D.C. public high school students received support to achieve their college dreams from more than 2,000 runners and walkers on Sunday, April 30, 2006. Sponsored by The Sallie Mae Fund, the 23rd annual Sallie Mae 10K Run and 2K Walk benefits the DC College Access Program (DC-CAP), a non-profit organization that provides college scholarships and helps local high school students plan and prepare for higher education.

As one of the region's most popular road races, it drew a competitive field of local and international runners. The top male and female finishers from this year's race were Julius Kibet from West Chester, PA and with a time of 28:51 and Lineth Chepkurui from Chapel Hill, NC with a time of 33:02.

Through sponsorships and race proceeds, The Sallie Mae Fund was able to donate $250,000 to DC-CAP. Since 2000, The Sallie Mae Fund has raised more than $1.3 million for this worthy organization.

"DC-CAP is grateful to The Sallie Mae Fund for its longstanding commitment to helping local students pursue a college education," said Argelia Rodriguez, executive director, DC- CAP. "The proceeds from this year's race will make a direct and substantial impact on the number of under-served students we see enrolling in college."

By providing counseling and financial aid assistance for the thousands of students who might otherwise never have the chance to attend college, DC-CAP gives them a realistic opportunity. As of 2006, 64 percent of D.C. public high school students are enrolling in college. In 1999, when the DC-CAP first started, at the time less than 55 percent of the D.C. public high school freshman were earning a high school diploma, and the number of students who would pursue any type of post-secondary education was only one third of that.

"We are proud to be in our 23rd year of giving back to the community through the Sallie Mae 10K," said Kathleen Delaski, president, The Sallie Mae Fund. "A college education is one of the best investments anyone can ever make, and we are pleased that race proceeds allow DC-CAP to make the dream of going to college a reality for more District students."

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 students-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.

Race Day Report for 2006
Full Race Day Results