The second annual Potomac River Running Twilight Festival 4- Miler will kick off this Saturday, June 23, at a new course in Ashburn, Virginia. The new location, near the Ashburn Gold's Gym, allows for a fast, two-looped course that will be runner and spectator friendly. The race will be followed by a post- race festival featuring live music, food, and beer.

"Last year's race was affiliated with the Old Dominion Beer Festival, but this year that event is not taking place," said Race Director Ray Pugsley. "We took the opportunity to develop a new partnership with Merritt Properities, Gold's Gym, and some other great sponsors and moved the race location." By making this change, the race also moves to Saturday evening, making it a more attractive family event.

The evening race format gives runners, walkers, and their families a chance to spend an evening out together, participating in the race and the enjoying the festival, which will include live music from classic rock band, The Sock Monkeys, finish line food provided by Harris Teeter, hot food from Red Hot & Blue, ice cream, and beer provided by Anheuser- Busch, as well as a moon bounce and other family activities.

The race's generous prize structure will produce some great competition at all levels. "Cash prizes for the overall and masters winners were funded by a contribution from Washington Consulting. These awards, as well as merchandise age-group awards and many random prizes, should make for some fast times and an exciting awards ceremony at the festival," stated Pugsley.

The race benefits the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, as well as the Potomac River Running Award for Excellence Scholarship Fund, which funds scholarships awarded annually to area High School Cross Country and Track & Field athletes, based on criteria including sportsmanship, work ethic, and team contribution. "We are excited to raise funds for these two great causes," said Pugsley. "The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team in Training Programs provide a great opportunity for new runners and walkers to get involved with the sport while raising funds for cancer research, and we believe strongly in the organization's mission." He further commented, "the Award for Excellence is a way for us to recognize athletes who contribute both on and off the track, recognizing leadership and work ethic, not just talent. We are excited to award the first two scholarships this year."

High school teams qualify to nominate athletes for the scholarship fund by participating in the High School Team Registration Challenge. Anyone registering for the race can "affiliate" with their area team by listing themselves as "running as part of the HS Team Registration Challenge" - area teams are challenged to recruit participants and runners are encouraged to support their local team. "Every entrant can and should affilitate his/her entry with a local high school," Pugsley pointed out, "it's a great way to support running at its grass roots."

More details and a link to online registration, which closes at 11 AM on Friday, June 22, can be found on the race Web site.

In-person registration and packet pickup will be available at Potomac River Running's Ashburn location at 20630 Ashburn Road on Friday from 4 to 8 PM. Race day registration is available at the race site (20099 Ashbrook Place) on Saturday, June 23 from 5 to 6:15 PM. All entry fees include a technical moisture-transfer t-shirt, free meal from Red Hot & Blue, and free beer for of-age participants. Spectators may purchase food and drink as well.