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Mercy 3K Walk and 5K Run

Dear Mercy 5K participant:

  • Thank you for entering Mercy 3K Walk and 5K Run on Saturday, April 28

  • As our 5th annual event is about to begin, we thank each of you for joining us.
  • Our program supports the girl child in Africa.
  • We demonstrate through our participation in this race how much we care about the need to support girls in their efforts to build a strong future for themselves and their country -- Kenya. The most powerful way we are bringing about that change of course begins with clean water, good health care, nourishment and a solid and good secondary school education. Our work transforms lives.

  • Get your bib number, t-shirt, and goodie bag early! Please join us at packet pick-up on Friday, April 27, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Georgetown Running Company, 3401 M Street NW, Washington DC (202-337-8626)

  • We also host packet pick-up on Saturday, April 28, 8:30-9:45 AM, on-site at Fletcher's Cove, 4940 Canal Road NW, Washington DC 20007
  • No race-day registration, please

  • We thank Sister Rose, VHM, founder of Mother of Mercy Girls Secondary School, for her keynote speech at 9:45 AM to welcome everyone and describe our mission
  • We thank Bach to Rock Bethesda for providing live music post-race

  • Our 3K walk course at 9:00 AM is from Fletcher's Cove to Chain Bridge and back, with a water station under Chain Bridge -- Not a race, just a walk | GMAP

  • Our 5K run course at 10:00 AM is from Fletcher's Cove out to a point with three boulders and back | GMAP

  • Be cautious of bicycles and other trail users when you run on C&O Canal Towpath
  • We will mark miles 1, 2, and 3
  • Turnaround point is 2.500 kilometers (1.55 miles) northwest of the start line, near three big boulders, and staffed by a course marshal
  • Stay right on the trail until the turnaround, then curve left around the marker and the course marshal, and then continue on your right
  • Aid station with water and emergency transportation is at Chain Bridge

  • Read the course description and safety instructions

  • Awards: We present awards immediately after the last finisher
  • Top 3 overall male and female, top 3 in age groups 19 & under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 & over
  • Gift certificates from Georgetown Running Company and other sponsors

  • Results:
  • We publish complete results later in the day at www.SafetyAndHealthFoundation.org/20180428.html and www.SafetyAndHealthFoundation.org/mercy

  • We thank you for your participation
  • Sr. Rose Wangui, VHM Founder of the Mercy Girls School in Kenya
  • Adrianne V. Doherty, Brian J. Doherty, and the other board members of Mercy Center Foundation, USA
  • Jay Jacob Wind, Safety and Health Foundation

    • Directions:
  • Directions from Georgetown and points east:
        •• Take M Street westbound past Key Bridge
        •• At Foxhall Road, M Street becomes Canal Road. Continue west for 2 miles.
        •• Watch for Reservoir Road on right and entrance to Fletcher's Cove on left.
        •• CAREFULLY turn left - watch for oncoming traffic

  • Directions from Maryland and points west:
        •• Take Clara Barton Parkway eastbound
        •• At Chain Bridge where Canal Road begins. Cross Arizona Avenue.
        •• Watch for the entrance to Fletcher's Cove on the right.
        •• Turn right VERY CAREFULLY -- the right turn there is very sharp

  • Continue down the driveway to free parking
        •• We have 85 parking spots on the left above Fletcher's Cove
        •• When those spaces are full, drive through the tunnel on the right to 200 free parking spaces below Fletcher's Cove