Runs Net $5,000 for Special Olympics

A set of charity running events over the weekend raised more than $5,000 for Special Olympics Virginia.

The two races–Run With The Law 5K and a Special Olympics Fun Run–were organized by the Fredericksburg City Police Department and the University of Mary Washington. Held on Saturday, October 22, on the UMW campus, this is the first year of what organizers hope will become an annual tradition at the college.

"We changed lives this weekend, mostly ours," said UMW head men's basketball coach and event run Rod Wood in a press release. "It was a powerful day and something I hope we can continue for years to come."

The highlight of the event was the fun run, which saw special olympians and their families and friends travel from the William M. Anderson Center to the Campus Bell Tower and back. Lining the route for the 75 runners were more than 350 student athletes from UMW's sports teams urging each participant on.

"I was truly blown away by the support of the UMW athletes", said Carrie Dyer, the Director of Development for Special Olympics Virginia. "I know our athletes felt extra special with all those fans cheering them on"