On August 29, 2005 Hurricane Katrina hit the city of New Orleans with winds up to 175 miles per hour and claimed more than 1,300 lives. The property damage was in the million of dollars as 80 percent of the city was under water. In an outreach effort Pacers Running Store in Old Town along with political consultant James Carville launched The Gulf Coast Relief 5K Run on September 17, 2005. The response was overwhelming by the community as 3,279 finishers flooded the streets of Old Town Alexandria. The bottom line over $124,000 for the American Red Cross Hurricane Relief Fund was raised.

The second annual Gulf Coast Relief 5K Run/Walk is scheduled for Saturday, September 30, 2006, 9:00 am in Old Town Alexandria, VA, starting and finishing at Oronoco Bay Park (700 North Fairfax Street).

The beneficiaries are the Disaster Services of the Alexandria Chapter of the American Red Cross and Friends of New Orleans charities. The funds will assist in the rebuilding of the Gulf Coast region, but they will also help the Alexandria Red Cross prepare for, prevent, and respond to disasters in Alexandria.

"We want to continue the race because the attention is less and we want to try and get it back in the minds of the people. The need in New Orleans is just as great and they will need money for a long time. I was talking with James Carville and the infrastructure is not where it should be. We want to continue this for years to come," stated Chris Farley of Pacers Running Stores.

The race will limit registrations to 2,000 of which 400 entries are available. Registrations are being accepted on line. Entry fee through September 29th is $30 and limited race day registration is $35.

Packet pick-up will be Thursday, September 28th and Friday, September 29th at Pacers, 1301 King Street, and Old Town Alexandria from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. Race day packet pick-up will be 7:00 am to 8:45 am at Oronoco Bay Park.

The NEW team competition this year will be the Roll Call Challenge:

Congressional division: Congressional teams may consist of staff from congressional offices, a state delegation.

Agency staff division: Administration teams may consist of staff from any agency.

Private Sector division: May consist of any staff from any private sector firms, trade associations, or businesses.

The top four will score from each team will score with a minimum of female. Teams must be entered and rosters must be completed by Friday, September 29th at 8:00 pm. No changes or additions will be allowed race day.

Individual awards (gift certificates) will be presented to the
 top three males and females and the first place male and female master.

Age group awards (gift certificates) will be in 10-year age groups.
2005 
Male 
1. Michael Wardian		15:48*		Arlington, VA (Team Pacers / Brooks)
2. Frank Sprtel			16:23		Takoma Park, MD
3. Rich Pica			16:43		Fort Washington, MD
Females
1. Mary Kate Bailey		17:26*		Arlington, VA 
2. Genevieve Kiley		17:57		Arlington, VA
3. Dawn Cromer		        18:04		Charlottesville, VA

For more information visit the Web site or contact Denise at or at 703-836-1463.

To volunteer, contact Kristen Wyckoff at kvwyckoff@aol.com. Sponsorship opportunities contact Kathy Dalby at Kathy@runpacers.com or at 202-297-6044.

The Gulf Coast Relief 5K run/Walk is sponsored by Pacers Running Stores, Mizuno OSA, Roll Call Newspaper, PhRMA, James Carville and Mary Matalin, Keany Produce, DC Access and Great Harvest Bread Company of Alexandria.