More Than 1,600 Turn Out to ‘Ring In Hope’

More than 1,600 participants turned out to take part in this year’s Ringing In Hope Walk, Run & Fun winter race at Brambleton on New Year’s Eve, despite chilly temperatures that peaked in the 30s.

Children ran bills along the course and received medallions for participating in the 1K fun run/walk. There plenty of family friendly activities including pony rides, a barrel train, dancing, a DJ, a moon bounce and more.

And of course, as is tradition at Ringing In Hope, racers chowed on a selection of hors d’oeuvres from local restaurants.

5K Winners:

• Peggy Yetman, Leesburg, 18:28 chip time/18:30 gun time
• Karl Dusen, Broadlands, 16:25 chip time/16:27 gun time1

10K Winners:

• Melissa Saunders, Potomac Falls, 40:36 chip time/40:40 gun time
• Andrew Ciarfalia, Reston, 34:39 chip time/34:40 gun time 

This year’s race beneficiaries were on hand to showcase their services and interact with event participants, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation Mid-Atlantic, Loudoun Habitat for Humanity, Loudoun Abused Women’s Shelter and Inova Health Systems’ Mobile Hope. Race/walk participants had the option to designate their race registration fees to the participating charity of their choice. Runners can view or purchase finish-line and other photos from the event at www.chessiephoto.com.

More than 100 volunteers from across the area assisted with the event.

“We are so fortunate to have the tremendous support of the community for this event,” said Kathy Hatem, Ringing In Hope race co-director. “It says a lot about our community to have so many businesses and volunteers approaching us to be part of this event as a way to give back to the community and the charities Ringing In Hope recognizes and supports.”

This year’s Ringing In Hope sponsors included title sponsors Brambleton Town Center and WINC 92.5 FM, as well as Tetra Partners, Water To Go, Harris Teeter, Potomac River Running, Sport & Health Club of Brambleton, Chessie Photography, Nick Lutkins of Legal Shield, Dulles Greenway, NOVA Vehicle Donations, Big D’s Ponies, Ashburn/Leesburg Today, Total Development Solutions, Northern Virginia Magazine, Pulte Homes, Glory Days Grill, Jersey Mike’s Subs, and Miller & Smith.

The next race is set for Memorial Day, May 27, at Brambleton to support charities whose services assist military men, women and their families. For more information, please visit www.ringinginhope.com.