This month, the D.C. region offers a slew of races that promises endorphins, community, and an excuse to post a running photo to Instagram. The five-kilometer (3.1 miles) race is still the most popular distance and will take most runners between 20 minutes to an hour to complete.
Please remember to run smart and wear layers to these races. Even if you’re warm while you’re running, sweat has a habit of freezing after you finish the race if the temperatures are low enough.
Springfield, Virginia: 2019 Before the Game 5k & 10k
Prepare for Super Bowl Sunday’s snacking ritual by running either five or ten kilometers in Northern Virginia.
The best part? The event supports the Forever Home Rescue Foundation (AFH), an all-breed dog rescue group. AFH is a volunteer-run shelter that abused and unwanted dogs—and cares for approximately one thousand pups every year.
Race-day registration is available.
Saturday, February 2nd // 5K and 10K // $30 – $45 // Learn more here.
Frederick, Maryland: Lewis Memorial 10 Miler
It’s about time.
The Lewis Memorial 10 Miler is a prediction race, which means runners predict their finishing time before starting and agree to leave their watches at home. The winner is the runner who finishes closest to their predicted time.
A word of warning: the course is massively hilly—but at just $10 for non-member registration, it’s also one of the cheapest races you can run.
Saturday, February 2nd // 10-Miler // $0 – $10 // Learn more here.
Arlington, Virginia: Love The Run You’re With 5K
Apparently, Valentine’s Day is coming up.
Whether you’re excited for February 14th or trying to forget it’s happening, sign up for a fast 3.1 miles in downtown Arlington. If you want to take it a step further, meet up with Pacers a few days before the race for the Love the Run You’re With Dating Game Party at Arlington’s Crystal City Sports Pub to “meet some cute single runners just like you.” It’s easier than swiping, right?
You can also run with Ainsley’s Angels, an organization that builds awareness and supports people with special needs.
February 10th // 5K // $38 – $80 // Learn more here.
Greenbelt, Maryland: George Washington Birthday Marathon
There another opportunity to qualify for the Boston Marathon.
The D.C. Road Runner’s annual marathon (26.2 miles) is allegedly the longest-running marathon in the region—and this iteration will also have showers and a post-race party at the finish. Participants can also compete for $1,500 in prize money, pose for race photos, and power through the course with liberal amounts of aid stations.
Sunday February 17th // Marathon // $20 – 70 // Learn more here.
Olney, Maryland: ArcticHalf
It’s cold. There’s no point hiding it. But running this race will make you (at least a little bit) warmer.
End the month with a trail race by the Potomac River in Maryland’s Algonkian Regional Park. Participants can choose to run 5K, 10K (6.2 miles), or a half marathon (13.1 miles).
To fight off the chill, race organizers will be handing out hand warmers and plan to build a fire at the finish.
Saturday, February 23rd // 5K, 10K, Half Marathon // $35 – $65 // Learn more here.
