Capital Running Company, in conjunction with race sponsors Justice-Columbia Lodge #3 and Ameriprise Financial, will increase the prize purse for the Justice-Columbia Masonic Lodge #3 Veterans Day 10K to $4,550. For the first time, cash prizes for masters division finishers (40 & over) will be awarded to the top five male and female finishers.

The prize money for the open division will be increased and retain Capital Running Company's signature ten-deep structure. Gift certificates from Fleet Feet Adams Morgan and other stores and restaurants and merchandise prizes are awarded to the top three finishers in five-year age groups to 80 and above.

The 7th annual race, to be held Sunday, November 12 in West Potomac Park in Washington, DC, typically attracts the best and fastest runners in the region. "We're excited to have the opportunity to increase the purse this year and attract top runners to the race," said Rick Freedman of Capital Running Company. "We are pleased to be able to reward their efforts, and especially to provide cash for masters runners. The DC area has a lot of talent among older runners."

Prize money will be awarded as follows:

Open	
  1st	 $   300 
  2nd	 $   250 
  3rd	 $   200 
  4th	 $   150 
  5th	 $   100 
  6th	 $    75 
  7th	 $    50 
  8th	 $    50 
  9th	 $    50 
 10th	 $    50 
	
Masters	
  1st	 $   300 
  2nd	 $   250 
  3rd	 $   200 
  4th	 $   150 
  5th	 $   100 

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 race features ChampionChip timing, a flat, fast 10K course along the Potomac River, lively team competition, a 2.25 mile walk around the Tidal Basin (new this year!), post-race refreshments and entertainment, random prizes, and long-sleeve t-shirts to all participants.

Runners may register online now through Active.com or via paper entry form mailed or faxed to Capital Running Company. On-site registration and packet pick-up will be held Friday, November 10 and Saturday, November 11, from 11 am to 3 pm at the Old Post Office Pavilion, 12th and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC. Register now, as there is no race-day registration. As of the end of September, runners from eleven states, the District of Columbia, and Great Britain have entered.

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

See additional information about title sponsor Justice-Columbia Lodge #3.

Information on Helping Our Heroes Foundation, Inc., is available on its Web site: www.hohf.org.

Ameriprise Financial's products and services can be found here: www.ameriprise.com.

See a report of the 2005 Veterans Day 10K, with links to the Photo Gallery and results.