It tracks that a region crowned the fittest 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.
Bluemont 5K
Organized by DC Road Runners, this Aug. 13, 7 p.m., race will start and end near the Bluemont Park parking lot at North Manchester Street and Fourth Street North. It’s free for members of the DC Road Runners Club and $10 for nonmembers. 329 N. Manchester St., Arlington (Bluemont)
DLS 5K for Lewy Body Dementia
Diplomatic Language Services hosts this event to raise money for the Lewy Body Dementia Association. (Lewy body dementia is the second most common form of the progressive brain disorder after Alzheimer’s.) Start and finish at at Bon Air Park & Rose Gardens on Aug. 23, 9 a.m. In between, stick to a mostly flat section of the Washington and Old Dominion Trail. Those looking for a shorter run can sign up for the 1-mile fun run. Registration costs $35 for the 5K and $25 for the fun run. 850 N. Lexington St., Arlington
Arlington Police, Fire, Sheriff and ECC 9/11 Memorial 5K
The 23rd annual race honoring first responders has attracted more than 40,000 runners and raised more than $1 million for charities related to the 2001 terrorist attacks. This year’s run is Sept. 6, 6 p.m. Start and end at the DoubleTree Hotel in Arlington. In between, trek around the Pentagon, traversing parts of Columbia Pike and Route 110. Stick around after the run to enjoy beats from a family-friendly DJ and an awards ceremony. Registration fees are $50 and ages 12 and younger are $30. 300 Army Navy Drive, Arlington (National Landing)
George Washington Patriot Run
Enjoy a run with a view of the first president’s mansion Sept. 7, 7:15 a.m. The 10th annual event includes 5K and 10-mile options. Celebrate the accomplishment at the Finish Festival, featuring music, food and drink, including free beer for each runner who’s of age. The 5K costs $52 before Aug. 17 and $62 after, while the 10-miler is $72 by Aug. 17 and $82 after. All active-duty public safety personnel and members of the military, plus veterans, get $5 off. Just want to watch? Spectator tickets are $14. 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon
Navy Federal Credit Union 5K Run/Walk/Roll
Welcoming participants of all abilities, the 31st annual race will award the top finishers in the categories of male, female and wheelchair user. 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, happening Sept. 13, 9 a.m., start at $15 per youth. The cost for the virtual option is $10. 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, Vienna
DC Half
A newbie to the DMV race scene last year, the race bills itself as a “hometown celebration of the District’s running community.” Presented by Pacers Running, the race’s course starts and ends near West Potomac Park, following the river north. Want something less intense? Opt for the 5K. Both take place Sept. 14, around 7 a.m. Registration costs $45 for the 5K and $105 for the half through Aug. 10, when prices will increase.
Falls Church Education Foundation Run for the Schools
The 21st annual event will kick off at Cherry Hill Park on Sept. 14, 7 a.m. 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. 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. 300 Park Ave., Falls Church
Super H 5K Run, Walk and Wheel
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 on Sept. 14, 8 a.m., the in-person event costs $40-$45 for adults or $30-$35 for kids 13 and younger. There’s also an untimed mile-long Fun Run ($25) and virtual options ($45). Proceeds benefit MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital’s Adaptive Sports Programs, which helps children and adults with physical disabilities participate in recreational and competitive sports. 8250 Greensboro Drive, McLean
Race to End Women’s Cancer
After a five-year hiatus, this event returns Sept. 14, 9:30 a.m. Open to all ages and abilities, the race invites participants to run or walk the timed 5K route or untimed mile path. Registration is $40 in advance or $45 at the event. Can’t make it in person? Do the virtual option for $40. Proceeds benefit the Foundation for Women’s Cancer’s Move4Her campaign in support of people affected by gynecologic cancers. Freedom Plaza, 13th Street N.W. and Pennsylvania Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C.
McLean 5K
On Oct. 4, 8 a.m., run, walk or roll your way around the streets of McLean on this 3.1-mile 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 starts at $40. In addition to medals for the fastest runners, 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
Food for Others Tysons 5K & Fun Run
Celebrate the nonprofit’s 30th anniversary with this 12th annual race. It takes place Sept. 27, 8 a.m.—fittingly, during Hunger Action Month. Meet at Tysons Corner Center’s PenFed Plaza and get moving on the 3.2-mile course or the 1.2-mile fun run path. Registration is $35. 1961 Chain Bridge Road, Tysons
National Capital 20 and 5 Miler
The self-described “premier fall marathon tune-up race” offers two distances: 5 miles and 20 miles. Both are flat 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). Open to only 300 runners, the 20-miler costs $85.80, and the shorter race costs $38.10. Race day is Oct. 5, 7 a.m. Carderock Recreation Area, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath, Potomac, Maryland
Army Ten-Miler
Celebrating its 41st anniversary Oct. 12 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, where you can rub elbows with 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 400-meter Youth Run, which immediately follows the main race. If you choose to do the virtual option, you have from Oct. 12-Jan. 19, 2026, to run it. Find the full race schedule here. Registration for in-person or virtual costs $99 for ages 13 and up or $35 for kids 12 and younger.
Marine Corps Marathon
One of the largest marathons in the country, the best for beginners and the largest in the world to not offer prize money, the “People’s Marathon” has been an annual Arlington event for almost 50 years. With all those accolades, it’s easy to see why the Oct. 26 event is already sold out. Find a spot along the course to watch the runners and get inspired to register for next year. There’s still time to register for the MCM kids Run Oct. 25. It’s a one-mile course with eight start times between 9:20 and 11:40 a.m.
Monster Mash Dash
Get in the Halloween spirit at this PR Races 5K and 1-miler, which has live and virtual options. Every participant gets a T-shirt, medal and finisher certificate, plus in-person runners get free race photos. Registration fees through Sept. 26 are $40 for the 5K or $30 for ages 14 and under. The 1-mile fun run is also $30. Prices increase by $5 starting Sept. 27 for the Oct. 26, 8 a.m., race. Franklin Sherman Elementary School, 6633 Brawner St., McLean
10th Annual Jennifer Bush-Lawson Foundation 5K & Family Fun Day
Part race, part party, this event celebrates the life of 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. That’s an effort that the foundation continues today. Sign up for the certified 5K, the Family Fun Day or both. They all happen Nov. 22, 9-11 a.m. The carnival promises moon bounces, laser tag, a mechanical bull and face painting. Registration will open soon. Knights of Columbus, 5115 Little Falls Road, Arlington (Yorktown)