Inaugural DSYS 5K Combines Fitness and Charity

This Saturday, enjoy the springtime weather while supporting a good cause with the Dulles South Youth Sports Run for ALS Research at the Dulles South Multipurpose Center in South Riding. The race benefits the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Research Center in Pittsburgh and a local fund at Dulles South Youth Sports.

The ALS Research Center, established in 2005, helps coordinate new and ongoing research and clinical activities for ALS and other motor neuron diseases.

The main sponsor of the 5-kilometer race is Curry’s Auto Service. In 2010, co-owner Matt Curry saw the need for a field and scholarship fund, and provided the initial funding for the Dulles South Youth Sports Field and Scholarship Fund.

DSYS is a local nonprofit sports league that promotes sportsmanship, physical activity, teamwork, respect for others and leadership. The DSYS portion of the funds – 50 percent – raised at the 5K will be used for the DSYS Field Fund. Interest earned by the fund will be used to provide scholarships to children in the community that need financial help paying registration fees.

Curry’s and DSYS plan to make the Run for ALS Research an annual event that to provide steady financial support for the Field Fund as well as a donation to the ALS Foundation.

The top three male and female finishers overall, as well as the top male and female in each age group, receive prizes.

There also will be a fun run for youngsters. This is an untimed event that begins at 8:30 a.m. Children complete on a one-mile course and all finishers receive an award. The fun run costs $10 per child.

Individuals can sign up for the Run for ALS Research online through Mar. 17 at 8:59 p.m.  Online registration costs $30. Race day registration costs $35 and begins at 8 a.m. The race begins at 9 a.m.