A special salute to the spirit of America will kick off this year's Spring Valley/Sumner Community 5K Classic to benefit Children's Hospital, sponsored by W.C. & A.N. Miller Companies, Washington's premier real estate services firm. Members of Children's Hospital staff will join the Miller Companies in celebrating its 90 years of service to the residents of the Metro area this year, and will, along with Miller, honor the people of our great country with a patriotic ceremony preceding the starting gun. Boy Scout Troop 8 from Bethesda will present the colors prior to the race.

"We had a wonderful experience last year, and I am delighted that we will hold it at Sumner again this year," said Edward J. "Ted" Miller, President of W.C. & A.N. Miller Companies. He went on to add: "Year after year I am filled with gratitude for the people and businesses whose efforts make this event such a success. Together we are doing a very special thing for our community."

According to Steve Twyman, race coordinator with the W.C. & A.N. Miller Companies, "The race has grown tremendously over the past decade. Last year, our inaugural race at Sumner Village was an especially successful event, which raised more than $150,000 for Children's Hospital. We have great expectations for this year."

The W.C. & A.N. Miller Companies has been the primary sponsor of the competition since its inception in 1990. The Miller Companies has long been a major benefactor for Children's Hospital, both in terms of financial and volunteer support.

In addition to the 5K race which includes team competition, the event will feature the traditional children's competition. Capital Running Company manages the race as well as timing and scoring the event. The race is one of Washington Running Report's Featured Races.

Also on hand will be Dr. Bear, mascot of Children's Hospital, along with the Baltimore Orioles mascot. Athletes of all ages, sizes and experience levels are invited to compete in the annual race, which follows a 3.1-mile course through the Sumner community of Montgomery County. The day also includes a kid's race and a fun walk. All proceeds from the Spring Valley/Sumner Community 5K Classic go to benefit Children's Hospital National Medical Center, which has been treating children for 130 years.

The 5K Race, the 12th annual competition sponsored by Miller to raise money for Children's Hospital, will be held Saturday, September 14. The race starting point will be the Shops at Sumner Place at 4701 Sangamore Rd., Bethesda, Md., with the race starting at 8:30 a.m.

Individuals wishing to register online for the race should visit www.runwashington.com or log on to the W.C. & A.N. Miller Companies website at http://5k.wcanmiller.com. Further information can also be obtained by calling (202) 895 - 2705.