McLean, VA, May 22, 2015 — Nearly 1,300 runners, walkers, friends and well-wishers gathered at 7a.m. Sunday, May 17th, at the Brambleton Town Plaza, in Ashburn, Virginia, for the Fifth Annual Loudoun Lyme 5K/10K and 1K Fun Run. The goal of the event was to increase public knowledge of and encourage scientific research regarding Lyme disease. Excellent running weather greeted the enthusiastic participants, from young children to seniors. More than 120 volunteers helped to set up the course and distribute registration materials, t-shirts, and water; and about 40 area vendors supported the event with tables displaying their products and services.

Organizers Steve Gotschi, owner of DryHome Roofing and Siding, Inc., and Brigid Powell, Race Organizer/Director, worked tirelessly over the past year to ensure a successful event. Gotschi said, “I feel that with each passing year the run just gets bigger and better. I was particularly struck with the enthusiasm and appreciation displayed by the event attendees. I’m proud of our five year track record raising funds to support education and research for Lyme and tick-borne diseases through this popular annual event.”

One of the main highlights of the event was the gathering of close to 500 people who participated in the “Take a Bite Out of Lyme Disease” challenge. This was the largest such group challenge taken to date.

At this year’s event, Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (10th District) and Blue Ridge Supervisor, Janet Clarke, were each given an award for their continued dedication to and leadership in bringing awareness to the citizens of the Commonwealth regarding the dangers of Lyme and tick associated diseases, and for their consistent efforts to improve treatment for those already afflicted.

Monte Skall, Executive Director of the National Capital Lyme Disease Association (NatCapLyme) said, “In a recent series of studies conducted by the Centers for Disease Control, it was found that 51% of respondents do nothing to stop or avoid tick bites. This is a disturbing statistic given how serious the consequences of such inaction can be. In light of these findings, NatCapLyme recognizes that education and prevention are the best defenses against Lyme and tick-borne diseases. The funds raised from the Loudoun Lyme 5K/10K Run will help us increase public knowledge of such illnesses.”

NatCapLyme wants to thank DryHome Roofing and Siding, and all its volunteers, for the incredible commitment they have made to improve the lives of Lyme patients and their families through this event.”

NatCapLyme is a nonprofit organization that provides informational support for Lyme patients, attempts to prevent Lyme disease by raising public awareness of the dangers of ticks, and encourages medical community training and research on better diagnosis and treatment options for patients with Lyme and other tick-borne diseases.

Please visit our web site at natcaplyme.org or contact us at 703-821-8833 for more information.