Looking for a last real tune up before the fall marathons? The D.C. Road Runners Club (DCRRC) will host the 13th Annual National Capital 5 Miler and the 19th Annual National Capital 20 Miler events on Sunday, September 29, 2002. The start time for the 20 Miler is 7:30 AM and the 5 Miler 8:00 AM. Since 1984, the race has grown in popularity, the number of runners, and in quality. Some say it is the best race for the price. To comply with Park Service regulations, the race size is limited and early registration is recommended. There will be no exceptions once the limit has been reached.

The USATF certified course (VA-01022-RT) starts and finishes at the Carl Sandburg Middle School at 8400 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria, Va. There will be a couple of miles through the surrounding neighborhoods and then onto the Mount Vernon bike path. The course will go toward Mount Vernon; this section has rolling hills with a demanding hill up to Mount Vernon. The course turns and goes back below Belle Haven Marina, this segment will having rolling hills until you cross over the Stone Bridge. There will be a loop back over the same section of the path to the school.

During the entire race the bike path will be open to people on Rollerblades, hikers, bikers, and other runners. Your good judgment and courtesy is requested to yield the right of way when appropriate. The Club has enjoyed a good working relationship with the Park Service and the police jurisdictions. Let's keep it that way.

The race event records (20 Miler) have held up over time. The open male record was set in 1992 by Jim Hage at 1:48:23; the female record was set in 1988 by Jane Welzel at 2:02:32. The masters record was set in 1989 by Bennett Beach at 1:54:52; and the female masters record was set in 1990 by Rose Malloy at 2:08:00.

The records for the 5 Miler: open male set in 1997 by Matt Dean at 26:58, and female set in 1999 by Fiona Branton at 31:05. The masters records were set in 1993 by Ken Shipp at 29:04, and by Fiona Branton in 1999 at 31:05.

Ken Shipp of Great Falls, Va., has won six masters title along with the event record from '91-'95 and '99.

The have been several multiple year winners: open males, Jim Hage ('86-1:49:56, '90-1:49:14, '92-1:48:23 ER, '93-1:50:22, '95- 1:50:57), Dominique DaLuz ('91-1:52:11, '94-1:55:45), and Michael Harrison ('97-1:51:09, '98-1:59:29).

The open females: Pat O'Brien ('86-2:16:31, '87-2:13:50), Rose Malloy ('89-2:10:11, '90-2:08:00 ER, '92-2:10:43), Bea Marie Altieri ('96-2:12:03, '98-2:14:01, '99-2:08:22).

The masters winners: Edward Doheny ('87-2:00:56, '88-2:01:54), Bennett Beach ('89-1:54:52 ER, '91-1:55:45, '94-1:59:45), Anthony Basile ('99-1:59:14, '01-1:59:50), Steven Ward ('97- 1:56:17, '00-2:10:06). The females: Rose Malloy ('89- 2:10:11, '90-2:08:00 ER, '92-2:10:43), Betty Blank ('93- 2:26:40, '95-2:25:44, '97-2:27:19), Sandra Adams ('98- 2:37:53, '00-2:34:39).

Pat O'Brien and Rose Malloy are the only winners to hold titles in the open and masters divisions.

All race details can be found at www.dcroadrunners.org or call the race hotline at (703) 241-0395. To volunteer for the events, arrive by 7:00 AM on race morning. The post race refreshments will be supplied by the famous pizza from Bugsy's of Old Town Alexandria, a long- standing supporter of the race.

The top five males and females in the 20 Miler will be running for gift certifications from Fleet Feet of Adams Morgan ($100- $75-$50,$25,$25). The first masters (M/F) will receive $75 gift certificates. Fleet Feet has been another long-standing supporter of many of the DCRRC events.

Packet pick-up will be held on Saturday, September 28th at Pacers, 1301 King Street, Old Town, Va., 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM. On race day at the school from 6:00 AM to 7:15 AM.

To learn more and to join DCRRC, visit the website. There are races conducted throughout the entire year and around the area.