‘Tis the season for running races. From now through the end of the year, you can meet your step goals while honoring veterans, wearing a turkey onesie or laughing all the way. Options run the gamut (ahem), from 5K courses to half-marathons on mostly flat terrain. Most are dog-friendly and offer shorter distances for younger athletes, too. So lace up, burn some calories and earn that pumpkin pie.
RTC Run for Valor 5K
Race around Reston Town Center on Nov. 11, 8 a.m., in support of military veterans. All proceeds will benefit FourBlock, a nonprofit dedicated to preparing returning service members and military spouses for civilian careers. Registration is $30. 11900 Market St., Reston
Tysons Rotary 5K Turkey Trot Run/Walk
Hit the road Nov. 16, 8 a.m., for a 3.1- or 1-mile jaunt around Tysons Central Park. The top three male and female finishers will get cash prizes, while the top three 12-and-under finishers will get gift cards. The event also includes a random drawing for three frozen turkeys. Registration is $45 for the 5K through Nov. 15 and $50 on race day. The 1-miler is $30 through Nov. 15 and $35 on race day. 1775 Tysons Blvd., Tysons
Salute to Veterans 5K/10K/Half Marathon
This race in honor of military vets circumnavigates the relatively flat Lake Accotink Park trail in Springfield. Veterans run free and finisher medals will be awarded. If you can’t make it in person, opt for the virtual run ($35) and submit your time online. For non-veterans, the 5K registration fee is $35, the 10k is $40 and the half is $60 through Nov. 8, when fees increase by $2.50 until Nov. 15. Race day registrations are $40, $45 and $65, respectively. The virtual option for all distances costs $30. 7500 Accotink Park Road, Springfield
Port City Brewing Turkey Trot 5K & 10K
This family-friendly event follows Holmes Run, with scenic views of the Potomac. Participants get a free beer from Port City Brewing at the end. Proceeds from the race, Nov. 22, 9:30 a.m., will benefit the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Registration is $40 for the 5K and $55 for the 10K. 3950 Wheeler Ave., Alexandria
Flash Fit Low-Key (Pre) Turkey Trot
Not an early morning runner? This event starting at Arlington’s Bon Air Park & Rose Garden kicks off Nov. 22 at 10 a.m. so you can catch a few extra winks. Not a competitive race, it’s a fun run with 5K, 2-mile and 1-mile options, making it accessible to runners of all ages and abilities. Registration includes a post-workout celebration with snacks and coffee. The cost is $16.90 for a single runner, $38.10 per family, and $6.39 for each Kids Dash participant. 850 N. Lexington St., Arlington (Brockwood)
Arlington Turkey Trot 5K
This fundraiser benefiting multiple local nonprofits is a time-honored Thanksgiving tradition in Arlington. Gather near Lyon Park Community Center and make your way through the streets of Lyon Park and Ashton Heights on Nov. 27, 8 a.m. Registration is $50 for adults, $25 for kids ages 6-17, and free for littles 5 and younger. 3020 N. Pershing Drive, Arlington
America’s Trot for Hunger
So Others Might Eat, a D.C. organization that supports people experiencing homelessness and poverty, is hosting its 24th annual 5K run and Little Turkey 1-Miler. Registration is $65 for the 5K and $15 for the 1-Miler. The only turkey trot in the District, it leaves from Freedom Plaza on Nov. 27 at 8:15 a.m. (7:30 a.m. for Little Turkey participants). Bringing your pet? Enter those furry friends to win Best Dressed “Turkey” as part of the pet competition, which carries a $25 registration fee. A virtual race option for $45 allows runners to complete the 5K any time between now and Nov. 30. Freedom Plaza, 1325 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, D.C.
Langley and McLean Crew Turkey Trot
Burn off some of that pumpkin pie with a 5K to benefit the Langley and McLean high school crew teams, which receive no funding from the state, county or public school system. The race will start at Langley High on Nov. 29 at 9 a.m. Registration is $50. 6520 Georgetown Pike, McLean
2025 Jingle Bell Run
Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell run at this Westpost race on Dec. 6, 9 a.m. Presented by the Arthritis Foundation, the run invites participants to wear their most festive gear while raising money for a cure. Registration for the timed race costs $50 before the event and $55 the day of, or $45 for the untimed run and $50 the day of. There’s also an option to run virtually for $45 and a 100-meter dash for little ones. 1101 S. Joyce St., Arlington (National Landing)
McLean Rotary’s Jingle Bell 5K Run/Walk
This third annual loop run leaves from and returns to McLean High School on Dec. 13, 8:30 a.m., and winds through McLean neighborhoods. Afterward, enjoy post-race food and drink. All registrants will receive jingle bells for their shoes at packet pickup. Registration is $50 through Nov. 14 and $55 Nov. 15-Dec. 13. 1633 Davidson Road, McLean
Jingle 5K
The race on Dec. 14, 8 a.m., is a flat course that winds through the streets of D.C. with views of the monuments and Potomac River. Runners are encouraged to dress in holiday garb with jingle bells to add a little musical accompaniment and merriment to race day. Strollers and dogs on nonretractable leashes are welcome. The registration fee is $50 before Nov. 10, when the price goes up to $55. 2912 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, D.C.Â
Frosty 5K and 1K
Warm up on Dec. 21, 8 a.m., with a run around Fairfax Corner. The top three male and female finishers will get awards, as will the top three males and females in five-year age groups, from participants 14 and under to runners 80 and older. Can’t make it in person? There’s a virtual option, too. Got a little one? They can do the free Tot Trot that starts at 9 a.m. Registration for the 5K costs $45 or $35 for ages 14 and younger through Nov. 21. After that, the price increases by $5. The 1K is $35 through Nov. 21, when it increases to $40. 4100 Monument Corner Drive, Fairfax
New Year’s Day 5K
Get those New Year’s resolutions off on the right foot with a Jan. 1, 2026, 10 a.m., run at Browns Chapel Park in Reston. Top finishers will receive awards, and free photos will be available for download after the endorphins wear off. Registration is $45 through Dec. 6 and $50 afterward. 1525 Browns Chapel Road, Reston