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<I>This Race is for the Birds</I> Features Two Trail Runs
By Peter Smith
Shepherdstown, WV
February 27, 2010
For the Washington Running Report
The Potomac Valley Audubon Society is now accepting registrations for its ninth annual "This Race is for the Birds!" run/walk event, which will be held on Saturday, April 24 on the campus of the National Conservation Training Center near Shepherdstown, WV.
The Society is expanding the event significantly this year. In past years, it was mainly focused on a simple 5K run. This year, it will feature two professionally timed races-one 4.9 miles long and another 7.7 miles long.
In the past, between 75 and 125 runners have turned out for the 5K race. With the new expanded format, the organization is expecting 250 to 300 runners to compete this year.
Registration for the two professionally timed races will be capped at 300 for both.
There will also be a self-timed 2-mile community jog/walk for families and those who prefer a slower pace and a 1-mile "Fun Run" for children under 10 years of age.
The 4.9- and 7.7-mile races will follow trails that wind through the forests and fields of the 538-acre NCTC campus.
The 2-mile jog/walk will follow a course that will be very user-friendly for families with small children, and trail-friendly baby joggers will be appropriate and encouraged.
The two races will begin at 9:00 a.m. The jog/walk will begin shortly afterwards and the children's Fun Run will be held at about 10:45 a.m.
The children's Fun Run will be free. Fees for the other portions of the event will range from $15 to $25.
All proceeds will be used to support Potomac Valley Audubon's programs for children, and all fees will be tax deductible.
To register or get more information, go to the race Web site or call 304-876-6784.
The idea to expand this annual PVAS event came from Dr. Mark Cucuzzella, a Harpers Ferry physician and PVAS member who founded and co-directed the very successful "Freedom's Run" marathon that was launched in West Virginia's Eastern Panhandle last fall.
"I applaud the PVAS for expanding the format of the race," says Dr. Cucuzzella. "The main theme here is to give a unique opportunity for all. New runners will have an opportunity to challenge themselves beyond the standard 5K on some beautiful trails. For the experienced runner, the 7.7-miler will be a real challenge and certainly worth the drive if you live anywhere within a couple hours of here. You will lose track of time and distance on the NCTC campus's beautiful trails, which are rarely open to the public."