Spring forward, walk forward, run forward. This March, there are plenty of races and running festivals to sign up for in the D.C. area. Participants can run for the free beer, run for free music, or the free swag. This month, most of the races are 5K (3.1 miles long), 10K (6.2 miles long), a half marathon (13.1 miles), or a marathon (26.2 miles).
Upper Marlboro, Md.: A Run to the Taproom 5K – Calvert Brewing Company
Kick off March with a run and a pint. Calvert Brewing Company is hosting its annual 5K fun run and 1-mile walk—complete with an afterparty featuring prizes, giveaways, and a brewery tour. Every participant also goes home with a free pint glass and race shirt. Awards are given to top overall finishers (men/women) and age group winners. Please note that you must be 21+ to participate.
Saturday, March 7 // 5K & 1 Mile Walk // $25-40.
Washington, D.C.: 2020 Spring Forward 5k & 10k
Mark daylight savings by racing a fast and flat 5K or 10K around Hains Point. The Spring Forward event supports Connect Our Kids, an organization that works with social workers, family recruiters, and CASA volunteers to help find permanent homes for children waiting to be adopted. Walkers and strollers are allowed on the course, but participants must sign up in advance to be guaranteed a shirt.
Sunday, March 8 // 5K & 10K // $30-$45.
Washington, D.C. & Arlington, Va.: St. Pats Run Fest
This year, the Arlington Four Courts Four Miler and the D.C. St. Pat’s Race are joining forces. On day one, sign up for the four-mile race in Arlington, for a race that is downhill for the first half and uphill for the second half. The afterparty will feature music, prizes, and beer, and will be held at Ireland’s Four Courts. On day two, you can run in the 5K and/or 10K along Independence Avenue. Run two of these races to complete the “Double Challenge” … or if you’re really feeling lucky, sign up for all three for the “Triple Challenge.”
Saturday, March 14-Sunday, March 15 // 4 Miler, 5K, 10K // $48 – $78.
Reston, Va.: Lucky Leprechaun
Can’t make it the St. Pats Run Fest? Join PR Races for the Lucky Leprechaun 5K in Northern Virginia. All participants get a shirt, all finishers receive a medal, and everyone who turns out to the event is invited to the post-run festivities and award ceremony. Prizes will be given to the top three finishers by gender and the top age group finishers.
Sunday, March 15 // 5K // $30-$40.
Washington, D.C.: Rock n’ Roll Marathon Series
There’s still time to sign up for this music- and endorphin-filled race through D.C.. At the end of March, the Rock n’ Roll race series is coming to the nation’s capital for a marathon, half marathon, and 5K event. Please note that there is no race-day registration and that participants who sign up 50 days prior to race day (so, now) will not have their shirt + race bib personalized with their name.
Saturday, March 28 // 5K, Half Marathon, Full Marathon // $50-$130.
