Running Festival promotes active lifestyles

Bernard Pesjak calls out raffle numbers during the Rise, Run and Shine Running Festival in the parking lot at Wakefield Park.

About 140 runners – including 40 kids – got some exercise while enjoying nature at the Rise, Run and Shine Running Festival at Wakefield Park in Annandale March 31.

The event consisted of a series of running events, including a 5K, 10K, six-hour, three-hour, and kids’ fun run through the trails in the park.

Nathan Wheeler of Alexandria reaches the finish line after completing 12.6 miles.

The organizer, Annandale resident Bernard Pesjak, says the Rise, Run and Shine Running Festival is all about promoting healthy living, fostering new friendships, and encouraging families to adopt an active lifestyle. The event drew runners of all levels, ranging from beginners to dedicated marathoners.

Some runners completed just one lap around the course. Matthew Perkins of Washington, D.C., did 13 laps, a distance of 40.95 miles, in six hours and 55 minutes. George Sefzik of Alexandria and Matthew Matese of Manassas each completed 37.8 miles.

Kids learn some karate basics.

Pesjak, a running coach who operates Get Up and Go Coaching, has hosted similar running festivals at Mason District Park and is planning another one Sept. 22. 

Runners and sponsors donated funds to Shelter House, a nonprofit that helps homeless families and victims of domestic violence.

Personal trainers from PR Performance Fitness led the runners in warm-up excises, and Goju-Ryo Karate/MMA Iron Fist presented an introductory karate lesson.

Those companies provided raffle prizes to the participants, along with other sponsors, including Altra Running Shoes, Athletic Equation, Metro Run & Walk, Tysons Hot Yoga, Triandos Chiropractic and Acupuncture, Trader Joe’s, Starbucks at Pinecrest Plaza, Lincolnia Park Charity Tri, Foxfire Grill, May Samana Beauty Salon, and olio2go.

Betti Arsoviska presented the children with hand-painted wooden Easter eggs depicting nature scenes to inspire them “to get out and be in nature and eat healthy.”