JOINT BOARD MATTER
With Supervisor Gerry Hyland
POTOMAC RIVER RUN MARATHON AND HALF-MARATHON DAY
April 3, 2006

Mr. Chairman:

On Sunday, May 7, 2006, 200 county residents and participants from other states and countries will travel to run the 26.2 or 13.1 (optional) miles long Potomac River Run Marathon and Half-Marathon Day in Fairfax County.

Participants in the Potomac River Run will enjoy a course entirely run on the National Park Service's Mount Vernon Trail. The marathon will start at sunrise at Belle Haven Park and head down and back on the Mount Vernon Trail along the Potomac River and through the woods of George Washington Memorial Parkway. Other natural and historical points visible from the course include Dyke Marsh, Riverside and Fort Hunt Park.

This year's event will begin with the commemoration of "World Laughter Day," promising participants 26 "miles of smiles." The popular and educational College of Running will provide a series of lectures that will be available during packet pick-up on Saturday, May 6 and is free to the public. The Potomac River Run is also a 2006 Presidential Fitness Partner event.

Therefore, I move that the Board show unanimous support for this event by proclaiming Sunday May 7, 2006 as "POTOMAC RIVER RUN MARATHON AND HALF-MARATHON DAY" as follows:

Proclamation

POTOMAC RIVER RUN MARATHON AND HALF-MARATHON DAY
WHEREAS, the first annual Potomac River Run Marathon and Half-Marathon was conducted in Fairfax County in May 2004 and 2005, drawing participants from more than 20 States, the District of Columbia, and foreign countries; and
WHEREAS, the Potomac River Run Marathon has earned five-star (top) ratings for course and organization from participants via MarathonGuide.com; and
WHEREAS, the Potomac River Run Marathon and Half-Marathon, to date, has donated over $7,900 to charitable causes; and
WHEREAS, the Potomac River Run Marathon and Half-Marathon shows off the natural beauty of Fairfax County, exposing runners to natural and historic views along the Potomac River, George Washington Memorial Parkway, and Mount Vernon Trail; and
WHEREAS, the Potomac River Run Marathon is the only 26.2-mile full-distance marathon conducted in Fairfax County; and
WHEREAS, the Potomac River Run, as a Presidential Fitness Partner and sponsor of a free College of Running on Saturday, May 6, 2006, will promote health and athleticism among the citizens of Fairfax County; and
WHEREAS, the Potomac River Run has registered wheelchair competitors, including an internationally known 2000 Paralympic Games bronze medalist, and will raise awareness of wheelchair athletic of Fairfax County; and
WHEREAS, the Potomac River Run Marathon and Half-Marathon coincides with and celebrates World Laughter Day, Sunday, May 7, 2006;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, on behalf of all citizens of Fairfax County, does hereby proclaim Sunday, May 7, 2006, as POTOMAC RIVER RUN MARATHON AND HALF-MARATHON DAY in Fairfax County and encourages all citizens to support this unique event.