First Ever Red Shoe 5K to Take Place in Herndon

The first ever Red Shoe Run and Walk 5K will be taking place on the morning of March 27 in Herndon.

The event, which will take place at Dulles Station, benefits Ronald McDonald House. The nonprofit helps provide housing for families of seriously ill children receiving medical treatment in the area.

Event Chairman Evan Lacapo said the outdoor run and walk is new for this year. He said in previous years they held Caps for Kids walks, and they hope to make this new event an annual tradition.

Lacapo said the D.C. Chapter of Ronald McDonald House began 31 years ago and there are two main programs, including the houses, and the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile. The Care Mobile provides free healthcare services, including wellness checkups and immunizations, to underserved children in Washington, D.C.

“Studies show that children heal better and faster, and can cope with what’s going on a lot easier, when they’re surrounded by their family,” Lacapo said. “So we basically provide a place for those families to come at the end of the day and stay in these houses. It provides a home away from home for the families of children receiving care.”

Locally, there are two Ronald McDonald Houses—one in Washington, D.C. and one in Northern Virginia. Lacapo said the houses are a lot like hotels but with a more home-like setting.

The 5K run and walk will be followed by a kids’ fun run, where they’ll do a short mad dash, Lacapo said. He said they expect about 400-500 participants will come out for the event, ranging from weekend walkers to competitive runners. Participants are welcome to bring their dogs to run with them and use jogging strollers, he said.

The top three overall male and female finishers will receive gift certificate prizes, and prizes will also be awarded to the to finishers in each age group category. The children who participate will win finishers medals.

Lacapo said participants can sign up several ways, including through the website, www.redshoe5k.org. He said there is information for individual signup as well as team signup. Those registering as a team will have to call event coordinators to do so. Participants can also sign up the day of the event beginning at 7:30 a.m.

One of the reasons organizers decided to create the event is because races have become more popular as a way to raise money, Lacapo said. He said they felt that having the event in the Herndon area provides exposure and a nice, flat, scenic course. “We wanted a unique place to do it that would make for a family friendly environment,” he said.

The event is also close to some of its sponsors, including title sponsor, Airbus, and Strayer College, the sponsor of the kids’ fun run. Lacapo said Airbus has been involved with the Ronald McDonald House for about 13 years.

Although event sponsorships are closed, those who wish to help can sponsor a family’s stay at a Ronald McDonald House, Lacapo said. He said a donation of $400-$500 will cover about a one week stay for a family.

Lacapo said they are still looking for more volunteers, and it is a great way for students who need to satisfy community service requirements to do so. He said they also invite out anyone who would like to come and cheer the participants on, whether family or friends.

To find more information about the race, whether it's volunteering or running, visit www.redshoe5k.org or check out the event on Facebook.