Perfect weather predicted for the 5K – Sign up now – Taste of Annandale

With sunny, cool weather predicted for Saturday morning, it’s going to be a perfect day for a run in the park.

So, get out there and join the Taste of Annandale 5K, on Sept. 20, starting at 9:30 a.m. The 5K will be different this year – it’s going to be entirely on the trails in Mason District Park.

The Taste of Annandale 5K is sponsored and organized by RAMP Optimal Performance & Wellness, a personal training center in Annandale.

Related story: Here’s the Taste of Annandale schedule

Runners will meet at the upper area, near the tennis courts and amphitheater. Parking is available at the athletic fields.

All participants will receive Taste of Annandale 5K T-shirts. Medals will be awarded to the fastest male and female runners and the top runners in several age categories.

RAMP coaches will lead warmups before the race. The course will be marked to guide runners along the trails.

RAMP offers the following advice for a healthy run:

Hydrate the day before the race.
Eat smart the day of, with light carbs and protein. Healthy choices include oatmeal, toast, and a banana with almond butter.
Warm up with a light jog, foam roll, and dynamic stretches.
After the race, cool down by taking a five to 10-minute walk.
Stretch, focusing on the calves, quads, and hamstrings.
Replenish electrolytes with fluids and restore protein to build muscle.

Representatives from the Jacksons Clinics facility in Burke, one of RAMP’s partners, will be on hand to talk to runners about their physical therapy needs.

After the 5K, runners are encouraged to head over to the Taste of Annandale at the Eileen Garnett Civic Space at 7200 Columbia Pike. Don’t worry about parking – Fairfax Connector is providing shuttle buses from Annandale High School.

Drop by the RAMP booth to enter a raffle for a DC Power jersey.