2018 Fall season of 5Ks, races, fun runs and walks in Northern Virginia is here. This is a great opportunity to get some exercise while supporting an important cause. Register for one of these upcoming events in September or October around Fairfax County, Virginia. Walk/run alone, create a team or recruit friends and family to join you. Some events are dog friendly and stroller friendly. Whether it’s Alzheimer’s Research, Suicide Prevention, Homelessness or another issue that’s close to your heart, you can make an impact by participating in one of these events.
For more information, please visit the website of the host organization by clicking on the links below.
SEPTEMBER
September 15, 2018: 11th Annual Susco 8k Run and 2k Walk
This event will take place on September 15, 2018 at South Lakes High School in Reston, Virginia, race start time is 8:30 am. The Susco 8k is held each year in memory of Reston native, Timothy P. Susco, who passed away in 2007 from a ruptured brain aneurysm. The race starts and ends at South Lakes High School, where Tim graduated, and runs along the rolling hills of Reston, just like Tim did as a four-year member of the South Lakes track and cross-country teams. The 8k distance is a perfect distance for those just starting out, those wanting a little more challenge than a 5k and for those who are looking for a good warm up for their longer distance runs later in the fall. The Susco 8k and 2k supports brain aneurysm research to help others who may be affected by brain aneurysms, but the race also supports organ donation awareness to encourage others to give the gift of life as Tim did.
September 15, 2018: Home Run for the Homeless 5K
Register for the first annual 5k run, Home Run for the Homeless, presented by three local nonprofit organizations: Bridges to Independence, Community Lodgings and Homestretch. All three provide housing, employment and child care services to homeless parents and their children in Northern Virginia, and operate primarily in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County and Falls Church.
This maiden run is set for Saturday, September 15 at 9:00 am at Bluemont Park Shelter, 601 N Manchester St. Arlington, VA 22203. The run will follow the bike trail almost to Falls Church and is limited to 250 registrants.
September 16, 2018: 2018 FCEF Run for the Schools 5k/1 mile
Join us on Sunday, September 16 and enjoy the USATF Certified 5K course that winds through the tree-lined streets of historic Falls Church City. The course is a mix of hills and flat stretches, a little something for every level runner. There will be a water stop along the course. The course also includes a 1 Mile loop for runners and walkers. Strollers are welcome! No bicycles, skateboards, rollerblades or dogs please.
September 22, 2018: 3rd Annual Becky Epton Memorial 5k
The 3rd Annual Becky Epton Memorial 5k on September 22, 2018 will channel the heart that Becky had for her family, for her church, and for her community the event will serve as a fundraiser for the ALS association. A portion of the $40 registration fee will go as a donation towards research and prevention of this disease. This is the best way that we know to give back and also to help us remember the kind of spirit that we are called to have towards caring for others.
Run (or walk) for fun. For a friend. For family. For yourself. Whatever your reason, we hope that you’ll take a morning to join us as we remember the life of someone who is so important to our community and do so in a way that allows us to also take time to be in God’s creation.
The Start and Finish line will be located at Plesant Valley UMC, 43987 John Mosby Highway, Chantilly, VA 20152, with a start time of 8:00 am.
September 22, 2018: 2018 SCHS Twilight Rock N Run
Join South County High School Band for the 4th annual Twilight Rock n Run 5k, 1 mile Glow Walk, and ½k Kids Fun Run!
This is an evening, family-oriented event, with something for every age/fitness level! To keep it fun, South County band students are positioned along the glow-lit course, playing music and cheering for runners as they pass.
All courses end under the lights in the school stadium, and are on paved, mostly flat surfaces. (The 5k continues past Laurel Hill Golf Club and South County Middle School.) The events are stroller-friendly; however, no pets are permitted. There is plenty of parking in the high school lot. It will occur rain or shine.
This race will benefit the award-winning South County High School Band and enhance the development of fine arts education in high school. The race starts at 7:00 pm on Saturday, September 22 at South County High School in Lorton, VA.
September 22, 2018: Clarendon Day Run
Join us for the Clarendon Day 10K/5K & Kids Dash. Easily one of the area’s fastest courses, this race takes runners along a foot tour of the eclectic neighborhoods along the Orange line. Partnering with the Clarendon Day Alliance, the Saturday Clarendon Days Festival and the Clarendon Day Run has something for everyone! Top off the race with a post-race party at Clarendon’s hometown watering hole, Whitlow’s on Wilson, and other great restaurants, pubs, and vendors.
September 23, 2018: 2018 Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Northern Virginia
The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s® is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide and 7 locations in our region, this inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to reclaim the future for millions. This race is held at Reston Town Center. Registration begins at 1:30pm; ceremony is at 2:30pm and walk begins at 3:00pm.
September 23, 2018: Survive the 5 5K
Join us on September 23rd at 8AM in Fairfax Corner. Our goal for this years 4th Annual “Survive the 5” 5k is to raise $25,000! The proceeds from this event will allow us to continue our educational programs and annual college scholarship fund. This is a fun family event and raise awareness for youth traffic safety! Food, music and silent auction. Strollers and dogs welcome!
September 23, 2018: 11th Annual We’ve Got Your Back Race for Spinal Health
Join the nation’s largest 5K event to benefit those suffering from spinal conditions! The We’ve Got Your Back national race series consists of a timed 5K race, a 1 mile family-friendly run/walk, and a VIP Spinal Champion experience to celebrate the accomplishments of those who have overcome their neck or back pain.
The Spinal Research Foundation’s 11th Annual We’ve Got Your Back event will be hosted in Reston’s newest hotspot destination at Reston Station. Rise and shine with music and a block-party atmosphere including the most spine-tingling post-race celebration in town!
September 23, 2018: Sixth Annual Teddy Bear 5K & 1K Walk/Run
Join this race and help give all children, especially those at risk, the strong start they need to be ready for success in school and in life. Check In for 5K opens on field behind Falls Church-McLean Children’s Center, 7230 Idylwood Road, Falls Church, VA 22043. Parade to 5K start line is at Pimmit Hills Park. Everyone gets a Teddy Bear when they cross the 1K & 5K Finish Line.
September 23, 2018: 15th Annual Super H 5k Run, Walk & Wheel
Come run, walk or roll through an exciting community! Enjoy a great race and show your support for the MedStar NRH Adaptive Sports athletes! This 5K is a certified course and a fun loop around Tysons Corner. Join us afterwards for our awards ceremony with LIVE music, GREAT eats and AWESOME prizes. Grab some friends, create a team to run with you!
September 29, 2018: Out of the Darkness Community Walk
When you walk in the Out of the Darkness Walks, you join the effort with hundreds of thousands of people to raise awareness and funds that allow the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) to invest in new research, create educational programs, advocate for public policy, and support survivors of suicide loss. The Fairfax Walk welcomes all ages to attend! Bring the whole family and enjoy fun activities with you little ones at our Children’s Activity Area! Friendly, leashed dogs are also welcome. Walk location: Veteran’s Amphitheater – 10489 Armstrong Street (in front of City Hall), Fairfax, VA.
September 29, 2018: Arts on the Horizon 5K Fundraiser
Join Arts on the Horizon in Fort Hunt Park as we host our very first 5K Fundraiser! Meet us at 7:30am on Saturday, September 29th for some family-friendly fun. A pre-run warm-up will be lead by Fitness on the Run! Families are invited to run or walk to support Arts on the Horizon’s arts education programs and performances. In addition to the race, we will have activities throughout the morning to offer fun ways to show your support. Event will be held at Fort Hunt Park in Alexandria, VA.
OCTOBER
October 6, 2018: McLean 5K
Come run the McLean 5K Run! A certified course through the heart of McLean is designed to appeal to runners of all abilities. In addition to great exercise, the event will promote Public Safety Appreciation and serve as an opportunity to express our appreciation and respect for the first responders from our own McLean Volunteer Fire Department and McLean District Police Station. Come out, shake their hands and let them know we are grateful for the outstanding work they do to keep us safe.
Join the McLean Community for the The McLean 5k on Saturday October 6, 2018 at 8:00 am. The start and finish line are located at the McLean Square Shopping Center, 6631 Old Dominion Dr, McLean, VA 22101.
October 7, 2018: Reston Pumpkin 5K
Join Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce’s Reston Pumpkin 5K & Kids Pumpkin Dash on Sunday, October 7 with an 8:15 AM start at Reston Town Center.
Participants are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes and join in the fun with the whole family!
October 13, 2018: Shelane’s 5K Run and Kid’s 1K Fun Run
Join us for our 3rd Annual Shelane’s Run 5K/1K + Family Fun Day at the Fairfax County Government Center! This event was established by friends and family in honor of Shelane, whom tragically passed away in June of 2015. Unknown to family and friends, Shelane suffered from severe postpartum depression and psychosis following the loss of her fourth child. Our mission is to spread awareness, promote programs that offer postpartum support and resources, and encourage women and their families to reach out for help. Our goal is to establish and offer grants to families that may not be able to afford the treatment they truly need and deserve.
Shelane’s Run is the only road race in Virginia focused on maternal mental health. In 2017 nearly 500 people registered for Shelane’s Run and more than 1,000 family members participated in activities. We hope to continue growing in numbers and helping more families in our community.
Event Details:
7:30 – 8:15 – Race Day Registration and Packet Pickup
8:30 – 1K Fun Run Begins
9:00 – 5K Run/Walk Begins, Strollers Welcome
10:00 – Awards
October 13, 2018: Blood and Guts Run
The Blood and Guts Run is an obstacle run for all-ages that encourages participants to fight their way through our unique course by crawling through mud, zooming down the Monster Water Slide, and trudging through our Wacky Foam and Spider Webs! You will be chased by hordes of “ZOMBIES” who will try and throw you off course. Don’t be discouraged, once you cross the finish line, you’ll be rewarded with a custom made Blood and Guts medal! Costume Contest and Food Trucks will also be available. Event takes place at Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville, VA.
October 13, 2018: 2018 Robinson Ram Run
This year we will be hosting our first ever Unified Ram Run 5K! This is a run/walk/roll open to anyone in the community. This inclusive run, walk, roll is hosted by the Robinson Partnership class and club to promote inclusive events in our community. Proceeds will go toward inclusive events and programs at Robinson including Special Olympics, Partnership class/club, Unified theater, FanQuest, Day Prom, Foundations Graduation, and more!
October 14, 2018: Have You Seen Me? 5K
Join us on October 14, 2018 for the inaugural “Have You Seen Me?” 5K in Fairfax Corner, Virginia!
This will be a timed race, and the goal is to join hundreds – hopefully thousands – of walkers and runners together and raise both funds and awareness for the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
The entry fee is $35 which includes a t-shirt and post-race snacks. There will also be a 1K fun run that will be $10 or free if you have a family member running in the 5K.
October 20, 2018: Help the Homeless 5K Walk
This is Pathway Homes 19th Annual Help the Homeless Walk. With a $32 registration fee, you are providing a day of supportive housing for someone we serve. Pathways serves individuals with serious mental illness. Most with a history of or at-risk of homelessness in Northern Virginia. Race location is Fairfax City Hall, 10455 Armstrong Street, Fairfax, VA 22030.
October 20, 2018: 2018 Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Manassas, VA
The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s® is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide and 7 locations in our region, this inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to reclaim the future for millions. This event begins at the Harris Pavilion in Old Town Manassas. Registration is at 8:30am, ceremony is at 9:30am and walk begins at 10:00am.
October 20, 2018: Run For Remembrance 5K
Join us at West Potomac Park in DC for the inaugural Run for Remembrance 5K benefiting HEROES, Inc®. HEROES, Inc. (Honor Every Responsible Officer’s Eternal Sacrifice) is dedicated to aid families of law enforcement officers and firefighters who have died in the line of duty in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
October 20, 2018: Race to Stop Traffick
Save a child and come join us as we “Race to Stop Traffick” Saturday, October 20 at 9:00 am, at Bull Run Regional Park in Northern Virginia. There will be a 1 mile Fun Run as well as a timed 5k, followed by a KidsZone Carnival! Families and kids can participate in post race festivities such as carnival games, face painting, balloon art and the very popular raffle booth. 100% of the proceeds will directly benefit Operation Underground Railroad, a non-profit organization whose mission is to rescue and rehabilitate children sold into sex slavery in the U.S. and around the world.
October 21, 2018: BREAKAWAY 5K Run/Walk and Fun Run
Join us on October 21 @ 8am for the 4th Annual BREAKAWAY 5K Run/Walk & Fun Run in McLean, VA! Serving clients and the community for 17 years, BREAKAWAY Fitness promotes health and wellness for youth and adults of all fitness levels. All proceeds from the race will benefit the Eric Monday Foundation and the non-profit organization “Life with Cancer” in support of the amazing services they provide to people and their families who are diagnosed with cancer.
October 27, 2018: MCM Kids Run
The MCM Kids Run presented by Virginia529 happens in the Pentagon North Parking lot. Nearly 3,600 children ages 5-12 will participate in the one-mile just-for-fun event. All participants receive a T-shirt, medal and snacks at the finish line while being supported by the United States Marines.
October 28, 2018: 43rd Marine Corps Marathon
Marine Corps Marathon is annually ranked as one of the largest marathons in the US and the world. Motivated individuals run the MCM as a tribute to a loved one serving this country or in memory of their sacrifice. They run in defiance, while facing an illness, whether their own or a loved one’s. They run to show love of country. The MCM welcomes those finding a new path to fitness and those simply seeking to conquer a distance that once seemed impossible. Organized by the men and women of the United States Marine Corps, the MCM celebrates the honor, courage and commitment of all finishers. Held in Arlington, VA, National Harbor, MD and the nation’s capital, the MCM hosts runners from all 50 states and more than 60 countries.