First Dominion 'TrailMix' To Blend Environmental Cleanup, Fitness

McDonnell will serve as honorary chair of the first annual Dominion "TrailMix," a three-part community event scheduled for September that will combine trail cleanup and beautification, a fitness outing that'll be called the "Great Skedaddle," and finally, something called "Trailfest." Paul Gilbert is the executive director of the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority, which owns the trail.

"We are expecting more than 5,000 people to gather for an afternoon of fun, food entertainment, water rides, sports clinics and so much more," Gilbert says.

He says more than 2 million people use the trail each year to walk, bike recreationally and to commute, so it's not as if it's underappreciated.

But while TrailMix will hardly be the first community event to utilize the trail, he says it should take recognition of the trail to the next level.

"There are many different kinds of events that happen on the trail, but they tend to be smaller events. I don't think there's ever been a large signature event like this," Gilbert says.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Park Authority's educational efforts.