The most competitive 5K in Northern Virginia will return Sunday, September 18, 2005. The 6th PVI Runfest 5K starts at 8:00 AM, and finishes at Paul VI High School. . The race has international appeal to compliment the local runners. The shape of the Northern Virginia running community has been taken to a new level. The top open and masters runners will be going for their share of the $4,250 in prize money.

The race this year is a tribute to Lance Corporal Nicholas Kirven, U.S. Marine Corps. He was killed in a firefight May 8, 2005 in an area called Alishang about 60 miles east of Kabul in Afghanistan. He was a squad leader assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. His service awards include the Bronze Star with combat distinguishing device, Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. Semper Fi.

He lived by the Corps enduring core values: Honor, Courage and Commitment. He was a son, a brother, and friend to many of Paul VI High School.

Entry fee is $20 until September 8, 2005. The fee is $25 and students (12th grade and lower) $10.

Packet pick-up will be held on Friday, 4:00 - 8:00 PM, September 16th at Metro Run & Walk, 7516 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA (703-790-3338).

Late registration will be held Saturday, 12:00 - 6:00 PM, September 17th at Paul VI Catholic High School, 10675 Fairfax Boulevard (Route 50, formerly Lee Highway), Fairfax, VA (703-352- 0925). Race Day entry fee will be $30.

Returning: Pasta Dinner provided by Ruby Tuesday will be held Saturday, 6:00-8:00 PM at Paul VI High School. The cost is $10 and there will be prizes and raffles and a guest speaker.

Directions: Take Beltway to I-66 West; Exit Route 123 South; Turn right on Fairfax Blvd., (Route50, formerly Lee Highway), left at High School (Oak Street). There will be plenty of free parking.

New: Race website is www.pvirunfest.com. Register on-line.

New: Race day photographer will be MyRaceDay.Com . On race day be sure that your race number is affixed to the front of your running shirt and it is visible. The photographers will usually be available within a couple of weeks to purchase on- line. Bring the smiles!

New: Race day scoring and results to be provided by Montgomery County Road Runners Club.

Awards: The top 5 male and female overall will receive cash awards plus a bonus for event record. The top 5 male and female masters will receive cash awards. The top 3 in age groups will be in five-year increments. All registered runners will receive cool T-shirts.

The event records are: Open: Mohammed Amyn 13:54 (2003), Atalelech Ketema 16:21 (2004). Master: John Tuttle 15:38 (2001), Maria Spinnler 18:35 (2003).

Come out and run with the best and leave the rest. This event offers variety with that community appeal and you bring the family and friends and co-workers. This should be your 5K of choice. There will be lots of random prizes open to all participants.

For additional race details and to register on-line visit www.pvirunfest.com or call 703-675-6782.

The PVI Runfest is sponsored by Clarke-Hook Corporation, Metro Run and Walk, DCACCESS, Marriott, Merrill Lynch and Nike, along with United Bank, Pohanka, Signs Plus, INTERPUNK.com, The Business Bank, Bishopp Realty, Inc., Panera Bread, Cyron & Miller and Commonwealth Commercial, Inc., Walsh, Colucci, Lubeley, Emrich & Terpak and others.