City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: JUNE 19, 2013
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
FROM: RASHAD M. YOUNG, CITY MANAGER /s/
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Consideration and Approval of the City of Alexandria to Host the USATF National Road Racing Championship.
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ISSUE: Consideration and Approval of the City of Alexandria to Host the USA Track & Field (USATF) National Road Racing Championship
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council approves the City of Alexandria's hosting of the USATF National Road Racing Championship proposed for Sunday, November 17, 2013.
BACKGROUND: On January 23, 2010, City Council approved the City's Special Events Policies and Procedures which limits the number of foot races in Old Town to those approved by City Council.
DISCUSSION: The proposed USATF National Road Racing Championship is a season-capping 12-kilometer event to the USA Running Circuit, a series of championship races featuring star distance runners. The proposed route (Attachment 1) begins and ends in Oronoco Bay Park by way of the City's Lower/Upper King Street, Rosemont, Del Ray and North Old Town neighborhood and business districts.
In addition to the race, USATF will host a variety of community outreach programs (Attachment 2):
- Run with US!: The USA Track & Field, in cooperation with the Alexandria City Public Schools, will select a school to administer its Run with US! program which focuses on fighting the epidemic of childhood obesity and its associated negative medical, social and psychological effects, especially in at-risk youth.
- Win with Integrity: The USATF's Win with Integrity program, in coordination with City community clubs, civic groups, recreation centers, YMCA and similar organizations, is aimed at educating youth, parents, educators, and coaches about the positive results that come from leading a physically active, drug-free lifestyle while living with integrity
- USATF is proud to partner with the Alexandria Police Federation.
The City of Alexandria hosts a variety of races, parades and events in Old Town and Del Ray communities. City staff, in coordination with the event organizers, will notify civic, church and business groups of the planned activity (Attachment 3). The Alexandria Police Department continues to refine the proposed race route with the applicant. They will implement traffic control measures to minimize impact to the community.
Old Town currently hosts the George Washington Classic (April); Colin Casey 3K (May); Ragnar Relay (August) and the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Half Marathon (October) road races annually. In addition, Old Town Hosts the George Washington Birthday Parade (February); St. Patrick's Day Parade (March); Alexandria King Street Art Festival (September); Scottish Christmas Walk (December) and First Nigh Alexandria (December).
Del Ray currently hosts Art on the Avenue (October); Del Ray Halloween Parade (October); and the Turkey Trot (Thanksgiving Day).
Impacts to the community vary by road race and event scheduled.
FISCAL IMPACT: None. Event organizers are responsible for 100% reimbursement of direct City costs.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1: USATF National Road Racing Championship
Attachment 2: USATF Community Outreach Programs
Attachment 3: USATF Community Notification List
STAFF:
Debra Collins, Deputy City Manager
James Spengler, Director, Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities
Jack Browand, Division Chief, Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities
Sergeant Joseph Seskey, Police Department
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