This morning was the annual "Patriot's Cup 8K" at George Mason University to benefit the ARC of Northern Virginia, an advocacy group for mentally disabled and their families.

It was a sunny but windy day.  Several hundred local runners participated and families filled up the concourse along Mason Drive, where the runnners finished.

ARC has been a great advocacy group for the years I've been in Richmond.  They have a positive image in the community and are well-known for working with legislators on both sides.  I've had the privilege to speak at their annual meetings and get to know their leadership quite well. 

This year, ARC was instrumental in obtaining 600 new "MR waiver" slots so that more Virginia families can keep their mentally retarded children at home while providing comprehensive care.  That is the best, most cost-effective way to care for MR children and adults. 

To their credit, ARC doesn't just ask the legislature for more funds, they also tell us the best way to spend the money. 

The race was basically two laps around the Mason campus.  I started strong, then faded on miles three and four.  My time was 38:23 which was slower than last year. 

Afterwards, Braddock Supervisor Sharon Bulova and I presided over the awards ceremony.  My wife Sharon brought our kids to climb on the Climbing Wall and ride the festival rides. 

Great race and great day for the NoVA ARC.