Burke & Herbert Bank Presents the Inaugural Woodrow Wilson Bridge Half Marathon

By Steve Nearman

Alexandria, VA February 27, 2010

For the Washington Running Report

Burke & Herbert Bank & Trust Company announces that it will be the Title Sponsor of the inaugural Woodrow Wilson Bridge Half Marathon, set for September 19, 2010.

Long a community leader in the Washington region, the venerable financial institution now partners with the Woodrow Wilson Half Marathon to promote fitness and well-being in the community it has called home since its inception some 158 years ago.

“Burke & Herbert Bank is Northern Virginia’s hometown bank and I cannot think of a better way to celebrate our role in the community than to be the lead sponsor of this terrific event,” said Scott McSween, President and Chief Operating Officer at Burke and Herbert Bank. “A half marathon tests determination, endurance, and strength – all key characteristics of our Bank which has served folks in our community since 1852. We are most proud to serve as the inaugural sponsor of what I know will be a wonderful event.”

The destination half marathon will begin at the historic Mount  Vernon home of George Washington in Alexandria, Virginia and will end at the new luxurious National Harbor resort in Maryland. The 13.1-mile course will be certified by USA Track & Field.

The half marathon is the first professional race ever across the new Woodrow Wilson Bridge and will include an Awakening Statue finish and a Rude Awakening climb up the majestic Woodrow Wilson  Bridge. Completed in 2008, the wider new bridge removed an infamous Interstate 95 bottleneck that had been the bane of frustration for Beltway motorists for decades.

The race will benefit six charity partners: the American Heart Association, Autism Speaks, Alice Ferguson Foundation, Child & Family Network Centers of Alexandria, Washington Area Women’s Foundation, and Back on My Feet – DC.

“We are fortunate that years of careful planning and fiscal restraint have put Burke and Herbert Bank in a position to sponsor a new tradition in Northern  Virginia. We are proud to be of assistance to the worthy charities serving the needs of our community,” said Hunt Burke, Chief Executive Officer. “I am delighted that people will associate Burke and Herbert Bank with this Half Marathon for years to come.”

Steve Nearman, event founder and director, echoed Mr. Burke’s comments, adding:

“We are overjoyed that the Burke & Herbert Bank name will grace our half marathon. Burke & Herbert Bank has set a very high standard of quality, service, and satisfaction in banking and we are committed to doing the same in the race management business.”

For information, visit wilsonbridgehalf.com or call Steve Nearman at 703-587-4321. And stay updated on FaceBook – wilsonbridgehalf