Register now for 2015 National Press Club Beat the Deadline 5K on Sept. 5

Are you ready? It’s time to mark your calendar for the 2015 National Press Club Beat the Deadline 5K

Tony Horton, celebrity fitness trainer and creator of P90X is back to serve as honorary race marshal for the Press Club's 18th Annual 5K to benefit education and diversity in journalism at 7:30 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 5.

Click here for more information and to register.

The race will be followed by the legendary pancake breakfast and awards ceremony.

Cash prizes will be awarded for top finishers. Media and group team entries are encouraged.

This year the Club and its National Journalism Institute have put a bright spotlight on the case of Jason Rezaian, the Washington Post reporter who is currently on trial in Iran accused of being a spy. The NPC has been part of a team of organizations that have worked to advocate for Jason’s freedom. To help build awareness of Jason’s case we teamed up with Michael Cavna of the Post to create a special limited-edition T-shirt incorporating Cava’s unique artwork, which uses one line marking every day Jason has been held in prison, adding a powerful message to this year’s race. Runners will be given the option to receive this shirt when they register or both shirts for a $10 donation to Institute. Runners and supporters may also purchase extra shirts to distribute at their organizations if they wish. Shirts will be made in a limited quantity, so make sure your reserve your t-shirt when registering for the race. To find out more information about Jason’s cause, go to https://www.press.org/FreeJason.

Proceeds from Beat the Deadline 5K benefit the Institute and its ongoing mission to support the future of journalism. The Institute is committed to helping working journalists improve their skills through ongoing training; scholarships that promote diversity within our profession, and the promotion of press freedom worldwide.

Since 2000, and with the help of the runners and sponsors, more than $800,000 has been raised to help deserving students attend college and pursue a career in journalism.

Mazda and Dunbar Armored, longtime sponsors of the Beat the Deadline 5K, have already pledged their support of this year’s race. Members wishing to sponsor or donate to this event can find out more information online or contact Melinda Cooke at [email protected].

To get updates or to connect with runners, follow the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #NPC5K, on Facebook and Twitter.