Reading is Fundamental of Northern Virginia's 5K/One-Mile Run/Walk

--BOOK IT FOR BOOKS--

is BACK in 2021! Just in advance of our 50th Anniversary in 2022!!!

Why a 5K? Children have been especially vulnerable to reading and learning loss in the past year with schools and libraries closed. In fact, many parents in our very own community have been forced to choose between reading materials for their children — or food for the table. Fortunately, RIF of NOVA has been there throughout — with books for over 20,000 children in Northern Virginia. 

But we can't be there to help OUR kids without YOUR help, as you can see by clicking on the photos below.

    

At $3 a book, your $35 registration fee provides a book for about 10 kids in the Northern Virginia area who have few or even no books of their own. What a difference you can make! Particularly when 65% of 4th graders in the U.S. read below grade level.

When:  Saturday, October 16, 2021
Time: 9:00 a.m. race start
Place: Bluemont Park, 329 N. Manchester St., Arlington, VA  22203

In person or virtual: If you are more comfortable running/walking on your own but still want to support NOVA RIF and the kids we serve, you can choose the virtual option and run/walk anywhere you want! Either way, please send run-day photos to: bookitforbooks2021@gmail.com for use on our website and in our social media!

Registration: 5K Run: $35 for in person through October 15; $40 on race day. One-Mile Walk/Run: $25 for in person through October 15; $30 on race day. Babies/children in strollers are free. See additional price categories below. Discounted prices are available for children's teams. Email bookitforbooks2021@gmail.com for details.

Race shirt: Be sure to register by Friday, October 1, to be guaranteed a race shirt! 

Race Packets: Can be picked up Friday, October 15 between 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. at the Potomac River Running store at Ballston Mall, 4238 Wilson Blvd, Suite 1235, Arlington, VA 22203 or at Bluemont Park on race day. You can have your race packet with bib and Book It T-shirt shipped in advance for a $5 fee. 

Costumes: Please dress as a favorite literary character if you wish to add to the fun! Hello Fancy Nancy, Power Rangers, and fairies, witches, and villains galore!

Race Sponsorship opportunities: Seeking community leaders — businesses and individuals — who want to promote literacy! Sign up on our website or email bookitforbooks2021@gmail.com for more information.