Burn off some of that pent-up winter energy by participating in a springtime run or walk. Now that the weather is warmer and the days are longer, road races are back in abundance. Here are some options that will benefit both your health and local organizations.
Bands on the Run 5K
The band directors from McLean’s Langley High and Cooper Middle schools, along with students, families and the community will gather for this annual fundraiser. Money raised from the entry fee ($45 before March 25 and $60 after that) will go toward scholarships for students in need and the repair and replacement of instruments, equipment and uniforms. The run starts at 8 a.m. on April 6 on a stroller-friendly course. Walkers are welcome, too. // Langley High School, 6520 Georgetown Pike, McLean
Marymount 5K
Join in the 10th annual run/walk presented by Marymount University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program on April 12 at 9 a.m. Take off from the courtyard between the school and Rixey Apartments and then wind your way along the Bluemont and Custis trails. Registration fees support an annual service trip to Latin America to update equipment in clinics, provide assistive devices to locals and help a community hospital develop a plan to offer physical therapy. The run costs $15-45 through April 10 or $50 on race day. // 1000 N. Glebe Road, Arlington
Arlington Bunny Hop 5K
This eighth annual family-friendly run/walk has raised more than $131,600 since its inception. This year’s registration fees ($50 for adults, $25 for kids ages 6-17) will benefit Bridges to Independence, an Arlington nonprofit that helps families experiencing homelessness, with a particular focus on its Youth Support Programs in Clarendon and Green Valley. The April 26 race starts at 8 a.m. on North Irving Street, between 6th and 7th streets, and concludes with a block party. (See the full course here.) Medals will be awarded not only for the fastest finishers, but also the best costumes, so break out your cutest bunny ears. // Clarendon United Methodist Church, 606 N. Irving St., Arlington (Clarendon)
Falls Church High School Jaguar 5K Run/Walk and Kids Fun Run
Be a good sport and run to raise money in support of the Falls Church High School Athletics program. This 20th annual event happens April 26. A 1-mile run for little ones starts at 8, and the longer race kicks off 30 minutes later. The course winds through the Broyhill Park neighborhood and ends on the school’s track. Registration is $30 by March 31, $40 April 1-25 and $50 on race day. The Kids One Mile Fun Run, for youngsters 13 and younger, is $20 by April 25 and $30 on race day. // Falls Church High, 7521 Jaguar Trail, Falls Church
PNC Alexandria Half
This rebranded race, formerly known as the PNC Parkway Classic 10 Miler, will take place April 27, 7:30 a.m.-2 pm., in scenic Old Town Alexandria and along the George Washington Parkway. (There’s also a 5K option and the Kidz Docs Dash.) Register by March 24 and pay $95 for the half-marathon, $50 for the 5K and $20 for the kids’ run, which is open to runners ages 12 and younger. After that, the prices will increase. Find all three course maps here and plan to stick around for the post-race festival at Oronoco Bay Park (100 Madison St., Alexandria). // Alexandria City Hall, 301 King St., Alexandria
2025 National Rescue Dog Day 5K & 10K
Support the Arlington-based Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation, which has saved 40,000 pet lives since 2001, at this May 20, 6:30-9:30 p.m. event. Run, walk and/or push a stroller on the flat route around Bluemont Park. Through April 30, registration costs $45 for the 10K and $30 for the 5K. After that, the prices increase by $5. // 329 N. Manchester St., Arlington (Boulevard Manor)
44th Annual National Capital Bank Capitol Hill Classic
Washington’s largest and oldest 10K will take to the D.C. streets on May 18 at 8:30 a.m. using a new course that starts and ends in front of Peabody Primary School and winds by the U.S. Capitol, Supreme Court and Library of Congress, among other iconic sites. Don’t want to pound the pavement for 6.2 miles with 4,000-5,000 other runners? Opt for the 3K and sign the kids up for the Fun Run. Proceeds from registration fees ($25-$60) support Capitol Hill Cluster School, a public school with 1,000 students. // 425 C St., N.E., Washington, D.C.
DC Front Runners 5K Pride Run
DC Front Runners, a running, walking and social club serving the LGBTQ+ community in the D.C. metro area, is kicking off Pride Month with its 13th annual 5K run. After a record-breaking 1,300 runners finished the race in 2024, organizers are aiming for an even bigger turnout this year. Join the action on June 1, 9-11:30 a.m., as participants make their way through Congressional Cemetery, or do the Virtual 5K on your own time. Registration fees are $35-$65. // 1801 E. St., S.E., Washington, D.C.