Photo below: Glen Mays of DC won the 2003 10K in 32:02. He has since moved to Arkansas and probably won't be here to defend his title. The field is wide open!

On August 8, 2004, runners will have the option to run a little differently. The Loudoun County YMCA has announced the addition of a 20K race to the traditional 16th Annual Leesburg 10K race.

"The 20K distance isn't offered much in this area, so we wanted to shake it up a bit and give runners the option to gauge their fitness before starting fall marathon training," said Megan Descutner, race committee co-chair and YMCA Loudoun County board of directors member.

Starting at 8:15 am on Sunday, August 8, 2004, both races will kick off from Market Station on Harrison Street in downtown Leesburg. The 10K and 20K courses diverge as runners enter the W&OD Trail, with the 20K runners heading west for a five kilometer out-and-back segment. All runners will then return to Market Station to cross the finish line.

For the young runners in the group, a free kids' fun run will be held immediately after the start of the race. Kids will be able to participate in a quarter-mile race and have the opportunity to cross the official finish line and receive a medal.

Started in 1989 by the Northern Virginia Building Industry Association (NVBIA), the Leesburg 10K provided a sanctioned venue for runners and has grown from 160 runners to more than 800. The race also allowed the NVBIA to provide needed funds to a wide variety of charities that support less fortunate children and families in Loudoun County.

In 2003, the race was turned over to the YMCA Loudoun County and has continued to grow, with other Loudoun County organizations also receiving a share of the proceeds: Every Citizen Has Opportunities (ECHO); the Loudoun County Adult Respite Center; Blue Ridge Speech and Hearing; and Loudoun Interfaith Relief. The YMCA Loudoun County's share of the proceeds benefits children, families, and individuals in Loudoun County through the YMCA's financial aid and scholarship program, Building Bridges.

"The Leesburg 10/20K is not just a race," said Carolyn Ecker, race committee co-chair and YMCA Loudoun County board of directors chair. "It is an event that allows us to raise tens of thousands of dollars for children and families in Loudoun County. Because of the funds received from the race, we are able to provide even more scholarships and financial assistance to children and families in Loudoun County who would like to participate in YMCA programs but are unable to afford to do so," continued Ecker.

The race has been known for its generous post-race food and prizes, which include ice cream and engraved cow bells, as well as gift certificates to local businesses and random prizes.

On-site registration and packet pick-up will be held at the Potomac River Running store, 20630 Ashburn Road, Ashburn, from 3:00 to 7:30 pm on Friday, August 6, and at the YMCA Loudoun County offices at 6 Fairfax Street, Leesburg, on Saturday, August 7, from 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm.

The YMCA Loudoun County is also looking for local businesses to donate race prizes, gift certificates, food, items for the race packets, or financial contributions to help make the race a success. For more information about race sponsorship, volunteering to help on race day, or participating in the race, see the race Web site or contact the YMCA Loudoun County at (703) 777-9622.

See our Photo Gallery from the 2003 race!

Collectively, the nation's nearly 2,700 YMCAs make up the largest community service organization in the United States. The YMCA of Metropolitan Washington is the 15th largest YMCA in North America and the largest nonprofit provider of child care in the region. The association operates more than 20 locations in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. The association is open to people of all ages, faiths, races, and cultural backgrounds. For more information, please visit our Web site.