The YMCA Loudoun County is busy making plans for the 18th annual Leesburg 10K & 20K races, to be held Sunday, August 13, 2006, at Market Station in downtown Leesburg. Title sponsor Harris Teeter, a high-end supermarket, is back for the second year, assuring runners a bountiful post-race brunch, with ice cream and cold drinks at the finish line.

The popular Leesburg 10K added a 20K option two years ago to serve as a well-supported long run for those runners training for a fall marathon or those who want to test their endurance and run longer than the usual 10K distance. Both races start together on Harrison Street and wind through town before turning onto the shaded W&OD Trail for an out-and-back segment.

The YMCA has added some exciting new things for the 2006 race! First, out with the old cotton T-shirts, and in with new technical Ts, with a classy race logo on the chest, left side. Second, by popular request, and to accommodate the high temperatures common to Leesburg in August, the races will begin at 7:30 am, allowing many runners to complete the course before the heat sets in for the day.

And, back this year by popular demand, a GU station will be available on the course for 20K runners, courtesy of Potomac River Running stores (located in Ashburn and Burke, VA). This will be a good opportunity for runners training for a marathon or other long-distance events to experiment with consuming an energy replacement gel while on the run.

Runners may register on-line via Active.com. The registration fee is $20 for the 10K and $30 for the 20K. On July 22, the fees increase to $25 and $35. Register early and save! On-line registrants will receive an instant confirmation of their entry. Everyone should check the List of Registered Runners to confirm that their information is complete and accurate.

Printable entry forms are also available for those who prefer to mail or fax their entries.

On-site registration and packet pick-up will be held on Friday, August 11, 2006 from 3:00 pm to 7:30 pm at the Potomac River Running store, 20630 Ashburn Rd, Ashburn, VA, and Saturday, August 12, 2006 at the Loudoun County YMCA, 6 Fairfax Street, Leesburg, VA, from noon to 4:00 pm. Race day registration and packet pick-up will be held at Market Station, 203 Harrison Street, SE, Leesburg, lower level, near the starting line from 6:15 am to 7:30 am.

Awards include the famous Leesburg 10K & 20K cow bells, valuable gift certificates, and cash. Prizes will be awarded to the fastest three overall male and female finishers in both races and to the top three male and female finishers in mostly five- year age groups. The prize structure is similar in the 10K and 20K races, with categories up to 75 & over in the 10K. The race offers a prize for the fastest Leesburg resident, male and female, at both distances. Random prizes are also awarded!

The YMCA is in need of volunteers of all ages for various assignments throughout the morning. If you are not running and want to volunteer the day of the race, please contact Amy Grabowski at (703) 777-9622 or via e-mail.

The YMCA Loudoun County Leesburg 10K/20K continues to support four additional local charities, in the tradition of the Northern Virginia Building Industry Association, the originators of the race. Some of the race net proceeds are shared with Blue Ridge Speech and Hearing, ECHO (Every Citizen Has Opportunities), Loudoun County Adult Day Center, and Loudoun Interfaith Relief, Inc., all of which provide valuable services to the community and much needed volunteers to help with the race.

Full details about the Harris Teeter presents YMCA Loudoun County Leesburg 10K & 20K race may be found on the race Web site.

Read about the 2005 10K & 20K races .

See a six-page Photo Gallery from the 2005 race.

How do you match up with the course records for the 10K or the 20K?