After adopting two children from Russia eight years ago, Brian and April Whritenour realized they wanted to do more to help local children in need of a home. 

Their passion for the cause spread and prompted a Leesburg road race to money and awareness for the cause, the 3^rd Annual Run Me Home 5K and 10K and kids fun run. This year’s race takes place Saturday, April 27.

All of the money raised from the race helps benefit local children in Loudoun County Foster Care and Adoption and Inova’s Mobile Hope, a program that supports the needs of precariously housed and at-risk youth in Loudoun County.

“They use the money specifically to help the children in their care at LCFC&A, ranging from music lessons, art lessons, extending their stay at a summer camp, or re-decorating the visitation room so that it’s a warm and loving environment,” said Amanda Gauldin, a volunteer organizer. “These are kids that need something stable in their life and we have been able to help with that, whereas in a normal annual budget they just may not have the resources.”

In 2011, the first event raised $9,000; in 2012, $11,000; and this year they hope to donate even more to the cause. 

Run Me Home’s course starts at Catoctin Elementary School and follows the W&OD trail, which makes it a smooth, easy course to run at a fast pace, Gauldin said. 

Race organizers are offering three different courses: a 5K, a 10K and a free kids fun run. 

Gauldin said that Mind, Body and Soul will be pampering runners with massages after the race. 

Some of the other fun highlights of the day include free lemonade from Firebirds, Chick-Fil-A chicken biscuits and coupons for free sandwiches, cash prizes for race winners and raffle items. There will also be giveaways from Ford’s Fish Shack, Great Harvest Bread Company, Ashburn Ice House, Virginia Gold Cup, River Riders, Catoctin Zoo and more. 

To register for the race, visit runmehome.com. Online registration continues until Thursday, April 25; after which runners can sign up in person at Potomac River Running in the Village at Leesburg.