participants may also run as part of a team, which can include up to 10 people.

Inova Health System is a not-for-profit healthcare system based in Northern Virginia that consists of hospitals and other health services, including emergency- and urgent-care centers, home care, nursing homes, mental health and blood donor services, and wellness classes. Governed by a voluntary board of community members, Inova's mission is to improve the health of the diverse community it serves through excellence in patient care, education and research. Inova provides a healthy environment for its patients, families, visitors, staff, and physicians by prohibiting tobacco use on its campuses.

Last year Gurmessa Megerssa set the event record in 24:07.

Registration is $20, $25 on race day, and $10 for children 12 and younger. For more information, call 703-776-2235. To register online, visit Online sign-up
For all the details about the race, go to Star Kids 8K found on the Featured Race page.
See last year's Race Report