On probably the only crisp fall morning in all of September in Washington DC we welcomed more than 250 people to Canal Park, part of the Capitol Waterfront, for fun and some walking/running. This was a year of firsts for the 5K; the first year the event was not timed, new location AND the introduction of family fun events. Another highlight, we raised over $30,000 for Special Love’s programs.  To all our longtime participants and newcomers, sponsors and partners, THANK YOU!

We were thrilled to welcome NBC4 Meteorologist Chuck Bell, as our 5k emcee and participant. A new friend to Special Love, Chuck learned about Special Love at the IREM Gala in May (check out the summer newsletter)! Bell really brought life and fun to our short program, much like he does every morning on the news. We are also grateful for the many live on-air shout outs leading up to the big day, Thank you Chuck! Borrowing the spotlight from Chuck from just a moment was former camper, now counselor and all around Special Love ambassador Ryan Tomoff. Ryan shared some of his cancer journey with our participants, and how Special Love has been there at many points along the way of his cancer journey. Ryan is brave and confident and Special Love is a true role model to other children and young adults we serve.

Also onsite were our friends from Big Head Little Body face paint and balloon artists. Before and after the run you could see examples of their beautiful art from rocket and mouse ear balloon hats to tiger stripes and sunflowers across the faces of our participants. We of course cannot forget DJ NULIFE keeping the tunes spinning all morning. DJ NULIFE is our very own Malcolm Jones a former camper who made sure from warm-up to closing we were moving and grooving, and new Camp Fantastic counselor, Michael Lawrence, who lead participants in a warm-up before setting out on the 5k course.

Like all events, there are so many people who make it a great success, and add to the excitement of the day.  Team Capital One, who broke records with 43 participants continued their support of our children and families with our largest team ever!