‘Ringing in Hope’ Draws 1,300+ to Brambleton to Benefit Local Charities

Despite frigid temperatures, hundreds of runners showed up at Brambleton Tuesday for the fourth annual Ringing In Hope: A New Year’s Celebration, which benefits area charities.

Racers of all ages turned out for the 5K and 10K runs and the 1K fun run. As part of the theme, kids wore bells around their necks to “ring” in the New Year and raise money for this year’s beneficiaries: Children’s National Medical Center (The Brain Institute), Capital Caring, and Friends of Loudoun Mental Health.

Pony rides, a barrel train ride, temporary tattoos, music, a balloon artist and more were on hand for post-race fun.

The winners were:

5K event

• Lauren Shaub of Arlington, women, 19 min, 29 seconds
• Jesse Saldana III of Leesburg, men, 16 min., 43 seconds

10K event

• Melissa Saunders of Potomac Falls, women, 40 min., 25 seconds
• Greg Stemberger of Chantilly, men, 36 min.,15 seconds.  

The next Ringing In Hope event is set for Memorial Day, May 26, 2014; Ringing In Hope: A Salute to Our Troops will benefit charities that serve our military community and their families, and will take place at One Loudoun. 

Ringing In Hope organizers thanked the following sponsors for making the New Year’s event possible:

Title sponsors Brambleton Town Center, Potomac River Running, and WINC 92.5 FM

Sponsors Tetra Partners, Harris Teeter, Sport & Health Club of Brambleton, Legal Shield, Dulles Greenway, Big D’s Ponies, Ashburn Today, Leesburg Today, Miller and Smith, Pulte Homes, Van Metre Homes, Winchester Homes, Dulles Golf Center and Sports Park, Heartland Home Foods, Glory Days Grill, Kidz Art,  Five Star Septic, NOVEC, MPowereD, Oakton Antiques & Jewelry, and Go Jumps.