It’s finally time for your annual Turkey Trot — but you don’t wait until Thanksgiving to get your endorphins flowing. This month, the region offers chances to run both 5Ks and 50 Mile ultramarathons alike (that’s not a typo, ultras are becoming more popular).
National Harbor, Md.: Hot Cider Hustle
Start the month by running either 5K or 10K in National Harbor—and feast on apple cider and caramel apples at the end. Both races start at the same time, so if you have a friend who is running a different distance, you still get to soak in the pre-race hype together. The event also supports Playworks, a nonprofit that fosters more inclusive “recess and play environments” for children.
Saturday, Nov. 2 // 5K, 10K // $55-$80
Washington, D.C.: National Race to End Women’s Cancer
Join the Foundation for Women’s Cancer for a USATF-certified 5K or a 1-mile walk in downtown Washington. The event is held to honor and celebrate survivors and support those impacted by gynecologic cancers. Prior to running, participants are invited to a free Gynecologic Cancer Education Course for survivors, family members, and friends. Can’t make it on race day? You can still engage with the event by running the virtual race instead.
Sunday, Nov. 3 // 1 mile, 5K // $45
Rockville, Md.: Stone Mill 50
Brace yourselves: it’s long. This year marks the 10th annual Stone Mill 50 Mile ultramarathon through Seneca Greenway and Muddy Branch trails. There are no pacers allowed on the course, but runners will be supported by at least eight aid stations stocked with food, water, Gatorade, and volunteers. The race begins at 6:00 a.m. and all participants have 13 hours to finish the course (after that, race directors need to let volunteers go home).
Saturday, Nov. 9 // 50 mile // $50
Washington, D.C.: PVTC Cranberry Crawl 5K and 10K
In mid-November, run with the Potomac Valley Track Club at East Potomac Park for either a 5K or 10K race. The course is out-and-back along the shore; it’s fast, flat, and on the pavement. The best part? The top three male and female runners in each age group receive cranberry bread as a prize—and everyone gets warm refreshments at the finish.
Saturday, Nov. 16 // 5K, 10K // $5-$15
Washington, D.C.: Trot for Hunger
Use some of your excitement for your turkey day feast by running with SOME (So Others Might Eat) at their Thanksgiving Day races starting in Freedom Plaza. The morning starts with a “Little Turkey” one-mile run at 8:30 a.m., the timed 5K starts at 9 a.m., and then the untimed 5K begins half an hour later. Traditionally, over 8,000 people have come out to support SOME each year at the event—and participants can expect live entertainment, music, and games.
Thursday, Nov. 28 // 1 mile, 5K // $15 – $40
