Running in Tim's Name

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There's still no cure for the hepatitis C that claimed Tim Harmon's life in 1999 at age 51. But it's hoped that funds raised by a 5K race in his honor will help toward that goal and also educate the public about this disease.

The 10th Annual Tim Harmon Memorial 5K Run/Walk is Saturday, June 13, at 8:30 a.m., rain or shine, at the Fairfax County Government Center. The course is mostly flat and fast, beginning and ending in front of the Government Center and going out to West Ox Road and Monument Drive.

Cost is $21, and participants may register at www.racepacket.com, or in person on race day, from 7-8:15 a.m. For more information, call 703-934-8756, e-mail peggy.cook@fairfaxcounty.gov or see www.timharmon5k.org.

"Besides the runners, it attracts a mixture of people," said race director Tom Cook of Chantilly's Armfield Farms community. "A lot of them knew Tim and worked with him; others come to support friends and family members with hepatitis C. And they can either walk or run the course."

Harmon worked 20 years for Fairfax County and was director of Residential Services for Alcohol and Drug Services (ADS). He also founded a substance-abuse treatment program for teen-agers.

Because of his efforts, seven new residential treatment programs were opened. He also helped expand those at A New Beginning and Fairfax Detox in Chantilly, New Generations in Vienna, plus Crossroads and Sunrise House.

"Tim hired me in 1984 as a substance-abuse counselor for ADS ," said Cook, who still holds that position and works with teens. "This county's lucky to have so many services, and Tim was a driving force behind a lot of them."

The race is held to remember Harmon and to raise awareness of hepatitis C. Proceeds go to charities including the Hepatitis Foundation, the American Liver Foundation and local drug-treatment centers, including Sunrise in Fair Oaks.

Prizes in the 5K are awarded to the top three, male and female overall finishers, plus the top three finishers in 14 age groups in five-year increments. There are four race divisions: Runners/walkers, Fairfax County employees, baby joggers and public safety. Fire and police personnel will compete against each other for team and individual trophies.

Registered participants receive custom T-shirts designed by Kay Rankin. They're orange, black and white and feature an image of a runner. Said Cook: "I run in about 25 races a year, and it's always great to get a nice, bright T-shirt."

Sports Plus, Battlefield Screen, Cassaday Inc. and The Miller Firm are the major sponsors. And more than 100 trophies, plaques and medals will be presented, as well as door prizes from local restaurants and merchants.

They include Potomac Nationals baseball tickets, goody bags from Starbucks and gift certificates from Potomac River Running Store, Ledo's Pizza, Panera, Foster's Grille, Chipotle and J.R. Stockyards.

Silent auction items include signed footballs by Brian Griese of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and his father Bob Griese, the Hall of Fame quarterback from the Miami Dolphins; a baseball signed by Washington Nationals outfielder Elijah Dukes; and gift certificates for rounds of golf at Osprey Bay Golf Course.

Adding to the fun is a live, classic-rock band, The Sock Monkeys, who'll entertain before, during and after the race. "They've played every year, since the first year, and are always a big hit," said Cook. And post-race refreshments such as bagels, granola bars, juice and soda will be available.

"Last year, we raised nearly $13,000 and had 700 participants," said Cook. It costs about $8,000 to put on the race, with the T-shirts and trophies being the biggest expenses. But Cook wouldn't dream of stopping.

"We start working on it in January and, after 10 years, it's what I do, each spring," he said. "Nine or 10 of us on the race committee have been on it for nine years. And we get a lot of positive feedback on the race - it's a great activity."

Literature in the race packets also helps educate people about hepatitis C and how to avoid contracting It. Harmon's disease was discovered through a routine blood test but, unfortunately, there's no vaccine for this silent killer.

And it has no symptoms, so people don't realize they have it until they're diagnosed. But by then, their livers may be irreparably damaged - and that's what happened to Harmon. For more information, call 1-800-891-0707 or see www.hepfi.org.

Harmon left behind a wife and two daughters, now grown. "Tim also has a 9-year-old grandson he never saw," said Cook. "Matthew was born the year after he died, and he comes to the race every year and participates."

Additional information:

Hepatitis C - Treatment Overview
Diagnosis Management and Treatment of Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment on
New Treatment For Hepatitis C
Substance Abuse Treatment , Prevention, and Policy , Full text
Review of Hepatitis C Treatment and Care Services
Guidelines - Hepatitis C (chronic) - Infectious diseases
Hepatitis C Information & Fact Sheets
New guidelines recommend increased hepatitis C testing
Hepatitis C Web Portal: Treatment Guidelines

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