Family Health Expo - GW Parkway Classic

FAMILY HEALTH EXPO AND MEET THE OLYMPIAN

By George Banker

Alexandria, Va., April 12, 2001 - You are a progressive runner, the 5K and
10K approach. It's now time to step up to the next level, the 15K. The
timing is perfect and even if you are making the first step, the 17th annual
George Washington Parkway Classic 15K and 3rd annual 5K will be held, Sunday
April 22, 2001.

The family festivities start on Saturday, April 21, 2001, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.,
with the celebration of the 25 years which Inova Mount Vernon Hospital has
been serving the community. The FREE Family Health Expo is open to the
public and the runners. This will be the last chance to register for the
5K and 15K. There will be free activities for the entire family, health
screenings and information, participate in the ask-the-doctor booth.

"Inova Mount Vernon Hospital's mission is to serve the people of our
community. A special part of the service is to do our best to keep our
community well and fit. The George Washington Parkway Classic 15K and 5K
race turns our focus on wellness, fitness and the importance of exercise.
Our Family Health Expo the day before the race is an opportunity for the
runners and other community members to visit our hospital, get a free
health screening, talk with physicians or just pick up some information on
how to keep healthy and fit. It's a perfect match with our mission", said
Susan Herbert, administrator, Inova Mount Vernon Hospital.

There will be an opportunity to talk with local Olympian at 800 meters,
Bryan Woodward, a 1997 Georgetown graduate. Woodward started running track
at the age of 9. While at Georgetown, a two-time Penn Relay Champion.
Woodward earned his first Olympic berth with a third place finish at the
Olympic Trials (1:46.09). At the Olympics, 5th place in the 6th heat
(1:47.64). He won the 2000 U.S. Indoor Nationals in the 800 meter
(1:48.69).

Woodward gives the following advice, "Runners should have a solid and
realistic grasp as to what they are in for. It's mental, they have to
believe in what they can achieve, they have to shoot for the stars. Keep
in mind, the biggest competitor is themselves, focus on progress and when you
are ready, take it to the next level".

Additional information on the Family Health Expo, visit the website
http://www.inova.org or call 703-204-3366. The hospital is located at 2501
Parkers Lane in Alexandria off of U.S. Route 1 going South.

In person registration and packet pick up is being held through April 20th
at Pacers, 1301 King Street, Alexandria, Va., 703-836-1463.

Entry fee for the 15K is $25 until April 13th and $30 thereafter. The fee
for the 5K is $15 and $20. There is no race day registration.

The USATF certified course is a point-to-point from Alexandria to Mount
Vernon. The George Washington Memorial Parkway will be closed starting at
7:30 a.m., to all traffic. The 5K and the last four miles of the 15K will
have rolling hills with an up hill to the finish, short and sweet, don't
blink you might miss it.

Bus transportation will be provided (15K & 5K) starting at 6 a.m. until
7:15 a.m. Parking will be available at Mount Vernon High School, 8515 Old
Mount Vernon Road. There will be no parking at Mount Vernon Estates.

The 5K will start at the Fort Hunt Park exit along the Parkway and the 15K
will start near Jones Point Park Drive (Woodrow Wilson Bridge).

The awards ceremony will be abbreviated and recognition will be given to
the top finishers. The Mount Vernon Estates will be opening near the race
finish time and the roads will need to be reopened.

The George Washington Parkway Classic is presented by Verizon. The race
benefits the community through the Alexandria United Way James P. Moran
Grants and the Alexandria Olympic Boys and Girls Club. The additional
sponsors include Advanced Power Technologies, Inc., Inova Mount Vernon
Hospital, New Balance and Pacers of Old Town Alexandria.

For additional race details or to volunteer call 703-549-4447 or visit the
website http://www.BESTrace.com/gwparkwayclassic.

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