Lace Up Your Running Shoes For Virtual Nature Center Walk-Or-Run​

RESTON, VA — Friends of Reston is taking its 17th annual run and walk fundraiser online in October to raise money for the Walker Nature Center.

FOR has hosted a Nature Center 5K every year since 2004 as a fundraiser for the 72-acre Walker Nature Center located at 11450 Glade Drive in Reston. This year, however, the fundraiser was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

But now, the Virtual Nature Center Walk-or-Run will take place Friday, Oct. 9 to the end of Sunday, Oct. 18, with runners and walkers following 5K, 10K, or 1 mile routes. Participates can choose to walk or run on one of Reston's many trails or complete the distance in any location or route or even on a treadmill.

“Reston’s 55 miles of trails have received all the more use and appreciation since pandemic-distancing began in March,” said Carol Nahorniak, president of Friends of Reston, in a release. “This event is an excellent opportunity to put all those extra walks and runs toward a good cause.”

Participants must register by Friday, Sept. 25, for reserve a commemorative T-shirt. Registration is open now through Oct. 2 at Active.com. Registration fees are $25 (13 years and older), and $15 (12 years and younger), the proceeds of which will benefit facility enhancements, programs and projects at the Walker Nature Center. Participants will be able to pickup their T-shirts and bibs beginning Oct. 5 at Nature House.

Runners and walkers who use the tag #WalkerRun2020 when they post photos on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter will qualify for prize drawings.