May 12, 2018 was a perfect day for a run. It was also the 10 year Anniversary of the EU Embassy Run, an annual fundraiser ran in conjunction wit
h the EU Embassies’ Open House.
Over 70 runners showed up at Gold’s Gym Van Ness to do the two favorite things they love: Running with friends and visiting European Embassies all over the city.
Over 15 Embassies were toured, over a dozen miles were ran and over $3,000 was was raised for Team River Runner.
This year’s theme was “Saluting our Heroes” and the money raised would provide health and healing through adaptive kayaking for wounded service members and their families.
The run started in Van Ness with Slovakia and Austria gracious to open their doors for the runners a little bit early.
Then the runners headed west towards Rock Creek visiting Netherlands, Czech Republic and Hungary.
This year the runners were treated with a scenic stroll through the Melvin Hazen Trail. The moderately technical, half-mile stretch of quiet trail follows a tributary from Rock Creek. The scenic trail offers lush greenery and water crossings.
“The money raised will buy a trailer critical to transporting kayaks for the wounded,” said Joe Mornini, Executive Director and Co-Founder for Team River Runner. “A trailer allows us to take healing on the road, and help ease the workload of the volunteers in a community.”
Team River Runner served a critical role during the run, by transporting bags, directing runners and even transporting runners back to Van Ness after the party.
“The embassies along our route were friendly and welcoming. They shared their culture and culinary specialties, offering samples of cheese, pastries, chocolates, wine and more,” said Lisa Sweetland, a first-year runner. “My friends and I had a wonderful run while experiencing and appreciating the EU’s customs and arts. Thanks to the myriad of volunteers who helped guide us through the D.C. streets and ensured the run moved along smoothly.”