Stock up on your allergy medicine. Get your Instagram captions ready. It’s almost peak cherry blossom season and there’s nothing like running underneath their branches to celebrate.
It may be too late to sign up for the high-profile Cherry Blossom 10-Miler, but there are a handful of smaller 5 kilometer (3 mile) races—or even a 50-mile trail run if you’re feeling ambitious.
Even though we are not in peak summer heat yet, you should still hydrate and wear sunscreen when competing in these local events.
Crystal City, Virginia: Crystal City 5K Fridays
Every Friday in April, Pacers Running will host a 6:30 PM 5K through downtown Crystal City followed by a free drink. The race series starts on Friday, April 5 and runs through Friday, April 26. It’ $25 per race—but if you sign up for all four weeks, you only have to pay for three of them.
The event markets itself as “low key,” but runners should expect hype, chip timing, bag check, and photos.
April 5 // 5K // $35-$75 // More information here.
Clifton, Virginia: Bull Run Run 50 Mile Trail Run
Sometimes a marathon is just not long enough. For the ultrarunners out there, the 2019 Bull Run Run entries are open through April 5.
The Bull Run run began in 1993 and is one of the oldest 50-mile races in the country. It’s on a rolling course, it’s held before the summer heat sets in, and it’s within throwing distance of Washington, D.C.
If you’re down for running 50 miles, what’s not to love?
April 13 // 50 Miles // $95 // More information here.
Washington, D.C.: Century 21 Envision Georgetown 10 Miler
At the annual Century 21 Envision Georgetown 10 Miler series, you can choose to run one 10-mile race on either Saturday or Sunday—or you can run them both. The course is out-and-back and begins on the Capital Crescent Towpath.
Interested runners should sign up early: There are only 600 race slots per day, and the event has been selling out early for the last five years.
April 13-14 // 10 Miles // $65-$90 // More information here.
Washington, D.C.: Bright Beginnings Inc 5K
End the month by running a 5K benefiting infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and their families experiencing homelessness in D.C.
You can pick up your race packet on the Friday before the event or on race day starting at 7:00 a.m. Race-day registration is also available.
If you’re feeling competitive, there will be awards for overall top male and female finishers and the top men and women in each age group.
Saturday, April 27 // 5K // $30-$35 // More information here.
