the Hotchkiss School Leadership Weekend was cancelled due to the snow storm in Connecticut (& my daughter’s school soccer team made the Semifinals of the post-season tournament), I found myself looking for a local race to do at the last minute. Who could resist this event ? The City of Fairfax Fire Benevolent Fund was established in March of 2010 with the goal of serving fellow employees, their families and members of the community in their time of need to assist them with handling their crisis with dignity. This 5k run/walk was the first fundraiser to help kick off the fund. Notes the race organizers, “We would like to be able to help out those who protect us when they need it. This is a way to say thank you to the hard working men and woman that protect you everyday. ”

The race was unique for a number of reasons and should be on local runners’ calendars for next year. Under FAQs, were the following:

May I wear headphones during the run? Yes, however, you are responsible for your safety and being aware of your surroundings.

May I run with a stroller? Yes. Runners with strollers are responsible for maintaining control of their stroller and must be considerate of others around them.

Plus, the race director Walter English wrote to registered competitors the night before to remind us to change our clocks and to advise where to park.