The participants of Worldgate Sport and Health club's 14th annual 5K run will be raising money for Herndon's Police Citizen's Support Team, a volunteer squad.
"They helped us out, so we decided to raise money for them," said Brian Crow, director of fitness/personal training at Worldgate and also the race director.
Crow said the 5K, which will be held Sunday, Aug. 1, was first established in 1990 as an evening race, but in 1998 was renamed the "Sunrise 5k" and moved to the morning. He also said each year the race raises funds for a charitable organization through it's $25 registration fee.
"Our business is tied to Herndon and the Herndon/Dulles Chamber of Commerce," said Crow of the decision to raise money for the volunteer support team. "This way we are giving back directly to the community, as opposed to a charity based in D.C."
Crow said they specifically chose the citizen support team because the group does not get paid for their work, and each individual has to pay for their own equipment and uniforms. He added they help maintain order at the race each year, with the Herndon Festival and whenever else they are called upon, and that they deserved recognition.
The crown holder of both Miss D.C. and Miss Virginia is scheduled to kick off the event, along with radio station, HOT 99.5.
Registration is $25 and can be obtained at the Worldgate Sport and Health or on-line at www.active.com, or www.racepacket.com. Race day registration begins at 5 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. outside Worldgate Centre in-between the Starbucks and American Cafe at 13037 Worldgate Drive in Herndon.
The one mile walk/run for kids begins at 6:30 a.m. and the 5k race starts at 7 a.m. sharp. Race results can be found at www.racepacket.com.