DC runner to run to 19 countries in six hours

http://www.examiner.com/x-8091-DC-Running-Fitness-Examiner~y2009m5d7-DC-runner-to-run-to-19-countries-in-six-hours

Washington runner Chito Peppler plans to run to 19 countries in six hours on Saturday.

OK, they're not countries so much as embassies, but it's a neat idea, anyway, and he's inviting other DC runners to come along.

The 10-mile run piggybacks on European Union Open House Day, in which EU member states open their embassies to the public, offering music and cuisine specific to each country. 

Peppler's plan is to sample some food or leave with a souvenir from each country, and to get his picture taken inside or in front of each embassy.  

"The idea is to participate in the festivities and to learn something from each country -- something we can take with us and together we can make a lasting difference in our lives," Peppler writes.

My take: Runners know the best way to make a fun event even better is to run there, like the Pacers Silver Spring's fun run group's jaunt to the presidential inauguration in January. This is another perfect example.

Want to go with? He plans to run at about 8:30-minute-mile pace, but notes that no one will be left behind. He'll be starting at 9 a.m. the Farragut North Metro Station, where he will line up for the first bus to the German Embassy. Check his running blog for details, and to let him know you'd like to join him.

Can't make it? He'll be Tweeting from his iPhone.Or check back here after the event to find out how it went.