Capital Running Company is pleased to announce that one of D.C.'s oldest Masonic Lodges, Justice-Columbia Masonic Lodge #3, has signed on as title sponsor for the 2006 Veterans Day 10K. The race, to be known as the Justice-Columbia Masonic Lodge #3 Veterans Day 10K, will be held on Sunday, November 12.

"We are really excited about this partnership," said Rick Freedman, race director and owner of Capital Running Company. "It will allow us to enhance the race for the runners, bring exposure to the good works of the Masonic Lodge, and increase the donation to our charity partner."

"As any Freemason will tell you, ours is a fraternity dedicated to service in society," said Nicholas Papadopoulos, the lodge's 2006 senior officer. "It was quite clear that sponsoring this race to benefit the Helping Our Heroes Foundation was an outstanding opportunity to support a worthy cause and to help showcase Freemasonry in Washington, D.C."

The race benefits Helping Our Heroes Foundation, Inc. for the second year. The Foundation provides a way for donated funds and services to directly reach injured military personnel and a way for concerned Americans to actively support the armed forces. The role of the foundation is to provide patient advocates, identify and fund educational opportunities for the soldier, coordinate specialty counseling (financial assistance, career, housing, etc.), and assist with emergency funding needs.

The 7th annual 10K race will take place in scenic West Potomac Park in Washington, DC. It is one of the largest and most competitive 10Ks on the fall racing calendar, attracting runners from all over the metropolitan area, and from 27 states and Canada in 2005. The race features a generous awards structure with cash purse, a flat, fast course, ChampionChip timing, a lively team competition, long-sleeve t-shirts, and post-race refreshments.

Registration is available now.

Full details about the race can be found on the race Web site.

See the article about the 2005 race, with photos and award winners, and links to the Photo Gallery.

For further information about Justice-Columbia Masonic Lodge #3 and Helping Our Heroes Foundation, Inc.