5K

Clarendon Day Returns Next Saturday

By Chris Teale

Clarendon Day, one of Arlington’s biggest street festivals, is set to return next weekend.

The day-long event is scheduled for Saturday, September 23 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., centered around the Clarendon Metro station at Clarendon Blvd and N. Highland Street. Organizers said they expect 30,000 visitors if the weather is good.

It will feature several live music stages, a play area for children, arts and crafts vendors and exhibitors from local businesses and nonprofits. Local restaurants will also provide food, with local craft beers and wines also available.

“Clarendon Day is one of Arlington’s best loved and most diverse street festival, with several music stages, a large Kid’s Area, Arts and Crafts vendors, Business and Nonprofit Exhibitors from Clarendon and the region, plenty of great food from local and regional restaurants, Craft beers and Virginia wines, and more,” the event’s website reads.

The traditional International Chili Society Chili Cookoff will also return, with winners qualifying to advance to the World Championship Chili Cookoff next month. Entrants must be ICS members, and can compete in four categories: Red, Chili Verde, Salsa and Homestyle.

Organizers have made some changes for this year’s festival, which is now more than 30 years old. This year, the traditional Clarendon Day 5K and 10K race will be held the following day, Sunday, September 24, starting at 8 a.m.

The course takes runners east along Wilson Blvd and south past Arlington National Cemetery, before runners turn back and finish in Rosslyn.

“This change creates an opportunity for the CA to examine the event layout and logistics,” Clarendon Day organizers wrote.

Clarendon Day itself will benefit local nonprofits Portico Church Arlington and Arlington Independent Media, which are providing volunteer assistance for the event.

Those in the area can expect significant street closures all day Saturday. Organizers recommended biking, walking or taking Metro to the festival.

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Sixteenth 9/11 Anniversary — A flag was unfurled at the Pentagon this morning as the nation marked the 16th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks. President Donald Trump, Defense Secretary James Mattis and Joint Chiefs chairman Gen. Joseph Dunford were among those expected to attend a ceremony at the Pentagon, honoring the 184 people killed in the attack there. Arlington County also hosted its own remembrance ceremony and is posting recollections from Sept. 11, 2001 on social media. [ABC News, Twitter, Twitter]

Another Police-Impersonation Phone Scam — Local residents are again getting calls from a scammer claiming to be a law enforcement officer, demanding a fine be paid over the phone. As a reminder, police never call on the phone to collect fines. [Twitter]

Arlington 9/11 5K Recap — The 2017 Arlington Police, Fire and Sheriff 9/11 Memorial 5K was held in Pentagon City on Saturday evening amid perfect September weather. Among those on hand to address the crowd were Police Chief Jay Farr, County Board Chair Jay Fisette and former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore. Spotted among the runners: former White House press secretary Sean Spicer, who was wearing a Navy t-shirt and was all smiles after the race as the occasional group of fellow runners asked to take a photo with him. [Facebook, Chronotrack]

Park Service May Revamp MVT Boardwalk — As part of a larger improvement project for Theodore Roosevelt Island and the TR Bridge, the National Park Service is considering rehabilitating the nearby, aging boardwalk bridge along the Mount Vernon Trail, which carries bike and pedestrian traffic. [The Wash Cycle]

County Holds Transportation ‘Pop Up’ Event — “Arlington Transportation Partners, the County’s business-to-business transportation outreach organization, held its very first ‘Our Shared Street’ Pop Up festival recently at Arlington Mill Community Center. The late August gathering brought together residents of Columbia Pike with local businesses to highlight Arlingtonians’ many transportation options.” [Arlington County]

GW Parkway Crash — Earlier this morning, northbound traffic on the George Washington Memorial Parkway was temporarily blocked near the TR Bridge following a multi-vehicle crash. [Washington Post]

Roads Will Close for 9/11 Memorial 5K Race

By Chris Teale

The annual Arlington Police, Fire & Sheriff Memorial 9/11 5K race is set for Saturday, September 9, and will result in a number of road closures near the Pentagon.

The race is scheduled to kick off at 6:30 p.m. at the DoubleTree hotel (300 Army Navy Drive) in Pentagon City. The race route follows Army Navy Drive, S. Joyce Street, Washington Blvd, looping around the Pentagon on Route 110 before returning to the finish line at the DoubleTree.

The following closures will be in effect, from the Arlington County Police Department:

From 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.:

  • Army Navy Drive closed between 12th Street S. to S. Eads Street

From 5:45 p.m. until approximately 6:30 p.m.:

  • Westbound Army Navy Drive from S. Eads Street to S. Joyce Street (All streets crossing Army Navy Drive, including access to southbound I-395, will be closed for approximately 20 minutes)
  • S. Joyce Street from Army Navy Drive to Columbia Pike
  • Columbia Pike from the Pentagon South parking lot to S. Joyce Street
  • I-395 Northbound HOV exit to S. Eads Street

From 5:45 p.m. until approximately 8:00 p.m.:

  • Westbound Washington Blvd closed from Memorial Bridge to I-395
  • Southbound Route 110 closed from Rosslyn to 15th Street S.
  • Marshall Drive closed at Route 110
  • S. Eads Street closed from Army Navy Drive to 11th Street S.

The 5K was founded by three Arlington police officers: retired Capt. Matt Smith, Detective Dan Borriello and Sgt. Sean Bryson. All of the officers worked as first responders at the Pentagon after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

After the attacks, the group was inspired by other police 5Ks that they had participated in and decided to start their own race.

Proceeds from the race are donated to three organizations that support law enforcement: the Pentagon Memorial Fund, Project Enduring Pride and the National Police Suicide Foundation. The goal is to raise $1 million over the course of 20 races. So far, the 5K has raised $650,000 in its first 15.

Registration is still open and is $40 for individuals.

Arlington 9/11 5K Race Returns for 16th Year

By Brooke Giles

Registration is open for the 16th annual Arlington Police, Fire & Sheriff 9/11 Memorial 5K, a race organized by the county’s first responders.

The race this year is taking place on Saturday, September 9. Registration is $40 and is open to teams and individuals.

The 5K was founded by three Arlington police officers: retired Capt. Matt Smith, Detective Dan Borriello and Sgt. Sean Bryson. All of the officers worked as first responders at the Pentagon after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

After the attacks, the group was inspired by other police 5Ks that they had participated in and decided to start their own race.

“We started with mailing applications and sending letters to the police and fire chiefs,” said Bryson. “We really got a following.”

The race is scheduled to kick off at 6:30 p.m. at the DoubleTree hotel (300 Army Navy Drive) in Pentagon City. The race route follows Army Navy Drive, S. Joyce Street, Washington Blvd, looping around the Pentagon on Route 110 before returning to the DoubleTree, where there’s an after party featuring food and drink.

Proceeds from the race are donated to three organizations that support law enforcement: the Pentagon Memorial Fund, Project Enduring Pride and the National Police Suicide Foundation. The goal is to raise $1 million over the course of 20 races. So far, the 5K has raised $650,000 in its first 15.

“This is a moment to reflect and a moment to be together. That we never forgot what happened,” said Bryson.

Registration is open through race day. All registered runners will receive a long sleeve commemorative race shirt.

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Fairlington to Trap Raccoons — Following two well-publicized raccoon attacks in the past week, the Fairlington Villages condo association is taking action. In a letter to residents, the association says its Board of Directors has “authorized management to engage a wild animal control contractor to begin a program of trapping raccoons on the property.”

County Moves Forward on Fairfax Drive Ownership — “Arlington County wants to own State Route 237 (Fairfax Drive/10th St. North) from roughly Ballston to Courthouse. The County Board voted at its July 18, 2017 meeting to request that the Commonwealth transfer ownership of the stretch of road to Arlington.” [Arlington County]

Arlington Mulls Lee Highway Ownership — Now that it owns Columbia Pike and is requesting ownership of Fairfax Drive, should Arlington also consider asking VDOT for ownership of Lee Highway? “It’s an intriguing idea,” said one County Board member. [InsideNova]

Darbys Dish on Their Split — Even friends of Real Housewives of Potomac castmates Ashley and Michael Darby might not have suspected that the couple had split up before revealing it on a RHOP reunion show. The pair, who jointly own Oz restaurant in Clarendon, “still spend time together socially” but as of February both have separate apartments in Arlington. [Bravo]

Road Closures for 5K Race in Crystal City — The annual Crystal City Twilighter 5K race will shut down parts of Crystal Drive, Long Bridge Drive and other adjacent roads Saturday night. [Arlington County]

Photo courtesy “ARLnow Reader”

Registration Open For Crystal City Twilighter Race

By Kalina Newman

The Crystal City Twilighter, a mid-summer 5K race through the heart of Crystal City, is just over a couple of weeks away.

The race begins Saturday, July 22 at 8:30 p.m. Participants can either register as individuals, or as part of a team with other runners.

The race begins at 2121 Crystal Drive at the Crystal City Courtyard Green, and follows Crystal Drive past Long Bridge Park.

Teams must register with a minimum of five members to participate, and include at least two male and two female runners.

Once a team is registered, they can choose to be in one of three divisions: Racing Clubs and Teams; Community Run Clubs; or Pacers Neighborhood Fun Runs.

This year teams in each division will be competing for points in four categories: being the biggest, fastest, strongest and smartest.

The points for the biggest team are awarded to the team with the most runners, while the fastest team will earn points for speed based on the combined finish times of its five fastest runners. To earn points for being the smartest team, members participate in a six-question round of Trivial Pursuit before the race.

After the race, specials for participants will be available at local bars and restaurants.

ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk Coming to Pentagon Row

By Kalina Newman

An organization that’s working to end prostate cancer will hold a charity fun run and walk on Father’s Day in Pentagon Row.

Participants can take part in a 5K run/walk, a one-mile walk or a “Kid’s Superhero Dash for Dad” on Sunday, June 18 at 8:15 a.m. Snooze for Dudes is for those who cannot attend the race but still would like to contribute.

Funds raised from the races benefit ZERO – The End of Prostate Cancer, a national nonprofit that works to stamp out prostate cancer.

There is no fundraising minimum, but participants are advised to consider making a self-donation or to raise at least $100. All registered participants and volunteers receive a personal fundraising page and coaching on how to raise money.

Money raised will go towards providing research for new treatments, free prostate cancer testing and education for men and families about prostate cancer.

This year alone, 7,730 men in D.C., Maryland and Virginia will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, according to ZERO.

“Our Capital Area Run/Walk gives members of the community a voice in the fight to end a disease that affects 1 in 8 American men, as well as the opportunity to connect with others who have been impacted,” said Shawn Supers, Mid-Atlantic chapter director for ZERO. “We’re raising awareness and funds to ensure that each man knows he is not fighting prostate cancer alone.”

Participants can park in the mall lot on the corner of Army Navy Drive and S. Joyce Street or in the Pentagon Row garage. Dogs are permitted to race as long as they are kept on five-foot, non-retractable leashes.

Photo via ZERO – The End of Prostate Cancer

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Puddle at Columbia Pike and S. Glebe Road (Flickr pool photo by Bekah Richards)

Big Changes Coming to DCA — The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority has revealed updated designs of the coming changes at Reagan National Airport. Among the changes are a new commuter terminal, replacing the outdoor commuter gate 35X, and a new structure to house security checkpoints, which will be positioned before travelers enter the airport’s main terminal B/C hallway. [WTOP, WTOP]

Ethiopian Restaurant Coming to Courthouse — Chercher Ethiopian restaurant is expanding from the District to a new location at 2000 14th Street N. in Courthouse. It will be the first Virginia outpost for the acclaimed Ethiopian restaurant. Its owner says he chose Courthouse because the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor lacks Ethiopian dining options. [Washington Business Journal]

Tornado Drill Today — Yesterday was the first day of spring and today, at 9:45 a.m., Virginia is holding its annual statewide tornado drill. The drill is “a yearly opportunity to prepare Virginians for tornado emergencies and to test public warning systems.” [Virginia Dept. of Emergency Management]

Va. Pols Speaking at Arlington Dems Dinner — Democratic gubernatorial candidate Tom Perriello and state Attorney General Mark Herring will be the headline speakers at the Arlington Democrats’ annual “Blue Victory Dinner,” formerly known as the Jefferson-Jackson Dinner, on April 8. The other Democratic candidate for governor, Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam, “had a conflict and will not be able to make it.” [InsideNova]

School 5K to Close Streets — Roads will be closed in Arlington’s Williamsburg neighborhood Saturday morning for the second annual Discovery/Nottingham Friendship 5K. [Arlington County, Discovery Elementary School]

Flickr pool photo by Bekah Richards

‘Love the Run You’re With 5K’ Returns to Pentagon City

By ARLnow.com

Love the Run You're With 5K promo photo (via Pacers)The annual Love the Run You’re With 5K race is returning to Pentagon City this weekend.

The Valentine’s Day-themed race is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 12. It encourages participants to specify whether they’re single or in a relationship when registering — with different race bib colors for each category.

A number of road closures are planned for the race. From ACPD:

The Arlington County Police Department will conduct the following road closures to accommodate the race:

  • South Joyce Street between South 15th Street and Army Navy Drive will be closed from 07:00 AM until 11:00 AM.
  • South 15th Street between South Hayes Street and South Joyce Street will be closed from 06:00 AM until 11:00 AM. (The South Pentagon City Mall Garage will be closed for the duration of the event)
  • Army Navy Drive between South Joyce Street and South 25th Street will be closed from 07:00 AM until 11:00 AM.

Street parking in the area will be restricted. Motorists should be on the lookout for temporary “No Parking” signs. Illegally parked vehicles may be ticketed or towed. If your vehicle is towed from a public street, call 703-558-2222.

Race attendees are encouraged to use Metro, however, if driving please utilize the parking garage at the Pentagon City Mall.

A number of other seasonal races are planned in Arlington over the next couple of months. Among them: the Four Courts Four Miler on March 11 and Crystal City 5K Fridays in April.

Road Closures Planned for Jingle Bell Run 5K in Pentagon City

By ARLnow.com

Jingle Bell Run logoA number of road closures are planned Saturday morning for the 2016 Jingle Bell Run/Walk 5K.

The race, which benefits the Arthritis Foundation, kicks off at 9 a.m. tomorrow in front of the Pentagon Row shopping center (1101 S. Joyce Street).

Via ACPD:

The Arlington County Police Department will close South Joyce Street and sections of Army Navy Drive for the 2016 Jingle Bell Run/Walk 5k on Saturday, December 3, 2016.

The affected streets are listed below:

  • South Joyce Street between South 15th Street and Army Navy Drive will be closed from 5:30 AM until 11:00 AM.
  • Army Navy Drive between South Joyce Street and South 25th Street will be closed from 7:00 AM until 11:00 AM.

Race attendees are encouraged to use Metro, however; if driving as a participant or spectator please utilize the parking garage at the Pentagon City Mall.

Street parking in the area will be restricted. Motorists should be on the lookout for temporary “No Parking” signs. Illegally parked vehicles may be ticketed or towed. If your vehicle is towed from a public street, call 703-558-2222.

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Arlington Cinema Drafthouse sign at night in the fall (Flickr pool photo by Kevin Wolf)

Official: No Voter Fraud in Arlington — On Sunday president-elect Donald Trump tweeted an accusation of “serious voter fraud” in several states, including Virginia. In response, Arlington’s top election official said there were no reports of voter fraud in the county, which Trump lost by a wide margin. “I want to see the evidence as to what the allegations are,” said Linda Lindberg. [WJLA, Fox 5]

County and APS Budget Forum — Arlington County and Arlington Public Schools will be holding a joint budget forum tomorrow (Wednesday) from 6-8 p.m. at Wakefield High School. “During this forum, participants will have the opportunity to share their priorities and ideas on the 2018 budget,” said a press release. [Arlington County]

Local College Student Dies — Nicole Orttung, a National Merit Scholar who graduated from Yorktown High School, died last Tuesday. Orttung was a student at Columbia University, where she was “known for her dedication to social justice and bright personality.” [Legacy]

Advice from a Still-Grieving Husband — Neal Lawson, whose wife Jennifer was killed by a passing dump truck while she was putting her toddler into a car seat, is still two-and-a-half years later, “managing his own loss and grief while balancing the emotional needs and daily schedules of his growing children.” He recently offered some advice for others dealing with profound loss. [Washington Post]

Donation from 9/11 5K — The annual Arlington Police, Fire & Sheriff 9/11 Memorial 5K Race, which was held in September, helps to raise money for military and first responder charities. Among the donations from the race this year was a $21,000 donation to TAPS, which provides care to the survivors of fallen U.S. service members. [Twitter]

Flickr pool photo by Kevin Wolf

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