By DCist contributor Mikka Macdonald
What do female empowerment, LGBTQ pride, and electronic dance music have in common? They are all reasons that thousands of people in D.C. are signing up for organized races this June.
Most races are 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) and often aim to raise awareness for social causes and money for their supporting charities. For the majority of participants, a 5K run/walk can take 20 to 80 minutes to complete. You can expect most events to take place over trails or roads, and to offer technical support like chip timing, water/Gatorade stations, and a cheering finish line section.
The best part: you don’t have to be a “serious” runner (or a runner at all!) to participate. With the energy, endorphins, and (for folks age 21+) the occasional beer, these events are open to anyone, not just ultramarathoners. Check out five runs you should have on your radar this June.
Girls on the Run 5K runners participate in last year’s race. (Photo courtesy of Girls on the Run DC)
Run for Female Empowerment: Girls on The Run 5K
Start off the month with D.C.’s chapter of Girls on the Run (GOTR) for 3.1 miles down Pennsylvania Avenue. Race perks include a hair spraying station, a face painting station, and small putting ground. By entering the race, you’re supporting the organization’s 10-week empowerment programs that work to help girls build their life skills. As GOTR Executive Director Kirsten Komlosy explains, runners participate “in the celebration of being joyful, healthy, and confident.”
Know a 3 to 10 year old who wants to join in the fun? They can participate in the event’s adorable Kids’ Dash.
Sunday June 4th // $40 – $50 // Learn more here.
Run for Pride: DC Front Runners Pride Run
Leave work early on Friday evening to join DC Front Runners for their fifth annual Pride Run. An extra perk? The opportunity to run in teams of unlimited size (don’t worry, only the top four finishers are scored). Race participants will be supporting DC Front Runners initiatives, which include walks, runs, and other social events for LGBTQ friends and allies. Awards include top overall finishers (for male, female, and gender neutral), teams (male, female, and mixed), and age groups. And don’t forget to stay for the beer-filled and DJ-hosted after party!
Friday June 9th // $30 – $40 (individual) // Learn more here.
Run for the Rave: Night Nation Run, a Running Music Festival
Do you enjoy running, but prefer dancing? I feel you. This June, hundreds of your fellow Washingtonian will flock to RFK Stadium to run a (literally and figuratively) lit course past multiple DJ stages and electronic dance music parties. Energy and music are promised along the route, and the run concludes with an EDM after party at the main stage. Plus, a portion of the evening’s proceeds will also go to Stand up to Cancer.
When you sign up: there are Standard, Premium, and VIP registrations to choose from, each with increasing perks. But no matter which one you choose, you’ll get a glow necklace.
Saturday June 17 // $29.99 – $80 // Learn more here.
Run for Camaraderie: Hugh Jascourt 4-Miler
Don’t want to spend big bucks this June? Join the DC Road Runners Club for a flat four miles along the C&O Canal. At $10 for non-DCRRC members (and FREE for members), this is a race for folks who aren’t in it for the commemorative tech shirts or the finisher medals. You get chip timing, friendly company, and (probably) food. Count. Me. In.
To the procrastinators: Heads up that same day registration is not allowed, due to National Park Service rules.
Wednesday June 21 // Free – $10 // Learn more here.
Run for Veterans: EOD Warrior 5K & Half
Start your Sunday morning right by joining the EOD Warrior Foundation (EODWF) in running either a 5K or Half Marathon. The two races are staggered 30 minutes apart (brilliant) and will also take place along the C&O Canal in Georgetown. By participating, you are aiding the EODWF, which helps to support wounded or ill EOD service members and their families through programs that include financial relief and education. This one encourages runners and walkers alike.
Sunday June 25th // $30 – $60 // Learn more here.
