Annandale High Athletic Boosters to Host Annual Atoms 5K on Saturday

Break out your running or walking shoes: the Annual Atoms 5K Run/Walk is on Saturday.

The 5K is hosted by the Athletic Boosters and benefits the AHS athletic program and college scholarships for students, including four which were given to student athletes.

The Atoms 5K has been around since 1994, according to Jenn Montes de Oca, with the Atoms 5K planning committee.

The race begins at 8:30 a.m. on Four Year Run near and the AHS track parking lot. The route will take participants onto Heritage Drive, past and end back on Four Year Run at the AHS track.

Montes de Oca said last year, 210 people participated in the 5K and there are currently 100 participants signed up. The cost of registration for the 5K varies. Fairfax County Public Schools students and AHS faculty pay $15 while members of the general public pay $23. Runners can register for the race on Saturday from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.  All runners under 18 have to have their parent’s signature.

The participants aren’t the only ones allowed at the 5K; the community is also invited to come out and watch. “We welcome and encourage spectators to watch and cheer on the runners from anywhere along the route. We only ask that they stay on the sidewalk and keep the runners' safety in mind,” said Montes de Oca.

The event is sponsored by several Annandale area organizations and businesses, including ATOMIC sponsors , the Cleaning Authority and Gold's Gym.

For those unable to attend on Saturday, Montes de Oca said there will be an Atoms 5K celebration at Kilroy’s in Springfield all day on Sunday. The booster club gets a percentage from all purchases from residents that turn in the flier found on the AHS athletic website.