The 23rd running of the George Washington Parkway Classic, regarded as one of the most beautiful races on the East Coast, the George Washington Parkway Classic is a local and regional favorite for its original course, limited field size, and hometown support.

The tradition continued with the start of a new era. The George Washington Parkway Classic closed the 17 year era of the 15K. The race began in 1985 as a 15 kilometer (9.3 mile) road race that began at Mount Vernon Estate and finished near the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. Due in part to construction to the bridge, the race was lengthened to a 10 miler in 2002 and now finishes in Old Town, Alexandria. In 1999, the race added a five kilometer race starting at Belle Haven Park and finishing in Oronoco Bay Park.

Today, there are two distinct starts at 8:00 AM with both races finishing in Oronoco Bay Park. This event is a point-to-point race with start lines for the 5K and 10 mile at Belle Haven Park and Mt. Vernon Estate, respectively. Do not attempt to park or to be dropped off at Belle Haven or at Mt. Vernon Estate as there will be no parking available and the access roads and GW Parkway will be closed for an extended period of time prior to the event. Transportation from the finish line to each start line is provided by the race

Transportation to Start Lines: Beginning at 6:00 am, free bus transportation will be provided from the 700 block of North Fairfax Street to both the 5K and 10 mile start lines.

In 2000, the 5K record was set in a scintillating battle between masters runner John Tuttle (14:48.4) and winner Philippe Rolly (14:47.4). The 15K records are cloaked in mystery. In 2001, Julius Nderitu blazed a 44:42. The year before Mark Donahue was the top master in 46:24.

New for 2007

1. New Balance technical race tees for all registrants.


2. Celebrity guest speaker and an expanded packet pick up.


3. $400 course record bonus for any individual breaking the open 10 mile course record (first place only).


4. Deeper age group awards (three deep) .


5. Break your PR challenge for five lucky GW Parkway enthusiasts!


6. Bonus! Sign up for our new Battle of the Boulevard 10K and the GW Parkway Classic and receive a Pacers Running Stores technical hat!

"Break your PR" Pacers/New Balance Challenge
Pacers and New Balance are looking for five runners who are willing to share their stories about how running has shaped their lives. Individuals interested in participating in the challenge should submit an essay (no longer than 500 words) that describes how running has shaped his/her life and personal record for any 10 mile race (note: personal records older than 10 years will be age-graded). All walks of life encouraged to submit for the challenge! Applications are due by February 10, 2007 to events@runpacers.com. Winners will be announced February 15.

Questions regarding the PR program should be directed to Kathy Dalby at 703-836-1463 All essays submitted become the property of the George Washington Parkway Classic and may be published. Winners of the PR challenge must agree to the posting of their story and picture to the George Washington Parkway Classic and other promotional materials. Good luck!

Individuals selected for the challenge will:

1. Receive a personal training program for the 10 mile from Pacers .


2. Receive a free entry to the 2007 George Washington Parkway Classic 10 miler .


3. Be outfitted in Pacers/New Balance gear for the race and identified as a PR challenger on course .


4. Have their story posted on the website along with updates on training progress.

If his/her PR is broken:

1. Receive a years worth of free New Balance shoes (two pairs) .


2. George Washington Parkway Classic commemorative jacket


3. The satisfaction of breaking his/her PR!

Awards

New this year! Break the course record and receive a $400 bonus!

Applicable to the first place male and female only in the 10 
mile.
Top runners in the 10 mile will receive cash prizes of:
 
Open (M/F): $500-$300-$150 

Masters (M/F): $300-$200-$100
 
W/C (M/F): $75 

Top runners in the 5K will receive: 

Open (M/F): $150-$100-$75
 
Masters (M/F): $150
 
W/C (M/F): $25
 


10 Mile Open Men: Jynocel Basweti, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 
48:54 (2006)


10 Mile Open Women: Mary Kate Bailey, Arlington, Virginia 56:24 
(2006) 


Merchandise distributed to male/female winners in the following 
age group divisions in the 5K and 10 Mile (three deep): 


19 & Under
20-29
30-39
40-44
45-49
50-54
55-59
60-64
65-69
70-74
75-79
80-84 
85 & over
No duplicate awards.

George Washington Parkway Classic