Did you miss your local Turkey Trot race on Thanksgiving? There’s still plenty of ways to hit the pavement at some of the region’s holiday season races. The events in the D.C. area this month include two jingle-themed races, a race for empowering girls, and an entire marathon (26.2 miles) run on a 200-meter indoor track. 

Columbia, Md.: Girls on the Run 5K

This weekend, join Girls on the Run of Central Maryland for their regular 5K in Howard County. This race is built primarily for the children running the race, but all competitors are welcome. The course is a loop that will feature a “spirit alley” during the race and a “Celebration Village” at the finish line with photos, merchandise, freebies, and contests.  The race supports Girls on the Run, a nonprofit that focuses on empowering girls and creating a world where every girl is “free to boldly pursue her dreams.”
Saturday, Dec. 7 // 5K // $25

Arlington, Va.: Jingle Bell Run

Don your festive gear. The Arthritis Foundation is hosting its annual race where participants are encouraged to “strut your stuff in your favorite holiday costume.” But even if you choose to run in your regular exercise duds, runners can join the race as either an individual or as part of a team. The race is a fast out-and-back USATF certified course along Army Navy Drive. Proceeds from the event support their foundation and their efforts to find a cure and increase the quality of life for patients and their families.
Saturday, Dec. 7 // 5K // $20-$30

Washington, D.C.: Jingle All the Way 5K and 10K

Can’t make the Jingle Bell Run in Arlington? There’s also one in downtown Washington the next day. Pacers’ Jingle All the Way 5K And 10K starts and stops near the Washington Monument and the course guarantees flat roads and great views of the Mall. Costumes are highly encouraged, but please note that there is no on-site registration or packet pickup, so be sure to plan ahead.
Saturday, Dec. 8 // 5K, 15K // $20-$60

Washington, D.C.: PVTC Christmas Caper 5K and 10K

In mid-December, join the Patapsco Valley Track Club for the last race of their Ed Barron Holiday Series Championship. The race follows the shore on East Potomac Park and is wheelchair/walking accessible. The top three finishers in each race receive holiday ornaments and runners should expect warm refreshments at the end. There are no race day registrations—and races are capped to 100 participants each.
Saturday, Dec 14 // 5K, 15K // $5-$10

Arlington, Va.: 8th Annual Hawk Indoor Marathon

You read that right. To ring out the end of the year, run a full marathon … indoors. The race is on their flat 200-meter indoor track at Thomas Jefferson Middle School—and each participant needs to finish 211 laps around a track in under six-hour time limit. There will be water and electrolytes at every lap and the race is timed by chip, with back-up manual lap counters.
Sunday, Dec 29 // 26.2 miles // $65