9th Annual Red Shoe 5k Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Greater Washington, DC

– Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Greater Washington D.C. (RMHCDC), a charity that works to keep families together and near local hospitals while their critically ill children are receiving treatment, announced that registration is now open for the 9th annual Red Shoe 5k. The May 19th event - to be held in its new location, Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville, VA - will further the mission to ease the hardship of children’s illness on families through programs that directly improve the health and wellbeing of children. The family-friendly event will feature a new timed 5K course suited for both runners and walkers (all competition levels welcome), and a Kid’s Fun Run for kids 8 years old and younger. Strollers and dogs on leashes are also welcome. After the races, participants are encouraged to enjoy activities for kids of all ages and stay for the award ceremony which will recognize the top overall finishers (M/F) and the top two (M/F) in each of the following age groups: 15 & under, 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+, The Largest Team, Most Funds Raised by a Team, Most Funds Raised by an Individual, and Best Team T-shirt.   Funds raised by the Red Shoe 5k will benefit the families cared for by RMHCDC’s three core programs: Ronald McDonald Houses® (DC and VA), Ronald McDonald Family Rooms® (Children’s National Hospital and Inova  Children’s Hospital) and Ronald McDonald Care Mobiles®.  Through these programs, RMHCDC works to create a world where children have access to quality health care and their families are able to better comfort and support them while actively participating in their care. “By joining us at the Red Shoe 5K, you are helping us keep families together during the toughest times of their lives,” said Karen Torres, President and CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Greater Washington, DC. “Events like the Red Shoe 5K raise critical funds needed to help us further our mission of easing the hardship of children’s illness on families. We invite everyone to join us in our new location for another year of fun and fitness for a great cause.” Both teams and individuals are encouraged to sign up for, and fundraise in support of, the children and families cared for by Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Washington, DC. Last year, the Red Shoe 5K raised more than $87,000 to help families with sick children. The goal for the 2019 event is to raise $127,000 in support of these incredible families.  To register for the #RedShoe5k please visit www.RedShoe5k.org. Registration fees are currently $35 for Adult 5K registration, and $25 for Kid’s Fun Run (8 and under); prices will rise to $40 on race day. All 5K finishers will receive a race shirt, Kid’s Fun Run participants will also receive a commemorative race souvenir. Individuals who cannot participate in the 5k event but would like to support the organization and receive a race t-shirt can register as a ‘Red Shoe Snoozer’ for $35.  New this year is the opportunity to support RMHCDC alumni through the Fund a Run: $5K for 5K sponsorship. The 5K Fund a Run offers families who have stayed at a Ronald McDonald House®, or Ronald McDonald Family Room®, a way to come together to celebrate their children. For alumni families, the 5K combines a traditional run/walk with family-friendly fun activities and emotional support by reconnecting with other families who faced similar circumstances. These and other corporate sponsorships are available at multiple levels; please contact VP of Development and Marketing, Sarah Quillen at 202-424-2708 or SQuillen@RMHCDC.org  to learn more. The event will be managed by Bishop Events.   About Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Greater Washington, DC (RMHCDC):Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Greater Washington, DC, a non-profit, 501 (C) (3), eases the hardship of children’s illness on families through programs that directly improve the health and wellbeing of children. Through its three core programs: two Ronald McDonald Houses®, three Ronald McDonald Family Rooms®, and two Ronald McDonald Care Mobiles®; RMHCDC keeps families with sick children together and close to the medical care their child needs at leading local hospitals. RMHCDC programs not only provide access to quality health care, they enable family-centered care ensuring families are fully supported and actively involved in their children’s care. For more information, visit rmhcdc.org.