By DCist contributor Mikka Macdonald
Fall is coming, which means it’s finally getting cool enough to brave the outdoors for more than 10 minutes at a time. Following the summer races, these upcoming events in the area are all about helping others, both in our immediate community and around the world. And while some hero runners wear capes, not all of them have to. September offers D.C. residents a range of ways to support others all month long.
Most races, or “fun runs,” are 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) and often aim to raise awareness for social causes and their supporting charities. For the majority of participants, a 5K run/walk can take 20 to 80 minutes to complete. Most events take place on trails or roads, and offer technical support like chip timing, water/Gatorade stations, and a cheering finish line section.
Everyone—runners, walkers, and joggers alike—are encouraged to join. You don’t have to run ultramarathons or be involved with local running organizations, you just have to be willing to join in and have fun!
Runners participate in a Super Run 5k. (Photo courtesy of Super Run)
Run to Feed Others: Food for Others Tysons 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run
Kick off September by running to help combat hunger in Northern Virginia. The event offers a 5K and a 1 Mile Fun Run to benefit Food for Others, a nonprofit that distributes food to individuals and families in need. The organization has distribution sites in Fairfax County, Arlington, and Falls Church, and provides supplemental food for around 395 families a night.
Race day prep: Plan to get there by at least 7:30 a.m. for an 8 a.m. start time. If you have extra nonperishable items in your pantry, bring those, too. Although your race entry fee will go towards purchasing food for local families, all race participants are also encouraged to bring food to donate on the day of the race. (Time to get rid of those beans in my pantry that I’ve been ignoring for a year.)
Another perk? You don’t have to be the fastest to win an award. In addition to prizes for the top three overall male and female runners, awards are also given to the team who donates the most food, and the team that brings out the most people.
Saturday September 9th // $35 – $40 // Learn more here.
Run for Global Development: Revenge of the Penguins, 10 & 20 Miler
Join the Marathon Charity Cooperation (a 501(c)3 nonprofit) for a 10 or 20 mile race along the C&O Canal Towpath. The race may be longer than the usual events offered in the D.C. area … but it’s also FAST. The flat out-and-back course provides hydration stations every two miles, first aid attention, and bike support.
This self-described low-key race has been going on for around eight years. Race Director Subhash Goel described it as “a small, fun race that supports people in different parts of the world.” It is fully staffed by volunteers, and all proceeds from the event go directly towards MCC’s charitable programs for disadvantaged children and families in developing countries.
According to past runners, the relatively small size of the race (less than 100 participants) and the volunteers are what keeps people coming back. Said one racer from last year: “The best part of it… the volunteers! They were awesome. Always had a smile on their faces … they kept me moving!” Be sure to stick around after the race for food, celebration, and entertainment.
Sunday, September 17 // $35 – $78 // Learn more here.
The starting line during last year’s Navy-Air Force Half Marathon & Five Miler. (Photo courtesy of Navy-Air Force Half Marathon)
Run for Military Families: Navy-Air Force Half Marathon and 5 Mile
Looking for a larger event? Join approximately 10,000 to 12,000 other runners for the Navy – Air Force event in downtown D.C. The race offers both a 5 mile and a half marathon option, and is used to raise money and support for Morale, Welfare, and Recreation at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling. MWR works in DC to provide community and support to active and retired service members and their families.
“D.C. residents should be excited for the race because it kicks off the D.C. fall running season. The half and 5-miler distances are great training runs for the longer distances later in the fall,” says Race Director Allison Brent. Brent adds that it also offers city residents the opportunity to “support MWR programs and services that improve the quality of life for the United States active duty military and their families who are right here in DC.”
Participants should expect chip timing, t-shirts, finishing medals, medical stations, and a post-race celebration with food and drinks.
Sunday September 17th // $55 – $120 // Learn more here.
Run As A Superhero for Local Charities: The Super Run, 5K
Shoes? Check. Race Registration? Check. Super Hero Cape …? Check! This September, dig out your best super suit and join other area residents as they race in style and raise money for local charities.
The Super Run 5K differs from traditional ‘”fun runs” in that the race can support multiple charities and all runners are encouraged to race in costume [though capes are not required]. Ongoing fundraisers for this race include drives for CureSearch for Children’s Cancer and Rainbow Therapeutic Riding Center.
Says Super Run owner Justin Draplin: “We’re all about super heroes … We not only give people capes, but we are also helping them turn into real life superheroes by having [raise money and awareness for charities] in their run.”
Participants can choose to sign up either as an individual or as part of a team. This will be Super Run’s first event in the area, but they have been offering Super Run races in other US cities since 2014.
Saturday, September 23rd // $29 – $45 // Learn more here.
Run to fight Childhood Cancer: Fairfax 5K & Kid’s Fun Run
End the month by raising money for organizations combating childhood cancer. The Fairfax 5K beneficiaries include Alex’s Army and Four Diamonds. Alex’s Army strengthens the community of those affected by childhood cancer through actions like research funding and rallies; Four Diamonds works to “cover treatment costs for childhood cancer patients at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital and funds innovative research to find a cure.”
The Kid’s Fun Run will start at 8:30 a.m., and the 5K (for runners 10 years old and up) goes off at 9 a.m. Early registrants can expect a shirt, and there will be free food and refreshments around the start/finish line for all participants. Are you interested in becoming involved, but are not able to run? Consider volunteering: current open volunteer roles include being a course marshal, a photographer, or a DJ.
September 23rd // $10 – $35 // Learn more here.
