Fundraiser Saturday at Fort Hunt Park Honors Memory of Tony Snow

More than 700 runners and walkers are expected Saturday at the third annual “Get Your Rear in Gear® 5K Run/Walk” and “Tony Snow Mile for a Miracle” at . The event organizers hope to educate participants on how to prevent colon cancer, the nation's number two cancer killer.

Tony Snow was White House press secretary to President George W. Bush when he died of colon cancer at age 53 in 2008. Snow was a Fort Hunt resident and lived in the neighborhood.

The event will feature a celebration of survivors, support for caregivers and recognition of loved ones left behind. The run/walk will begin at 8:30 a.m. at Fort Hunt National Park. Snow's family, including wife Jill, and children, Kendall, Robbie and Kristi are expected.

The Fort Hunt “Get Your Rear in Gear “ event will honor Snow, who was a husband, father, friend, neighbor, journalist, commentator, musician, and inspiration for millions.

"Tony was a big part of our lives," said Jay McConville, event organizer, in a news release. "The memory of his caring nature, his warm smile and laugh, and his brave fight against colon cancer remains strong in our community. We are happy this event allows us to honor that memory with a true neighborhood event—the neighborhood he loved so much."

Organizers will donate any funds raised to Fight Colorectal Cancer, a Washington D.C.-based organization whose mission is to educate and support patients, push for changes in policy that will increase and improve research, and empower survivors to raise their voices against the status quo. Money from previous area races was used to train volunteer advocates for the 2011 Call on Congress held in March. The advocacy program specifically looks to establish a national colorectal cancer screening and treatment program.

Saturday’s race/walk is set to begin at 8:30 a.m. with the Tony Snow Mile for a Miracle one-mile. The 5K Run and Walk will follow at 8:45 a.m. Dogs and strollers are welcome. Registration information is available online at http://www.getyourrearingear.com.

Registration for this event is limited. Race day registration will be available at the event as space allows. Information about volunteering, fundraising, sponsoring an event or forming a team is also posted on the Web site.  

Local sponsors of the event include Digestive Disease Physicians, Performtech, Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce, , Chandler May, Safeway, Fort Hunt Youth Athletic Association, , Shaklee, and Jay and Sue McConville.