Experience a Saturday Like No Other at the 5th Annual Race for Every Child on October 21

Registration is now open for the 2017 Race for Every Child, which benefits Children’s National Health System. The fifth annual 5K run/walk and Kids’ Dash will take place on Saturday, October 21, at Freedom Plaza in downtown Washington, DC. The Race for Every Child is one of the largest community events focused on children’s health in the Washington region. Proceeds will help save lives and build strong, healthy futures for children by supporting innovative therapies, research, wellness and education programs, and family support services.

“As the premier provider of pediatric care in the Washington region, Children’s National is proud to host an event which reflects the importance of children, and children’s health, in our community and our nation,” said Dr. Kurt Newman, president and CEO of Children’s National. “Whether you are a serious runner, weekend jogger, a family that has been treated here or a community member coming out to support Children’s National, your participation in this event is making a tremendous impact on children’s health now and in the future.”

Over the past four years, the Race for Every Child has become one of the area’s most popular family events, rallying a total of 10,850 runners and walkers and raising more than $4.3 million to help children grow up stronger. Proceeds from the Race for Every Child have helped Children’s National expand care for communities throughout Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC. The goal for the 2017 Race for Every Child is to raise $1.5 million. Grace and Campbell Smith of Washington, DC return as co-chairs in 2017 and are joined by Melanie and Brigg Bunker of Potomac, Virginia. Both families credit the team at Children’s National for saving their children’s lives.

“When our little girl needed expert care, Children’s National was there for us,” said Brigg and Melanie Bunker, 2017 Race for Every Child co-chairs. “The Race for Every Child is a way for us to say ‘thank you’ while having an amazing time with our family and friends. From the opportunity to meet your favorite superhero, to racing down 'America’s Main Street,' the Race for Every Child offers something fun for everyone.”

Registration is now open at raceforeverychild.org and discounted early-bird registration rates will be available until June 15, 2017. Participants can create or join a team, sign up as an individual, or simply donate. The half-day event features a wide range of family-friendly activities at Freedom Plaza, including:

• A USATF-certified 5K course down Pennsylvania Avenue for runners and walkers
• Kids’ Dash for children ages 3 to 10 and medals for all participants
• Awards ceremony for top finishers, fundraisers, and teams
• Meet and greets with superheroes, mascots, and Children’s National’s own Dr. Bear
• A family-fun village including obstacle courses, games, live entertainment, face painting, balloon art, food trucks, and more

The 2017 Race for Every Child is generously supported by sponsors CubeSmart, Costco Wholesale, The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation, CBRE, Foulger-Pratt, Trammell Crow Company, Eastdil Secured, Clark Construction, Cushman & Wakefield, Inc., Quadrangle Development Corporation, The Annette M. and Theodore N. Lerner Family Foundation, Walgreens, CoStar Group, United Health Group, FTI Consulting, BKV Group, Buch Construction, Linowes & Blocher, LLP, HITT Contracting, Hoar Construction, The Chevy Chase Land Company, The JBG Companies, Whiting-Turner, Bryan Cave LLP, and Pioneer Building Services.

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Erica Baca at 301-565-8577 or ebaca@childrensnational.org.

About Children’s National Health System

Children’s National Health System, based in Washington, D.C., has been serving the nation’s children since 1870. A Magnet® designated and Leapfrog Group Top Hospital, Children’s National was one of just four pediatric hospitals to rank in the top 20 in all 10 specialties evaluated in U.S. News & World Report 2016-17 Best Children’s Hospitals survey. With a community-based pediatric network, seven regional outpatient centers, an ambulatory surgery center, two emergency rooms, an acute care hospital, and collaborations throughout the region, Children’s National is recognized for its expertise and innovation in pediatric care and as an advocate for all children.

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