Monster Mash Dash 5K and 1-mile Fun Run
Oct. 27, 8 a.m.Â
Organized by the Franklin Sherman Elementary Parent-Teacher Association, this Halloween-themed race raises money for the school while also giving parents and students the chance to preview their spooky holiday stylings. All racers who register in advance will get their own short-sleeved commemorative shirt, a medal for participation—there will also be awards for the top finishers of each age group —and last, but certainly not least, post-race treats and refreshments. // Franklin Sherman Elementary School: 6633 Brawner St., McLean
Features: Walk friendly; Kid friendly
Spend Yourself 5K Run/3K WalkÂ
Nov. 23, 8 a.m.
It’s typical for about 500 runners and walkers to partake in this feel-good, give-back event benefiting Columbia Baptist Church’s Spend Yourself World Hunger Ministry, which received $85,000 in 2018 alone and has raised more than $2.5 million since 2008. Specifically, the money raised from the Spend Yourself race will support the Food Pantry in Falls Church—which serves more than 200 families every Saturday—and hunger relief efforts in Vijayawada, India and La Begue, Haiti. Sign up by Nov. 10 if you want to guarantee that you’ll receive the long-sleeved shirt, but don’t worry if you can’t make it—you can sign up to participate virtually! // Columbia Baptist Church: 103 W. Columbia St., Falls Church
Features: Walk friendly; Dog friendly; Kid friendly
Jennifer Bush-Lawson 5K and Family Fun Day
Nov. 23, 9 a.m.
Run in the fifth annual Jennifer-Bush Lawson 5K and support the legacy of its namesake, an Arlington mother of three who championed high-quality prenatal and postnatal medical care and died in a car accident in 2014. After this certified 5K run, two short fun runs are available to little ones, with an assortment of activities (inflatables, rock climbing, face painting, laser tag, performances) to follow. Proceeds will support maternal and infant care for financially vulnerable mothers and their children. // Knights of Columbus, 5115 Little Falls Road, Arlington
Features: Kid-friendly
Arlington Turkey Trot: 14th Annual 5k Fun RunÂ
Nov. 28, 8 a.m.Â
If you’re looking for another excuse to stuff your face at the Thanksgiving table, running a 5K beforehand sounds like a pretty good one. Since the first 300-person race in 2006, the Arlington Turkey Trot has grown to attract more than 4,000 runners, raising, to-date, almost $80,000 for Arlingtonians in need via various beneficiaries; this year’s include the Arlington Food Assistance Center, Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network, Arlington Thrive, Bridges to Independence, Offender Aid and Restoration, and Young Life South Arlington. Register by Nov. 1 to get this year’s short-sleeved tee, or pay an extra $20 to get a long-sleeved version. // Christ Church of Arlington: 3020 N. Pershing Drive, Arlington
Features: Walk-friendly; Kid-friendly; Dog-friendly