As the summer heat starts to fade away, so do excuses to get outside and get running—especially when signing up means helping other members of the community, or even another country. For some of these races, you can grab Fido, the kids or even your best costume and then go get your sweat on.
Clarendon Day RunÂ
Sept. 21, 8 a.m.
If you live in or around the Clarendon area, this event is calling your name. It caters to differing ambitions and abilities by offering a 5k and a 10k race—both of which allow for walking, so long as individuals maintain a brisk 15 minute-per-mile pace—and, as the course moves downhill, also draws on gravity to give participants a bit of a boost. Little ones can get involved via the Kids Dash, and once everyone’s got their steps in, the whole family can celebrate at a post-race party at Whitlow’s on Wilson and various other establishments. Proceeds support two charitable organizations: No Kid Hungry Virginia and the Wendy Martinez Legacy Project, which aims to support the community and female entrepreneurship, especially in the tech industry. // 5K, 10K start: Wilson Boulevard. and N. Fillmore Street, Arlington; Kids Dash: In front of Market Common Clarendon: 2800 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington
Features: Kid-friendly; Walk-friendly; Dog-friendly
Super H 5k Run, Walk & Wheel
Sept. 22, 8 a.m.Â
When Harry Freedman lost his leg in a work accident 16 years ago, his family decided while he was recovering at MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital, they had to do something to ensure he had the financial support he needed. That’s when they created the first-ever Super H 5k race and post-race party that stills lives on today, this year with a new one-mile Super H Fun Run. Proceeds support MedStar’s Adaptive Sports and Fitness Program, which allows anyone with a physical disability to participate in recreational and competitive sports like wheelchair rugby, wheelchair basketball and sled hockey for free. // Tysons Sport&Health: 8250 Greensboro Drive, McLean
Features: Dog friendly; Kid friendly; Walk friendly
Cross Country Trail Marathon and Half Marathon
Sept. 28, 8 a.m.
This Altis Endurance Sports event, which takes place in nearby Springfield and consists of either one or two 6.56-mile loops, benefits Lee High School and stars some of its Lancers. Lee High School students have served as volunteers since 2015—that year, they donated more than $1,000 in proceeds to the Sunshine School in Cape Town, South Africa—and since 2016, they’ve raised more than $4,000 for their own school. The Fairfax County Park Department benefits as well, receiving 15 percent of all registration fees. // Lake Accotink Park: 7578 Accotink Park Road, Springfield
Features: Walk-friendly; Kid-friendly