As the weather gets cooler, local running events are starting to get festive. In October, earn your endorphins through traditional races (like the Navy Mile) and through spookier events celebrating Halloween. The majority of these races are 5K (3.1 miles) and take most participants 20-50 minutes to complete.
D.C.: Dead Man’s Run
In early October, the Historic Congressional Cemetery is hosting a race that starts and ends on the cemetery grounds. Awards will be given to the top male and female finishers—and prizes are also awarded based on runners’ costumes. Each participant receives a t-shirt and runners over 21 are invited to celebrate their finish with a free beer.
Saturday, October 5 // 5K // $40
Arlington: Home Run for the Homeless
Start the month by supporting the Bridges to Independence, Community Lodgings, and Homestretch nonprofits with a race in Arlington. The organizations support local families experiencing homelessness in the Northern Virginia area. Participants will run along the bike trail and there will be awards for the top male/female finishers.
Saturday, October 5 // 5K // $20-$40
D.C.: Boo! Run for Life 10K Run and Tidal Basin Walk
Celebrate Halloween and benefit cancer research by participating in either a 10K (6.2 miles) or 2-mile walk by the Tidal Basin. The event will be chip-timed and there will be awards for the top individual and team finishers. Proceeds from the race support the Dean R. O’Neill Renal Cell Cancer Research Fund. Please note that there is no race-day registration.
Sunday, October 6 // 10K, 2 miles // $36-$42
D.C.: The Navy Mile
It’s flat, it’s fast, and it’s shorter than a 5K. The annual Navy Mile race takes place on Pennsylvania Avenue, first with a series of age-group based waves, then followed by the elite waves. After the races, there is also a push-up/plank competition (with very specific rules). Proceeds from the event benefit the Naval Sea Cadet Corps, the Safe Harbor Foundation, and the United States Navy Memorial.
Saturday, October 6 // 1 Mile // $10-$45
Arlington & D.C.: The Marine Corps Marathon
It’s flat, fast, and it’s definitely longer than a 5K. The Marine Corps Marathon weekend hosts the actual marathon (26.2 miles), a 10K, and a 50K (31 miles). The event is also going to be crowded: If you plan to watch the race or support your friends, get to the course early. Although registration for the race is closed, unregistered runners can still sign up through the bib transfer system (until September 30).
Sunday, October 27 // 10K, 26.2 miles, 50K // Registration closed, $25-50 transfer fee
