You're a runner. What are you most likely to do on New Year's Day? That's right--go for a run. If you can find a good race and join hundreds of other like-minded, fitness-oriented people for a run through the beautiful rural countryside, all the better. Then, go inside a warm gym and enjoy hot chocolate, abundant food, and a chance to win awards and random prizes while you chat with friends. There is no better way to start the New Year.

That is the premise behind the Rotary Resolution 10K Adventure Run on New Year's Day in Leesburg, VA. Founded by the Leesburg Rotary Club in 1998, the race has become one of the fastest growing races in the region, almost doubling in size in 1999.

George Probst (25) of Blacksburg, VA, covered the mostly off-road course in a blazing 32:55, outdistancing second-place finisher David McCormack (37) of Saudi Arabia by over a minute and a half. Ryan Donahue (20) of Centreville, VA, was third in 35:23.

In the women's race, Suzanne Scoggin (35) of Reston, VA won in 40:44, just six seconds ahead of Barbara Wigle (32) of Centreville. Clara Poffenberger (34) of Fairfax, VA took third place in 43:55.

The race starts and finishes on a grassy hilltop in Ida Lee Park just north of Leesburg on Rt. 15. Much of the course is on grass and dirt and gravel roads, and it winds through scenic Morven Park, which is off-limits to runners most of the year.

The race also features a 2K fun run/walk. Ida Lee Park has a swimming pool and gymnasium, which provides a warm indoor area for race registration and the post-race brunch and awards ceremony. The swimming pool has a locker room and runners are welcome to shower and change after the run.

In addition to awards three deep overall and two deep in the age groups, this race features special awards categories. There were prizes for the first male and female finishers in the fun run (the John R. Diedrich Award), the first Leesburg resident in the 10K, the first Rotarian in the 10K, the youngest and oldest participants, and the participant who came the greatest distance. Add all of that to the sweatshirts and finishers' medals for everyone, and you've got a great way to start the New Year!