Metro Run and Walk 5K For Women

Metro Run and Walk 5K For Women
By George Banker

Falls Church, Va., May 2, 2001 - Now, in it's second year, the Metro Run
and Walk 5K for Women, formerly the Fleet Feet Festival has gained
acceptance, the race is limited to 2,000. This year's event is scheduled
for Mother's Day, Sunday, May 13, 2001. The three loop course is ideal for
spectators, the start and finish is on International Drive (in front of
Saks Fifth Avenue), at Tysons Galleria, Tyson Corners, Va.

The elite race starts at 8:00 a.m., the general race starts at 8:30 a.m.
The open race is for women of all ages, fitness levels and experiences.
It's a fitting way to start the day off with fitness as mothers, daughters
and grandmothers join in this running event. Each running as individuals
and pulling together as a team.

"My dream for the race is that women around the area would look forward to
it each year, and that each year, women who had previously been sedentary,
would be drawn to the event by the positive experience of friends,
coworkers and relatives", said Lea Gallardo, owner Metro Run & Walk.

Last year the event records were set, the elite race was won by Firaya
Sultanova-Zhdanova of Russia (Rockville, Md.) in 16:43. The first master,
Joan Benoit-Samuelson of Portland, Me. In 17:37.

The open race was won by Monika Bracken of Comus, Md., in 19:51. Betty
Blank of Falls Church, Va., was the first master in 20:13.

CASH PRIZES ELITE RACE- TOTAL PURSE $2,500

1.         $1,000.00
2.         $ 600.00
3.         $ 400.00
4.         $ 300.00
5.         $ 200.00

Merchandise awards will be presented to the top five finishers in the open
5K.

A $5,000 donation to be made to Special Love, a non-profit organization
that provides cancer families a network of support, made up of other
patients and families who know and understand the trials and triumphs of
the cancer experiences. For additional information visit their website at
http://www.speciallove.com.

Race registration is $20. For applications and information, call
301-371-0400. On-line registration available at www.metrorunwalk.com. In
person registration at the following locations through May 12, 2001:

          7516 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, Va., 703-790-FEET

          1776 East Jefferson, St., Rockville, Md. 301-984-2900

          6119 Backlick Road, Springfield, Va. 703-913-0313

The Metro Run & Walk 5K for Women is held in association with Nike, Tysons
Galleria, Commonealth Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation, Freddie Mac and
Alexandria de Paris.

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