Birhanu Wukaw takes an early lead ahead of Zereu Kelele which he never lost in last year's event.

Now in its eighteenth year, the Lawyers Have Heart 10K (LHH) has earned a reputation as a Washington, DC tradition. Every year, it brings together top law firms and their vendors, elite athletes, runners, and walkers -- of all levels of experience -- to raise awareness of heart disease and stroke. During the last decade, Lawyers Have Heart has raised more than $4.3 million to benefit the American Heart Association to further its mission of building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. The race falls on June 14 and begins and ends at the Washington Harbour at Georgetown in the District.

This year the event staff aims to have the largest running field yet, topping the more than 4,000 runners and walkers who hit the streets last year. The race runs along the Potomac, through Georgetown, and past historic sites. Race day events include the 10K run, which kicks of at 8:00 a.m., the Fun Walk at 8:05 a.m. and the Finish Line Festival at the Washington Harbour. Following the race, runners and spectators can enjoy refreshments, music, giveaways, and prizes provided by friends and sponsors of Lawyers Have Heart. To register and for more information on the event, runners can visit: Lawyers Have Heart - Register.

"The support of the legal community continues to grow each year, proving this industry truly does have tremendous heart," said Patty Burke, Race Director. "We have a number of challenges built into this race for '08 and are adding a law school component. Which school will have the most participation of students and alumni? Stay tuned to find out!"

Though runners are encouraged to raise funds for the American Heart Association, it is not a requirement. "I love this race because not only does it provide a challenge, it allows me to help my community by supporting the American Heart Association," commented LHH Female Masters Record Holder, Alisa Harvey. Since 1997 The American Heart Association's Mid Atlantic Affiliate has awarded more than $69.7 million to local researchers, thanks in part to events like Lawyers Have Heart 10K. The LLH Web site offers an easy way for individuals or teams to raise funds.

Last year's open winners were Birhanu Wukaw with a blistering 31:18 and Vanessa Hunter with 36:05. Local superstar Alisa Harvey was the Masters Female winner with a time of 37:23. Masters Male went to Doug Bloor of Charlottesville, VA with time of 37:33. Tim Reel from Boston, MA won the prize for largest individual fundraiser - raising more than $5,000 in honor of his cousin who received a heart transplant. The Firm with the Biggest Heart Honor went to Dow Lohnes for the 10th year in a row. Akin Gump ran away with the Team With The Biggest Heart prize recruiting more than 200 participants for the race.

About Lawyers Have Heart
Lawyers Have Heart (LHH) was founded over seventeen years ago by two Washington lawyers: Richard Frank, Founder and Senior Principal of Olsson Frank Weeda Terman Bode Matz PC; and Alan Raul, Partner at Sidley Austin LLP. During the last decade, LHH has raised more than $4.3 million to benefit the American Heart Association (AHA). Please visit the Lawyers Have Heart web site.

About the American Heart Association
Founded in 1924, the American Heart Association today is the nation's oldest and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to building healthier lives, free of heart disease and stroke. These diseases, America's No. 1 and No. 3 killers, and all other cardiovascular diseases claim nearly 870,000 lives a year. In fiscal year 2006-07 the association invested more than $554 million in research, professional and public education, advocacy and community service programs to help all Americans live longer, healthier lives. To learn more, call 1- 800-AHA-USA1 or visit American Heart Association.

About the American Stroke Association
The goal of the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, is to reduce disability and death from stroke through research, education and advocacy. In its 2006-07 fiscal year, the association invested more than $152 million to fight stroke. To learn more, call 1-888-4STROKE or visit American Stroke Association.

Last year's Race Report with a Photo Gallery.