What do you do on a steamy July 4th morning? If you live in our nation’s capital or were lucky enough to be visiting the area, the only place to be was this year’s 11th Annual Autism Speaks 5K held in Potomac, MD. More than 2,100 registrants participated in the 5K run, 1 mile walk and the Run Anywhere setting an all time record. The event will raise over $260,000, another record, with donations still coming in. The race always attracts an elite group of racers, which makes for an exciting finish and this year didn’t disappoint. Leading the men’s group was George Galasso, 20, from Holmdel, NJ and a runner for Princeton University with a time of 15:35. He just outkicked Seife Geletu beating him by 1 second. Our female winner put a bit more pavement between she and her next competitor. Katie Harman, 20, from Clarksville, MD captured the overall female title with a time of 18:30.
Runners came from nearby and as far away as Los Angeles and even Hanoi. Besides age group awards for running performances, prizes were awarded to the Top Child Fundraiser, 7 yo Chloe Miller ($3,800), Top School Team – Carderock Kids ($2,400), Top MCSL Swim Team-Eldwick Sharks ($3,700), Top Fundraising Team – Richie’s Racers ($40,000), Top Fundraising Team/capita 4 people ($25,000), Team With Farthest Traveling Member (Hanoi). Remember, join us next year for the 12th annual Autism Speaks 5K on July 4th.
