A Maryland-based nonprofit that supports athletes with limited mobility will stride across state lines this fall with a new 5K event in Reston.
Athletes Serving Athletes (ASA) opened registration last week for its first Virginia RunFest, which will be held at Reston Town Center on Saturday, Sept. 22. It will be the organization’s first-ever event in Virginia, supplementing the race that it has hosted in Hunt Valley, Maryland, where it’s headquartered, for the past 16 years.
“We have a newer Fairfax ASA community so we thought the Reston location would be a great place to get the word out about ASA,” ASA Development Manager Emma Mumma told FFXnow. “Many of our Virginia runners shared that they love attending races at the Reston Town Center.”
Founded in 2007, ASA is dedicated to helping individuals with limited mobility train and participate in running events. The group of Baltimore-area athletes that created the nonprofit was inspired by the running team of Dick Holt and his son, Rick, who utilized a wheelchair, according to ASA’s website.
ASA pairs athletes with volunteering “wingmen” who help them participate in races. The organization supports local group runs, including in Fairfax County, from March through November, along with the annual RunFest.
The Reston RunFest will feature a 5K that participants can run or walk and family-friendly activities, including food, music, prizes, face painting and a magician. Teams can also participate virtually.
Early-bird registration prices of $30 for the 5K and $25 for a virtual race will last through July 5, after which the 5K fee will jump up to $40. Participants in ASA’s Wingman Program are allowed to register for free.
Funds raised through the event will go toward the organization’s Wingman Program. The race winners, the largest teams, and the teams that raised the most money will receive prizes.
The most recent Maryland RunFest in April drew over 1,000 participants, Mumma says.
