Whether you’re looking to get a PR (personal record) or just stretch your legs during the hectic and food-heavy holiday season, there’s an option for you in our roundup of local winter fun runs. Break out those turkey-shaped hats, ugly sweaters and jingle bells, lace up your kicks, and head out for a 5K, 10K or half-marathon, most of them dog-friendly. Kids can participate, too—often in their own shorter runs. And because this is the season of giving, all of the events benefit organizations helping people in need.
Tysons Rotary Turkey TrotÂ
Race day and time: Nov. 12, 8 a.m.
Registration deadline: Nov. 9 by 8 p.m., but you may sign up in person on race day
Pre-game your Thanksgiving appetite by doing this fifth annual 5K race. Sponsored by the Tysons Rotary, it raises money for local charities, such as Second Story, Insight Memory Care Center and HopeLink (formerly PRS/CrisisLink). Registration costs $35 ahead of time or $40 on race day. // Tysons Central Park, 1775 Tysons Blvd., Tysons
Jennifer Bush-Lawson 5K and Family Fun Day
Race day and time: Nov. 18, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Registration Deadline: Nov. 17, 11 a.m., but you may sign up in person on race day
The ninth annual 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 Jennifer Bush-Lawson Foundation continues today. In addition to a certified 5K, the event promises a beer garden, kids’ fun run, moon bounces, laser tag, a rock wall, balloon animals, face painting and live performances. The goal is to raise $100,000. Registration for the race costs $40; tickets to the Fun Day events are $25; or get a combo of the two for $50. // 5115 Little Falls Road, Arlington (Yorktown)
Arlington Turkey Trot
Race day and time: Nov. 23, 8 a.m.
Registration deadline: Nov. 19
Gobble up some miles—3.13, to be exact—before carving the turkey at this annual Thanksgiving Day 5K. Founded in 2006 at the Christ Church of Arlington, the event has raised more than $1 million to help Arlington County residents in need since its inception. This year’s trot is sponsored by the church, the Arlington Community Foundation and Amazon. Proceeds will go to 18 local nonprofit beneficiaries. Registration is $50 for adults and $25 for kids ages 6-17. Littles younger than 5 can participate for free. // 3020 N. Pershing Drive, Arlington (Lyon Park)
Columbia Island Turkey Trot 5K & 10K
Race day and time: Nov. 23, 7:45 a.m. (10K) and 8 a.m. (5K)
Registration deadline: Sign up online or in person on race day
Choose a 5- or 10-kilometer run or walk along the Potomac River and support the John P. Mayhugh Foundation at the same time. The foundation was created in memory of John Powell Mayhugh, who died of an opioid overdose at age 27 after battling secondary post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The nonprofit works to remove barriers to recovery and improve outcomes for people suffering from PTSD and traumatic brain injury. Registration costs $30 for the 5K and $45 for the 10K until Nov. 15, after which each increases by $5. // George Washington Memorial Parkway, Arlington
Alexandria Turkey Trot
Race day and time: Nov. 23, 9 a.m.
Registration deadline: Online registration closes Nov. 23, 6 a.m., but in-person registration will be available 7:30-8:30 a.m.
Join about 6,000 participants at this 48th annual event, which will cover 5 miles through the heart of Del Ray. Runners, walkers, dogs and strollers are all welcome. Consider bringing two nonperishable food items on race day to be donated to ALIVE!, a nonprofit organization serving Alexandria’s residents in need. Costs to register are $12.50/child 12 or younger ($22.50 in person on race day), $22.50/person ages 13-21 ($32.50 in person on race day) and $27.20/person age 22 and older ($37.50 in person on race day). // 1005 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria
America’s Trot for Hunger
Race day and time: Nov. 23, 9:15 a.m.
Registration deadline: Online or in person on race day
Prep for that pumpkin pie at this 22nd annual race, which raises money for So Others Might Eat (SOME), an organization that has been working to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness since 1970. Participate virtually (any time before Nov. 30) or in person at Freedom Plaza in Washington, D.C., running along the National Mall and passing the U.S. Capitol. There’s a Little Turkey 1-Miler at 8:30 a.m., the timed and untimed 5K starts at 9:15, and the “Best Dressed Turkey” competition starts at 10:30 ($25 to enter), as part of the family-friendly festival. Registration costs $65 for the in-person run or walk, $35 for the in-person Little Turkey, $45 for the virtual 5K and $15 for the virtual Little Turkey. // 1325 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, D.C.Â
Langley Crew Turkey Trot 5K Fun Run/Walk
Race day and time: Nov. 25, 9 a.m.
Registration deadline: Nov. 23 by 8 p.m., but you may sign up in person on race day
Support the Langley High School crew team at this second annual 5K. Run or walk your way along Georgetown Pike and do some celebrating at the finish line, where there will be treats and music. Registration costs $25 for participants 18 years and younger, $40 for anyone 19 and older through Nov. 15 and then $50. Kiddos 5 and younger are free. // 6520 Georgetown Pike, McLean
Ugly Sweater Dash 5K, 10K & Half
Race day and time: Dec. 2, 7:30 a.m. (half marathon), 7:45 a.m. (10K) and 8 a.m. (5K)
Registration deadline: Race day sign-ups available, but prices increase by $5
Run or walk the natural and paved trails of Burke Lake Park in Fairfax Station as part of this fundraising event sponsored by Bishop’s Events and benefitting Paws for Purple Hearts. The organization helps military service members, past and present, facing mobility challenges and trauma-related conditions such as PTSD and TBI by providing service dogs and canine-assisted therapeutic programs. Registration costs $30 for the 5K, $45 for the 10K and $70 for the half until Nov. 15, when prices will go up by $5. A virtual option is available, too, // 7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station
Jingle Bell Run
Race day and time: Dec. 3, 8:30 a.m.
Registration deadline: Online registration ends Nov. 28, but you may sign up in person on race day
The signature holiday event of the Arthritis Foundation, this 5K race aims to be a festive one while raising money for arthritis research. It kicks off with a welcome program, including a best dressed pet and person contest and awards for the biggest team and top fundraisers. The Kids 100-meter Dash gets going at 8:45 a.m., and the 5K follows at 9 a.m. Registration for the 5K timed race costs $45 until Nov. 28 or $50 on the day of the event. The untimed run costs $40 until Nov. 28 and $45 on Dec. 3. Can’t make it in person? Participate virtually for $30. // 1101 S. Joyce St. (Westpost/Pentagon Row)
Ringing in Hope: Jingle Bell Rock & Run
Race day and time: Dec. 9, (10K), 9:10 a.m. (5K), 10:30 a.m. (1-Mile Jammie Jingle Run Run)
Registration deadline: Dec. 9Â Â Â Â Â Â
Get in the holiday giving spirit by supporting Inova Life with Cancer, an organization that helps people and their loved ones deal with the disease. More than a run, this annual event has entertainment, games, holiday music and food at the finish line. Plus, Santa has been known to make a showing. // 44505 Atwater Drive, AshburnÂ
Jingle 15K & 5K
Race day and time: Dec. 10, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. (5K) and 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. (15K)
Registration deadline: Dec. 9
Sponsored by Pacers Running store, the race is a flat course that winds through the streets of downtown D.C. with views of the monuments and Potomac River. Runners are encouraged to dress up in holiday costumes with jingle bells to add a little musical accompaniment and merriment to race day. Dogs on 5-foot, nonretractable leashes and strollers are welcome. The registration fee is $50 for the 5K or $70 for the 15K before 5 p.m. on Dec. 6, when both increase by $5. // 2 15th St., NW, Washington, D.C.