New year. New races. Slightly older you.
Kick off your New Year’s resolutions—and replace holiday parties with endorphins—by signing up for races across the D.C. region. Most are the traditional 5 kilometer (5K, or 3.1-mile) distance, but this month’s round-up also includes races as long as 10 miles and as short as a 55 meter sprint.
If you choose to brave the cold outside, please remember that temperatures can drop to dangerous levels. Layer up, bundle up, and have a plan to get warm after your race (sweat freezes, folks).
Washington, D.C.: #FitDC 5K
Join the mayor and hundreds of Washingtonians as they run or walk into 2019. For the fifth year running (sorry, not sorry), Mayor Muriel Bowser is hosting a 5K for a “fresh start” on New Year’s Day.
The race takes place around Capitol Riverfront (you know … Navy Yard). Same day registration starts at 9 a.m. and the race begins at 10 a.m.
Tuesday, January 1st // 5K // FREE // Learn more here.
Reston, Virginia: New Year’s Day 5K
What hangover? Ring in the New Year by running a fast and chilly 5K through Reston, Virginia.
There will be food. There will be music. There will be free photos. There will be an opportunity to run all of the eggnog out of your system before noon. The race does not start until 10 a.m., so there is also the opportunity to get in at least a few hours of sleep after your New Year’s Eve celebration wind down.
Every runner who pre-registers is guaranteed a long sleeve shirt—and the faster runners can compete for overall and age-group prizes.
Tuesday, January 1st // 5K // $35 – $40. // Learn more here.
Washington, D.C.: Al Lewis 10-Miler and 5-Miler
Looking for a lower-key, less-expensive way to…ah…hit the New Year Running? D.C. Road Runners Club (DCRRC) is holding a 10 Mile and 5 Mile race around Hains Point in mid-January. It will probably be a bit chilly, but it will definitely be fast, and your body will definitely thank you for it afterward.
Please note that there is no same-day race registration, but you can register online up until 7 p.m. on January 11th. The cost is FREE for all DCRRC members and just $10 for non-members.
Interested in coming out to support, but don’t really feel like running? Sign up to be a volunteer here.
Saturday, January 12th // 5-Miler and 10-Miler // $0 – $20 // Learn more here.
Upper Marlboro, Maryland: A Run to the Taproom 5K
Tired of drinking Gatorade at the end of a race? Join Calvert Brewing Company in proving that exercise and alcohol don’t have to be mutually exclusive.
On Sunday, January 12th, run with the Maryland brewing company for a 5K race (or 1-mile race) that ends at their taproom in Upper Marlboro. In addition to the traditional race shirt, every participant is also promised a free Belgian-style glass and a free drink.
To any high schoolers who might be reading this: all participants must be 21 years or older. Nice try.
Sunday, January 13th // 5K // $30 – $40 //Learn more here.
Potomac, Maryland: PVTC 2019 INDOOR TRACK & FIELD MEETS
Do you hate the cold? But do you only kind of hate running? You’re in luck: Potomac Valley Track Club’s indoor track meets start in January.
The series is inexpensive and includes a variety of events, from the 400-meter race walk to the 5K. Since the events are on an indoor track, each race is over 200-meter laps (shorter than the traditional outdoor track length of 400 meters). This means that a 400-meter race is two laps … and a 5K race is… 25 laps.
Participants range from children to seniors and amateur to elite. Even if you didn’t sign up for Track & Field in high school, you’re welcome to come out and join.
The series includes events on January 13, January 27, and February 10.
Sunday, January 13th // Indoor Track Meet // $0 – $5 // Learn more here.
Olney, Maryland: Country Road Run 2019
End the first month of the year with a hilly (and cheap!) run through Olney, Maryland.
You can choose between a five-mile race or a one-mile fun run—or, you can just sign up to volunteer. The event is no-frills and low-key: the race is free for Montgomery County Road Runners (MCRR) members and only $10 for non-members.
Please note that there is only race-day registration and sign-up begins an hour before the start.
Sunday, January 27th // 5-Miler & 1-Mile Fun Run // $0 – $10 // Learn more here.
