From The Point of Rocks to The Pile of Stones

On Saturday, September 27, 2008 the 2nd Annual Catoctin Aqueduct Benefit 10 & 5K Run-Walk will be bringing the runners, joggers, and walkers together with the supporters of the C&O Canal National Historical Park, and the people who want to help with the restoration of the 'other' C&O Canal historic 1833 stone aqueduct in Frederick County.

The race will start at 8:30 a.m. and run along the towpath for two courses, one for 10 kilometers and just behind, another group of runners for 5 kilometers. Immediately afterwards, the 5K Fun Walk group will start. All groups will stay on the C&O Canal NHP Towpath for half of the distance, turnaround and return to the start/finish line at Point of Rocks. The 10K course will turnaround at the Catoctin Aqueduct. Race finish line officials are furnished by the Frederick Steeplechasers Running Club.

Event will be start/finish on the Towpath. Walk from the MARC lot west along the road next to the railroad, turn left at the railroad crossing to the C&O Canal NHP, follow the road west to under the Rt 15 bridge.

Entry fees are $25 per person for all entries. Entries postmarked by September 1 are guaranteed a commemorative T- shirt. Entries after that date are given a shirt first-come- first-served basis for availability. Late entries will be accepted up until 8:15 am the day of the event.

Non-cash prizes will be awarded in 6 age categories, separately for men and women. Fastest female and male special awards will be given, also the oldest and youngest running race participants.

The location of the event is on the C&O Canal's towpath at mile 48.

Directions from Frederick: west on Rt 340, south on Rt 15 to the 2nd traffic light that is just before the Potomac River Bridge. Turn left at the light, then turn right on Monroe St. next to the historic Masonic Lodge.

Directions from Leesburg: from Route 7 north on Route 15 for 11 miles, crossing the Potomac bridge and turn right at the traffic light and proceed as above. Follow signs to the race start, about 1/2 mile up river.

Parking is in the MARC lot off Monroe Street between the railroad tracks and Route 28/Clay Street.

This benefit event is to raise funds needed for the restoration of the Catoctin Aqueduct, which is expected to start this winter.

The Catoctin Aqueduct Restoration Fund, Inc. has raised enough funds from private and government sectors to allow the National Park Service to proceed with the project, but additional financial help is needed.

The Point of Rocks Ruritan Club recognized the need and offered their services to help by organizing this event. Last year with 120 participants in the 1st Catoctin Aqueduct Benefit Run Walk, more than $2,200 was donated directly to the Catoctin Aqueduct Restoration Fund, Inc.

Partnering for this year's event will again be the Point of Rocks Ruritan Club and C&O Canal National Historical Park.

Platinum Sponsor for this year is the Clevenger Corporation from Beltsville, MD. Mr. Clifton Clevenger, President, remembers riding along the towpath on one of his grandparents' ponies in the early 1960's and is glad to help this fundraiser for the Catoctin region of the C&O Canal.

Gold Sponsors includes, returning this year, Andy & Jim Mackintosh of Mackintosh Realtors-Canal Run. New Gold Sponsors are Target Sheet Metal, Inc of Gaithersburg, and Bob's Bikes of Poolesville. Supporting Silver Sponsors include: If the Shoe Fits, Beans in the Belfry, and Sovereign Bank.

Several other local businesses also have contributed prizes for the winners, including but not limited to Giant Foods, Journey Through Hallowed Ground, the Point of Rocks Ruritan Club, Catoctin Aqueduct Restoration Fund, Inc. and Wheelbase Bike Shop in Frederick, MD.

Additional sponsors are needed, including donations of part of more than 76 winning prizes. By September 1, Gold Sponsors, $500 or more, will be on the race banner. All sponsors will be include in the web site and press releases and displayed at the event and in the entry packets.

Volunteers who have signed up to help with the event include members of the Point of Rocks Ruritan Club, C&O Canal NHP Bike Patrol, POR Boy Scouts, C&O Canal Association, Lander Community Association, and other local citizens who want to be involved with the project. Additional volunteers are still needed.

As part of their community service, the Point of Rocks Ruritan Club is acting as event coordinator. The Club's 2008 history project "Catoctin to Catoctin - Path through Transportation History," is documenting key historic sites between the 1875 B&O train station at Point of Rocks and the 1833 Catoctin Aqueduct, located just over 3 miles up the Potomac River. This is the second year that this event has been organized in partnership with the C&O Canal National Historical Park to help raise restoration funds and public awareness of what was once deemed the 'most beautiful' aqueduct on the old canal towpath. The original restoration effort was spearheaded by the local grass-roots Catoctin Aqueduct Restoration Fund, Inc., a non- profit charitable organization organized as an IRS 501(c) 3 under the provisions of the 1954 Internal Revenue Code.

All entry fees will be made directly to the Catoctin Aqueduct Restoration Fund, Inc. and be fully tax-deductible.

For information on the current Adopt-a-Stone program or see how History is in your Hands: www.CatoctinAqueduct.org

Event information and entry blank can be printed from www.PointofRocks.org

Entries are $25

Pre-race registration is highly appreciated and could result in receiving a t-shirt.