Loudoun County's rolling countryside is perfect for runners. Several area clubs offer support, encouragement, and great weekend runs.

• Loudoun Road Runners is a nonprofit organization sanctioned by the Road Runners Club of America. All are welcome.
• Loudoun Special Forces Track Club is a community-based youth track club.
• South Riding Running Club is a community of runners and walkers of all ages and abilities.
• Ashburn Area Running Club is a nonprofit running club for the Ashburn area, but whether you are in Ashburn or the wider area, all are welcome.

Loudoun Race Series

Ashburn Farm 15th Annual Thanksgiving 10K, 5K, 2K Run

Join Crossroads UMC and the Ashburn community for the 15th Annual Ashburn Farm 10K, 5K, 2K Race. In this annual fundraising event, more than a thousand people will gather for fun, fellowship, and a good cause. Each year, the focus of the fundraising is on children and families in our community and beyond. This year's participants will raise funds for neighbors in Uganda--AIDS orphans at HUMBLE Place in Uganda. HUMBLE is an orphanage and school with 231 children, most orphaned due to poverty, war or disease such as HIV/AIDS or malaria and an additional 16 children now graduated from the primary school and enrolled at a nearby secondary/vocational school.

More than 1200 runners are expected to participate in the Ashburn Farm 10K & 5K on this USATF-certified course. The cash purse includes $300/$200/$100 for the top three males and females in the 10K race and $150/$100/$50 for the top three males and females in the 5K race. 

Online registration is available at Active.com Registration is $30 for the 10K, $25 for the 5K and $15 for the 2K.

Packet Pickup Registered runners can pick up their race packets, long-sleeved t-shirt and race number at Crossroads UMC on Wednesday November 26, 2008 between the hours of 2:00 and 8:00 pm or on Thursday morning, November 27, 2008 (race day) from 6:45 - 8:00 am. Avoid the rush, arrive early.

Local merchants have generously donated prizes for a random drawing, to be held after the race (must be present to win). Local merchants have also donated post-race refreshments.

For more information, call 703-729-5100 ext 38 or see the church Web site.

Do you want to list your club or an upcoming race? Add a comment or sign on as a writer to be included.

Training books and videos from Loudoun County Public Library.