Photo: The start of the 2003 Somerset Back-to-School Classic.

The 21st Annual Somerset Back-To-School Classic 8K, 2K, and Fun Runs will be held on Sunday, September 21, 2008. This event is Montgomery County's finest community race and draws more than 1,000 participants and spectators. The scenic, USATF-certified course travels along gently rolling hills in Somerset, Chevy Chase, and Friendship Heights. Participants receive a locally designed t-shirt and brunch. Register by September 12 to qualify for the grand random prize, a Giant MTX 225 24" bicycle donated by Griffin Cycle. Winners must be at least 18 years old and present at the post-race drawing. Many other random prizes will be distributed

New and Beginning Runners Page.

Registration:

Adults
8K: $20.00, after September 12 $25.00
2K: $20.00, after September 12 $25.00

8K - children 18 and younger: $15.00 all the time
Brunch and t-shirt only: $15

Click on the blue logo above to register online or access a downloadable, printable entry form HERE

Proceeds from the Back-to-School Classic help Somerset Elementary School provide scholarships for the after-school programs, build its library collections and classroom resources, and offer a rich cultural arts program. The Classic is the school's largest fundraiser. On behalf of all the students, thanks for your support!

Fun Run For Children!

The Fun Run for youth (those 11 and under) will take place at Somerset Elementary School, following the 2K race. The Fun Run is free to all youth but T-shirts must be ordered separately.

The Classic T-Shirt

Colorful t-shirts to all entrants in the 8K and 2K. Non-runners and fun runners can order T-shirts for $15 by checking the t- shirt box on the entry form. The $15 fee includes brunch.

Race Course (8K and 2K)

The starting line for both the 8K and 2K races is near the corner of Dorset Avenue and Warwick Place, just off Wisconsin Avenue in Somerset, about a mile north of the DC line. The 8K course is USATF certified (MD05026JS) with water stations and mile splits. The scenic course traverses gently rolling hills in Somerset, Chevy Chase, and Friendship Heights. Absolutely no strollers, baby-joggers, skates, or pets are permitted on the 8K course.

See the Course Map.

Packet Pick-up & On-Site Registration: Packet pick-up and on-site registration will take place at the Somerset Elementary School, 5811 Warwick Place, Chevy Chase, MD 20815 (just a few blocks from Wisconsin Avenue) on Saturday, September 20 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, and on race day from 6:30 am to 7:50 am. MapQuest.

Brunch and Awards Ceremony

A fantastic brunch, awards ceremony and random prize drawings will be held at Somerset Elementary School following the runs; it is free to all registered runners and $15 for nonregistrants (includes t-shirt). The brunch is provided by Breads Unlimited, Clayboy's Shaved Ice, Whole Foods Market, DrinkMore Water, Starbucks, & Honest Tea. Check off the box and return the entry form.

Parking

Convenient parking is available only at Saks Fifth Avenue on Wisconsin Avenue in Chevy Chase, and it's just a short walk (a few blocks) to the race. There is no parking at the actual race area.