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The Greater Washington Sports Alliance, along with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Potomac River Running Stores are proud to announce the new annual fall road race which will take place in the heart of the Reston Town Center. The event will be open to both competitive runners and participants of all fitness levels and ages. The race will also serve as a cornerstone activity within the popular Oktoberfest celebration hosted by the Reston Chamber of Commerce taking place at the Town Center during the weekend.

“One thing we have found from our success in creating signature running events in this marketplace is that our community is at the core of putting on a quality road race”, says Robert Sweeney, President of the Greater Washington Sports Alliance. “Fairfax County and the National Capital region are one of the fittest areas in the entire United States and we expect that the Anthem Great Pumpkin 5k and Pumpkin Dash will be embraced by our entire community and continue to add important value to this lifestyle from which we all benefit.”

In addition to running on a beautiful fall day through one of the premier pedestrian friendly areas of Northern Virginia, runners and their families will also have the unique experience of seeing The GREATEST PUMPKIN in the State of Virginia first hand, which will be on display at the post-race Fall Festival, Oktoberfest. In conjunction with the Reston Chamber of Commerce’s Oktoberfest, the Finish Line Festival will feature local restaurants, all day live entertainment, amusement rides, and more. All participants will also have the opportunity to take part in the first annual Pumpkin Decorating Contest.

“Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is proud to support the entire Northern Virginia community through the encouragement of health and fitness activities like the Anthem Great Pumpkin 5k and Pumpkin Dash, which will ultimately provide residents and businesses alike a healthier place to live, work and play,” says C. Burke King, president, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia.

An estimated 2,000 runners, joggers and walkers are expected to take part in the inaugural event which offers both a timed and non-timed 5k as well as a children’s Pumpkin Dash. Families and children attending are encouraged to get into the fall season by participating in one of our Anthem Great Pumpkin events.

About The Greater Washington Sports Alliance:

Established in 2003, The Greater Washington Sports Alliance is a regional non-profit sports commission created to foster economic development and civic pride through the power of sports. The Sports Alliance’s mission encompasses the attraction of sporting events to the region, the promotion of regional professional, collegiate and amateur franchises, the support of youth investment organizations and the branding of Washington, D.C. as a world-class sports destination. The Sports Alliance is also the producer of the SunTrust National Marathon and Half Marathon which takes place in Washington D.C. every year. Visit www.gwsportsalliance.comfor more information.