FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Media Contact: Lisa Stites

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA.— ‘Tis the season for holiday cheer! Whether you’re ready to make a run for the hills or spread your enthusiastic holiday spirit—nothing makes the holiday season more memorable than spending quality time with family and friends. 

The Thomas Jefferson Foundation invites runners and walkers to the first ever Monticello Holiday Classic 5K and Deck the Halls Kids Dash, December 11, 2010 at 8:00 a.m. 

The event offers families a quality holiday experience at Monticello’s one-of-a-kind Saunders-Monticello Trail.  This family-oriented 5K begins at the Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center and Smith Education Center.  Kids under 12 can enjoy the Deck the Halls Kids Dash, a 1,000 meter dash and scavenger hunt, where they will put together a special handmade holiday keepsake – a Monticello ornament.

The top male and female 5K finishers will receive handcrafted Monticello wreaths.  The top three finishers in each age category will receive tickets to Monticello.  All finishers will receive a special Monticello collector winter running cap and gift bag.

Registration is available online, by mail, or in person with race forms available at monticello.org, Ragged Mountain, and the Monticello Ticket Office.   All proceeds will go to the Monticello Annual Fund which supports the Thomas Jefferson Foundation’s mission of preservation and education.

For information including parking and directions, visit www.monticello.org/holidayclassic5K

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