29th Annual Somerset Elementary Back-to-School Classic 8K and 2K event...

• 8K Run:- 8K Run
• 2K Run:- 2K Run

The Somerset Elementary Back-to-School Classic is a fall community racing tradition for the whole family, with great new courses for 2016!  The event includes a timed 8K, an untimed 2K, and, for our youngest athletes, a shorter fun run.        

This year, the Back-to-School Classic unveils a fast and fabulous NEW USATF-certified course for its timed 8K race!  Runners will start at the corner of Dorset Avenue and Warwick Place, a ten minute walk from the Friendship Heights Metro Station.  The new 8K course winds through the gently rolling hills of Somerset before heading west to loop through the Kenwood neighborhood.  Runners will then return to Somerset to face the Dorset hill before a fast downhill finish.  The 8K course has water stations and mile splits.

The untimed 2K run also starts at the corner of Dorset Avenue and Warwick Place, and loops through the Somerset neighborhood.  The 2K course has been modified this year to finish at the same location as the 8K race, so that specators can more easily cheer on all runners.  

The Fun Run, for young athletes 11 years old and younger, takes place on the Somerset Elementary School field following the 2K race.  

A Back-to-School Classic race T-shirt and a wonderful brunch following the race is included in the price of registration for 8K and 2K runners.  Fun Run participants and others may also enjoy brunch and receive a T-shirt by purchasing a "Brunch and T-Shirt" registration.  

Proceeds of the Back-to-School Classic help Somerset Elementary School provide scholarships for its after-school programs, build its library collections and classroom resources, and offer a rich cultural arts program.  On behalf of Somerset students, thank you for your support!  

Event details and schedule

The 8K and 2K races begin at 9:00 AM on Sunday, October 16, 2016 at Somerset Elementary School, 5811 Warwick Place, Chevy Chase, MD.  The children's Fun Run begins on the school field after the 2K.    

The 8K Race

The new USATF-certified 8K course is illustrated in the attached course map.  Timing chips will be imbedded in the race bibs of registered 8K runners. The course has water stations and mile splits.  No strollers, baby-joggers, skates, or pets are permitted on the 8K course.  

There will be great prizes for:

• The top 3 male and female finishers in the 8K overall
• The top 3 male and female finishers in the 8K for age groups (15 & under; 16-19; 20-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60-69; 70 & over). 

Overall winners will not be eligible for age group awards.

A technical race T-shirt and a wonderful brunch following the race are included in the registration price.  

The 2K Race

Feel free to walk, run, stroll, or jog!  Strollers, baby-joggers, skates, and pets are allowed.  Families and children are encouraged to participate!  

The 2K race will not be timed, and no prizes will be awarded.   

A technical race T-shirt and a wonderful brunch following the race are included in the registration price.  

Children's Fun Run

Children's Fun Run events for athletes 11 years old and younger will be held on the Somerset field after the completion of the 2K race.  Runners need not register to participate in the Fun Run.  

Fun Run runners and nonrunners should register for "Brunch and T-shirt Only" if they would like brunch and/or a T-shirt.  

Registration and Fees

From August 1 - October 13, 2016, runners and "Brunch and T-shirt only" participants may register online only, with payment by credit card only.  Online registration will close at 9 pm on October 13, 2016.  Runners and brunch participants may register in person at packet pick up locations on October 14, 15, and 16, with payment by cash, check, or credit card.    

Registration fees are the same for the 8K and the 2K race:

Student registration (ages 18 & under): $20, Aug. 1 - Oct. 13 (online only); $25, Oct. 14 - 16 (on-site only)

Adult registration (ages 19 & up): $40, Aug. 1 - Oct. 13 (online only); $45, Oct. 14 - 16 (on-site only) 

Registration for Brunch and T-shirt only is $15 throughout the registration period.  

Packet Pick Up and On-Site Registration

Friday, October 14, 2016, 4:30 - 8 pm.  Somerset Elementary School, 5811 Warwick Place, Chevy Chase, MD.

Saturday, October 15, 2016, noon - 4 pm.  Georgetown Running Company, 4461 Willard Avenue, Chevy Chase, MD.

Sunday, October 16, 2016 (race morning), 7:30 - 8:30 am.  Somerset Elementary School, 5811 Warwick Place, Chevy Chase, MD.