It tracks that a region crowned the fittest and healthiest would host a bevy of cardio-crushing races. Carb-load, hydrate, stretch and take to the streets to feel the wind in your bib at these upcoming runners’ events.
22nd Annual Arlington Police, Fire, Sheriff and ECC 9/11 Memorial 5K
Sept. 7, 6 p.m.
The $50 registration fee for this 5K (3.1 miles) goes toward charities that support victims of the 2001 terrorist attacks. To date, more than 40,000 runners have participated, and the race has raised more than $950,000. The goal this year is to cross the $1 million mark. After the run, participants can enjoy a celebration with light snacks and drinks and a family-friendly DJ. // DoubleTree Hotel, 300 Army Navy Drive, Arlington (National Landing)
George Washington Patriot Run
Sept. 8, 7:15 a.m.
Enjoy a run with a view of the first president’s mansion. The ninth annual event includes 5K and 10-mile options, although the website says the former is sold out. Both options include pre-race warm-ups with fitness pros from VIDA Fitness and a Finish Festival with music, food and drink, including a free beer for each runner. The 10-miler costs $82, which also covers admission to the first president’s home. Public safety personnel and members of the military, including veterans, get a $5 discount. Just want to watch? Spectator tickets cost $14. // 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon
Navy Federal Credit Union 5K Run/Walk/Roll
Sept. 14, 9 a.m.
Welcoming participants of all abilities, the 30th annual race (and 10th annual virtual option) will award the top three finishers in the categories of male, female and wheelchair user. In-person participants also will vie for prizes by age group. The littlest competitors—ages 5 and younger—can do the Sammie Sprint for free starting at 10 a.m. Registration fees for the live 5K are up to $25 and up to $12 for the virtual one. Proceeds go toward Dog Tag, a program that helps military veterans, spouses and caregivers bridge life between the military and civilian worlds. // 820 Follin Lane, ViennaÂ
DC Half
Sept. 15, 7 a.m.
A new event—the DC Half 5K—joins the half marathon and two-or three-person half marathon relay this year. Presented by Pacers Running, the race’s certified course starts near West Potomac Park, loops around the Tidal Basin and follows the river north. Registration fees start at $50 for the 5K, $110 for the half marathon and $150 for the relay.
Falls Church Education Foundation Run for the Schools
Sept. 15, 8 a.m.
This 20th annual event will kick off at Cherry Hill Park. The USA Track and Field-certified 5K course will wind through the streets of the Little City with a mix of inclined and flat stretches. Participants looking for a shorter lap can do a 1-mile loop instead, and a virtual option is available for people who can’t make it in person. Strollers are welcome on the course, but bikes, skateboards, rollerblades and dogs are not. Registration is $40 for ages 19 and up, or $20 for runners 18 and younger. Proceeds benefit the foundation and all Falls Church City Public Schools. // 312 Park Ave., Falls Church
2024 Super H 5K Run, Walk and Wheel
Sept. 15, 8 a.m.
Sponsored by MedStar Health, this race gives you the option of riding the course on a recumbent bike or handcycle, or using a wheelchair. Leaving from and returning to OneLife Fitness-Tysons, the in-person event costs $40-$45. There’s also a mile-long Fun Run ($25) and a 5K Child for ages 13 and younger ($30-$35). Can’t get there? Do the virtual 5K/Fun Run, which carries a $45 registration fee. Proceeds go toward MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital’s Adaptive Sports Programs, which helps children and adults who have physical disabilities participate in recreational and competitive sports. // 8250 Greensboro Drive, McLean
National Capital 20 and 5 Miler
Sept. 29, 7 a.m.
The self-dubbed “premier fall marathon tune-up race” offers two lengths, both of which are flat and straight and follow out-and-back paths along the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath, starting at Mile Marker 11 (the northwest end of the Carderock Recreation Area) and heading toward Georgetown. Open to only 300 runners, the 20-miler costs $80 ($65 for DC Road Runners members), and the shorter race costs $40 ($35 for members). // Carderock Recreation Area, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath, Potomac, Maryland
2024 McLean 5K
Oct. 5, 8 a.m.
Take to the streets of McLean on this 3.1-mile certified course. Hosted by the McLean Community Center and the McLean Community Foundation, the race’s proceeds will benefit the foundation, which supports community needs, such as fire trucks, playgrounds and social services. (And bring nonperishable food items for the associated Stuff the Truck event in support of Share of McLean when you pick up your race packet.) Registration costs $45 through Oct. 2, when online registration closes, or $50 on race day. The overall fastest male and female finishers, plus the top two male and female finishers in several age groups, will receive medals, and three lucky participants will be chosen at random to win a seven-day vacation at any Wyndham Resort. // McLean Square Shopping Center, 6631 Old Dominion Drive, McLean
Army Ten-Miler
Oct. 13
Celebrating its 40th anniversary with in-person and virtual races, this run starts at the Pentagon and winds through iconic D.C. monuments and landmarks. Fuel up the night before at the General Dynamics Pasta Dinner, an event that attracts the sergeant major of the Army, sergeants major of the Army Reserve and Guard, and Wounded Warriors. Kiddos 12 and younger can participate in the in-person 400-meter Youth Run, which immediately follows the main race. If you choose to do the virtual option ($99 for ages 13 and up or $35 for kids 12 and younger as of Oct. 13), you have from Oct. 13-Dec. 31 to run it. Find the full race schedule here.
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer
Oct. 26, 9 a.m.
Paint D.C. pink in support of breast cancer fighters, survivors, caregivers and research at this annual American Cancer Society event. Since the first event in 1993, the noncompetitive walk has grown into what the organization says is “the nation’s largest and most impactful breast cancer movement.” The event, which takes place in more than 150 cities nationwide, has raised more than $80 million, as of May 2023. The 2.5-mile D.C. walk culminates with dancing, a giant pink chair to pose on, games, a pink firetruck from Prince George’s County, giveaways, raffles and breast cancer resources. // Tidal Basin, 300 Raoul Wallenberg Place, S.W., Washington, D.C.
Marine Corps Marathon
Oct. 27
If Jill Biden, Drew Carey and Oprah can cross the finish line of this famous race, you can, too. One of the largest marathons in the country and the largest in the world to not offer prize money, the “People’s Marathon” has been an annual Arlington event for 48 years. Opt for the MCM50K ultramarathon or MCM10K, or root on kiddos ages 5-12 at the MCM Kids Run on Oct. 26. Register for the live or virtual race here ($72-$248 for the general public, $52-$180 for military service members and $15 for kids).
Monster Mash Dash
Oct. 27, 8 a.m.
Get in the Halloween spirit at this PR Races 5K and 1 mile, which has live and virtual options. The live run will be electronically timed, and the first three male and female finishers in various age groups will get awards. Every participant gets a T-shirt, medal and digital finisher certificate, plus free race photos will be available to in-person runners. Registration fees through Sept. 27 are $40 for the 5K or $30 for ages 14 and under or to just do the mile-long fun run. After that, the prices increase by $5. // Franklin Sherman Elementary School, 6633 Brawner St., McLean
Veterans Day 5K and 1K
Nov. 10, 8 a.m.
Take I-66 west to Fairfax Corner to participate in this race in person (there’s a virtual option, too). With a course time limit of 60 minutes, runners must be able to maintain a pace of about 19-minute miles to finish on time. Awards will go to the top three overall male and female finishers in the live race, and to the top three male and female age group finishers in five-year increments–from 14 and under through 80 and over. Registration fees run $30-$45, depending on which race you choose and when you sign up. // 4100 Monument Corner Drive, Fairfax
10th Annual Jennifer Bush-Lawson Foundation 5K & Family Fun Day
Nov. 23, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Part race, part party, this event celebrates the life of Jennifer Bush-Lawson, an Arlington mother and avid runner who died in a 2014 traffic accident. After having three complicated pregnancies and NICU babies, she worked to ensure medical care for moms and newborns in need—an effort that the foundation continues today. Sign up for the certified 5K, the Family Fun Day or both. The carnival promises moon bounces, laser tag, a rock wall and live performances. Registration costs $30 through Sept. 30 and $40 Oct. 1 and later for just the 5K, or $40 and $50, respectively, for the run and Fun Day. Alternatively, you can attend just the festivities for $20 ($25 after Oct. 1). // Knights of Columbus, 5115 Little Falls Road, Arlington (Yorktown)