Community Corner

George Washington Parkway Classic: Organizers Ramp Up Security

Pacers Events is ramping up security for the 29th annual race.

Runners participating in the George Washington Parkway Classic will notice heightened security and a larger police presence at Sunday's race.

Pacers Events sent an email to participants Thursday morning outlining enhanced security procedures and activities in the wake of the bombings at the Boston Marathon on Monday afternoon.

Bib Distribution: You may continue to pick up bibs for friends or family, but please note that any bib swapping or any other unauthorized transfer of bibs is strictly prohibited. Do not sell, give away, or otherwise swap your bib. Our ability to quickly identify our participants and their next of kin is imperative to the sound execution of our health and safety plan.

Anyone found swapping will be barred from future Pacers races. At this time, we are unable to transfer any race registrations.

Bus Loading: Please note that our buses will be under police protection and loading may take additional time. Please arrive by 6:00am and be prepared to wait in line for bus loading. Participants must have their bib ready to show prior to boarding the bus.
Only registered runners are allowed on buses. No exceptions.  

Restricted Parking: There are absolutely no vehicles allowed north of King and South of Pendleton on Union Street or where posted on Franklin Street. Any vehicle parked in these areas will be ticked and towed. No personal vehicles may be parked at the Mount Vernon Estate — no exceptions. Any personal vehicles parked at Mount Vernon will be towed.

Start Line Drop Off: Cars dropping off participants at Mount Vernon will not be allowed in the circle or past the post office. Cars will also not have access to the Post Office. There is a bus turnaround located approximately 800 meters south of the Post Office where participants should be dropped off.

Bag Check: You may only use your race issued clear plastic bag for bag check. No backpacks or duffle bags are permitted. All bags are subject to additional screening by security before drops. If you need a bag, stop by packet pick this weekend to pick one up or at any Pacers Running Stores. Please note: bag drop may take longer than usual; please add extra time for drops.

Honoring Boston: Pacers Events will be honoring Boston with a moment of silence before the start of Sunday's race. Complimentary memorial blue/yellow ribbons for runners to wear while racing will be available at Packet Pick Up on Saturday and on race morning at both the 5K and 10 Miler bag drop. We are encouraging runners to wear their favorite race shirt, Boston colors or Boston gear. Pacers Events, along with Road Runners Club of America, are encouraging runners wishing to make a financial contribution to make a donation directly to The One Fund, established by Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Tom Menino.

Laboy Fundraiser:  According to the email, "As so well evidenced by Monday's events, our first responders are simply put, heroes. We ask you continue to support our local hero, Alexandria Officer Peter Laboy, who was shot in the line of duty a few short weeks ago." Officer Laboy was a regular at special events, and often worked the Parkway Classic and other local races. Pacers is raising funds for his recovery and are selling back bibs to wear in honor of Peter; 100 percent of your donation will go to his recovery. These bibs are available at packet pick up. You may also donate funds in Oronoco Bay Park after the race.

LaboyStrong Mile: Please note that several neighboring jurisdictions will be lining the last mile of the 5K and 10 Mile in honor of Officer Peter Laboy. Many of these individuals lining the course will be uniformed officers with the primary purpose of cheering runners and supporting Officer Laboy.

Be Alert: If you see something, say something to a race official (all credentialed) or a uniformed police officer. Race officials and uniformed police are located at the start, along the course, and at the finish festival.

Finish Line Clear Zone: Only bibbed runners, credentialed staff, and police will be allowed in and around the finish line chute. This will impact the area in which spectators may see you finish and also meet you back in the park. Please view this diagram for details on cheer locations and walking routes back to park. It may be helpful to share this info with friends and family cheering you on at the race on Sunday.

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See more:

George Washington Parkway Classic: Safety Top Concern After Boston Marathon Bombings

Find out what's happening in Greater Alexandriawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

George Washington Parkway Classic Race Guide 


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