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The Exodus 5K Walk/Run: Winner of the Next GREAT Idea Contest
By Allison Goldstein
Washington, DC
February 17, 2012
For the Washington Running Report
This past October, Sixth & I’s “Next Great Idea for the New Year” contest returned. The contest, which gave birth to the Sixth & Rye food truck last year, is an annual call for Washingtonians to suggest things that they wish to see implemented by Sixth & I. After sifting through hundreds of submissions, the contest’s review committee came across an idea that would bridge Jewish history with the pace of modern, secular life.
More than 3,000 years ago, Moses led the Israelites, newly freed from slavery, away from ancient Egypt and through the Red Sea. The winning idea, The Exodus 5K Walk/Run, will bring Passover from the parting of the sea to a timely modern day movement when participants take to the course in Rock Creek Park.
On Sunday, March 25 at 8:00 a.m. (check-in begins at 7:00 a.m.) the Exodus 5K Walk/Run in Rock Creek Park begins at Picnic Grove #24, off of Stage Road. The morning will offer exercise, music, raffles, prizes, snacks (we promise no gefilte fish), and a contagious energy that even four cups of wine could not replicate.
The week before Passover marks the last few days for Jews to enjoy the leavened foods that are restricted during the eight-day holiday. So, we encourage participants to view The Exodus 5K Walk/Run as an opportunity to get rid of chametz -- clean out cabinets in anticipation of Passover and bring non-perishable food items for donation. Everything you do not use for pre-race carbo-loading can be collected the morning of the race.
This food, along with a portion of the proceeds from The Exodus 5K Walk/Run, will go to Miriam’s Kitchen. Monthly, Sixth & I volunteers partake in Challah Back, a program in which volunteers bake challah to be donated to the organization. We are sticking to our tradition of giving bread to Miriam’s Kitchen with donations we receive from participants.
Wendy Rubin, winner of the 2012 Next GREAT Idea contest, said of her inspiration behind The Exodus, “Sixth & I puts together so many great events and I thought a race would be a fun way to bring together the community around Passover and help a wonderful organization at the same time."
Participants must register online at www.sixthandi.org. The cost of The Exodus 5K Walk/Run is $20 before Thursday, March 1 and $25 from Friday, March 2 - Friday, March 23. Registration closes Friday, March 23 at noon. Cost includes entry into the walk/run, raffle tickets, and a t-shirt. Teams are encouraged. Prizes will be awarded to 1st and 2nd place male and female runners, as well as best costume.
Both WMATA S2 and S4 bus lines begin running as early as three hours before the run/walk on the day of the event. Both lines stop at 16th Street and Colorado Ave, NW near the Carter Barron Amphitheater. This is the best way to get to the race location using public transportation.