When the weather warms up after a long winter, it’s the perfect time to grab your sneakers and sign up for a spring race. Locally, there are lots of scenic spring racing options.
Marine Corps 17.75K
March 21, 8 a.m.
The Marine Corps 17.75K commemorates the year the Corps was established. The course will take place in Prince William Forest Park in Virginia and will take runners on an 11-mile run in a wooded backdrop with plenty of rolling hills and twists and turns. Those who finish the 17.75K will get passes granting them guaranteed access to the Marine Corps Marathon this fall. There will be four shuttles to the race location. 18170 Park Entrance Rd., Triangle
Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon and 5K
March 21, 5K begins at 7:30 a.m., half marathon begins at 8 a.m.
Take in the sights and sounds of DC at the annual St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon and 5K. The race winds through the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial and a finish line perfectly framed by the Capitol building. During the half marathon race, runners will also make their way through George Washington University, the Kalorama neighborhood, and Howard University. For the 5K, expect to see the National Mall and the beginnings of the 2026 Cherry Blossom Festival, the Navy Memorial, and more. Half marathon begins at Constitution Ave. and 14th St. NW DC, 5K begins at 4th St. and Pennsylvania Ave. NW, DC
Cherry Blossom 10-Mile and 5K
5K is April 11 at 8 a.m., 10K is April 12 at 7:30 a.m.
This race takes runners through the iconic DC blooms as the annual Cherry Blossom Festival wraps up. The 5K begins at 8 a.m. on April 11, and the first wave of runners for the 10-miler starts at 7:30 a.m. on April 12. For the 10-miler, there is an advance start for about 30 elite women as well as wheelchairs and duos. Note: no headphones are allowed, and running with a dog, baby stroller, or racing stroller is prohibited. 5K begins at Army Navy Dr. at Fern St, Arlington, and 10-miler begins on Washington Monument grounds, DC
4th Annual Anything’s PAWsible Festival and 5K Fun Run
April 18 (rain date is April 25), 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Enjoy the scenery of the historic Downtown Manassas district, beginning at the Manassas Museum Lawn. The event helps raise funding for children with disabilities to gain access to service dogs. Strollers, wheelchairs, wagons, walkers and any other equipment that helps with mobility are welcome. Dogs are also invited to attend the race. There will be live music and vendors both before and after the race. 9101 Prince William St., Manassas
PNC Alexandria Half
April 26, half marathon and 5K begin at 7 a.m. and the Kids Dash starts at 10:30 a.m.
Explore historic Old Town and run up 5 miles and back on the scenic George Washington Parkway, beginning at Alexandria City Hall. In addition to a half marathon, there is also a 5K and Kids Dash. Each finisher in the half marathon and 5K will get a medal at the finish line, and Kids Dash participants get a medal and a cookie. 301 King St., Alexandria, Kids Dash starts at Union St. and King St., Alexandria
The National Women’s Half Marathon and 8K
May 3, 7 a.m. (8K begins at 7:20 a.m.)
Take in your surroundings at this half marathon and 8K that takes participants past the Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, World War II Memorial, and the Korean War Memorial. Strollers are permitted, and the race starts and finishes at West Potomac Park. 2912 Independence Ave. SW, DC
Virginia Wine Country Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K
May 30, 7 a.m.
Loudoun County’s picturesque wine region is the location for these late spring races. Registration includes entry into the race of your choice, a post-race medallion, and food. A wine glass and wine tasting, as well as up to three additional glasses for family and friends should be purchased separately. Races start at Doukenie Winery in Hillsboro. 14727 Mountain Rd., Hillsboro
Feature image courtesy Credit Union Cherry Blossom Media Coordinator
