Naval District Washington's (NDW) Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) program will establish a new Navy athletic tradition when it runs its first Navy Birthday 5 Miler on October 6th at Anacostia Park in southeast Washington, D.C.

For many years the Army and Marine Corps, with the Army 10- Miler and the Marine Corps Marathon, were the only military branches to offer a race in the National Capital Region (NCR). These races provide representation and pride to their respective services and are what inspired the establishment of a Navy race in the NCR.

Jackie D'Agostino, MWR sports coordinator, NDW Anacostia Annex, came up with the idea of the Navy 5-Miler nearly one year ago and, with the help of her staff, Navy personnel in the region will now have a race of their own - a race that is hoped to spark service pride in Navy running enthusiasts serving in the region.

"One of the reasons I'm planning this is because I think it is important that the Navy has its own identity within the running community here in Washington, D.C. There's no reason why the Navy can't put on a race that is the same caliber and has the same amount of participation as the Army and Marine Corps races in the area," said D'Agostino. "When I go to the local triathlons and 5 and 10K races, MWR puts up a Navy sports tent and establishes a Navy headquarters. I usually end up with about 20 to 40 people who walk up and ask how they can join our team and I have to tell them we don't have a team."

The race will be held each year prior to the Army 10-Miler and Marine Corps Marathon serving as a means of training people who will go on to the bigger races. This year, the Army 10-Miler will be held Oct. 24 and the Marine Corps Marathon will be held Oct. 31.

Now, in its beginning stages, the race will be a five-mile competition. Future plans for the race include moving it to the National Mall area and to increase the length of the run to at least 10 miles. The team competition will include up to six members, with the four fastest times scoring. There will also be age group competition: 19 and under; 20-24; 25-29; 30-34; 35- 39; 40-44; 45-49 and 50 and over.

Awards will be given to the top three males and females in each division.

The Navy 5-Miler is open to Navy personnel and the general public. The registration fee is $15 prior to September 24 and $20 dollars after this date. The fee includes a long- sleeve t-shirt. Contact the MWR coordinator at (202) 433-2066 for registration details.

"I hope this race will develop into an event where people from all over the country will come to participate," said D'Agostino. "We are starting a new Navy tradition and I'm proud to be a part of its foundation."

Registration for the Navy Birthday 5 Miler is Available Here