Two-time Olympian Meredith Rainey Valmon --America's top ranked female 800-meter runner during most of the 1990s with a personal best of 1:57.04-- will be the honorary starter for the 2nd annual MCRRC Firebirds Mile on Thursday, April 15, at Gaithersburg High School.

The Firebirds Mile is a track event for both adult and youth runners that brings together the forces of the Montgomery County Road Runners Club and the Gaithersburg Firebirds Youth Track Club.

"We're delighted to have Meredith as this year's Honorary Starter," said co-race director Marty Horan. "She is a great role model who has excelled both in athletics and academics. Since joining Montgomery Road Runners Club last year, she has also been a great supporter of our programs. She recognizes the importance of the friendships and support that a club like MCRRC can provide for all its members--from fun runners and walkers to Olympians--and also how important it is to give back to the club by volunteering for club events like this one."

The Firebirds Mile will be held in approximately 8 heats, starting with the slowest runners and progressing to the fastest runners. The mile event is also designated as an MCRRC Junior Participation Series event. In the inaugural event, participants ranged from age 6 to age 84 and finishers' times ranged from 17 minutes to 5 minutes. Runners of all ages and paces are welcome to participate!

Heat 1 will start promptly at 7:00 PM followed by the other heats in sequential order. A 1/4 mile Children's Fun Run will begin at 6:45 PM.

Registration is race day only, beginning at 6:00 PM. If you are a member of MCRRC or the Gaithersburg Firebirds on race-day you can run this race for FREE. If you are not yet a member, the registration fee is only $5.

For additional information about the race, or to join MCRRC and run the race free of charge, visit http://www.mcrrc.org or contact co-race directors Marty Horan (301-240-2623, marty_horan@yahoo.com) or Gene Neal (240-793-2614).