The Andiamo run is a low-key event which spans the entire W&OD Railroad Regional Park--a 45.5 mile generally flat, paved trail on an abandoned railroad bed. The trail is used by runners, walkers, skaters, bicyclists, horses, and people walking their dogs. For most of the way, there is a parallel dirt path. Generally, traffic is not a problem. Several bad road crossings now have bridges but some still require crossing streets with heavy traffic. Runners must comply with traffic signals and laws applying to pedestrians. There will be no special measures in dealing with traffic.

The VHTRC will provide aid at the six and twelve mile points and light refreshments at the finish. ALL OTHER AID WILL BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE RUNNER. There are ample water fountains and convenience stores along the route. (Water is at: 16, 24, 29, 34, 37, 41, and 43 miles.) All finishers will receive a small Andiamo finisher's momento.

The run starts in Purcellville which is about 10 miles west of Leesburg. The finish is in Shirlington near the intersection of I-395 and Glebe Road. We can provide transportation from the finish to the start, before the run, to those who enter before September 15. (This is also the date that the entry fee goes up by 50%.) We will neither help nor feel sorry for those looking for rides back to the start after the event. If you can provide a ride or need a ride, please contact Anstr Davidson. You must arrange rides in advance. If you drop out of the run before the finish, you will be responsible for your transportation. All runners should carry at least $10 in cash.

The Andiamo is the brainchild of Dave Moruzzi who nurtured it for five years before turning it over to the VHTRC. As Dave would remind you, andiamo means "let's go" in Italian.

Directions to Finish: The finish is in Shirlington, a locale of Arlington County, Virginia, noted for its street of restaurants. If southbound on I-395 (going from DC) take Exit 7 for Glebe Road/Shirlington. Take the Shirlington turn which is the second turn off the exit. At the signal, turn right and the finish is at the next signal (Shirlington Road and Four Mile Run Drive). If northbound on I-395 (heading toward DC) take Exit 6 (Shirlington). The finish, like the start, is understated--look for the brown wooden sign. (The pay phone which was the finish line is gone. The finish is the end of the asphalt.)

Directions to Start: Take Route 7 west past Leesburg. (Take the Dulles Toll Road and the Greenway to get to Route 7 at Leesburg.) As you approach Purcellville take Business 7 into town (leave 7 at route 287). Go west through Purcellville on Main Street. Turn right on 21st Street (route 690)(look for flashing yellow light). The trailhead (and run start) is about two blocks down on the right. PARK ON THE RIGHT, NOT IN THE CONDO PARKING LOT ACROSS THE STREET. ALSO, BE QUIET. IT'S EARLY SATURDAY MORNING! (Check out the map [pdf] on the Purcellville site.)

Crew Instructions: While the trail roughly parallels Route 7, it is not always fast or easy to meet the trail from Route 7. I recommend a good local map for crews. The local AAA maps show the trail as far as Vienna. Also, the ADC Map Co. (703-765-5626) Northern Virginia Area Map and the Loudoun County, Virginia Street Map are good. Trying to meet runners after Vienna (inside the beltway) will be complicated for all but long-time locals. Prepare to become lost!

Rules: First, you must comply with all of the rules of the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority. You must comply with all traffic signs and signals. Don't relieve yourself in public view. (There may be a porta-potty near the start, but don't count on it. There is a small park with toilets near the finish.) IF YOU DROP OUT, call Anstr Davidson (703-534-8171) and report this fact. At dusk, you must leave the trail wherever you are. If this happens to you, call to report you are quitting and then call a cab. (A convenient place to drop out would be at my house. Take the pedestrian bridge to Potomac Street at about ¼ mile past the 5 mile post.) Your entry fee does not include transportation if you drop out. Remember, this is a low-key event. Don't expect anything out of this other than an interesting run through beautiful countryside. This is a paved bike path, not a trail.

Link to entry form is below. The field is limited to the first 25 entrants received.

Information and application
• Entry Form
• Instructions for entrants.
• Current List of Entrants
Prior Results
• Report, Results, and Pictures from 2006 Event
• Report, Results, and Pictures from 2004 Event
• Report, Results, and Pictures from 2002 Event
• Report, Results, and Pictures from 2000 Event
• 1998 Results
• 1996 Results
W&OD Resources on the Web
• Northern Virginia Park Authority Site
• Friends of the W&OD
• More Information and Maps of the W&OD Bike Trail
• Another W&OD Page
• W&OD Page on AshburnWeb.com site
• Information about Purcellville including a map