Summer is well underway, and so is Northern Virginia’s hot and humid race season. Whether you’re training for a fall marathon or just looking to shake the cobwebs off your legs after a yearlong racing hiatus, the region has plenty to offer, from milers and 1Ks to 5Ks and half-marathons. So lace up and hit that pavement!
Birthday Bash 5K & 1K
Sunday, July 25, 8 a.m.
Potomac River Running Store will celebrate its 18th birthday with a 5K and 1K race, as well as a tot trot. All pre-registered participants will receive an exclusive race shirt and medal to commemorate the bash. And because no party is complete without cake, runners can nosh on a cupcake at the finish line. Fairfax Corner: 4100 Monument Corner Dr., Fairfax; $30–$45
Friends of the W&OD 10K
Saturday, August 14, 6 p.m.
Looking for a flat, shady course to race this summer? You’re in luck. This out-and-back course will start and finish at Vienna’s Town Green, running through one of the area’s first environmentally protected zones. The race will benefit Friends of the W&OD, a Vienna-based volunteer group working to maintain the 44-mile-long trail. 144 Maple Ave. East, Vienna; $25–$40
The BREW Mile
Saturday, August 21, 4 p.m.
If you love running and drinking beer and want to try your hand at running in between drinking beer, join House 6 Brewing Co. for its inaugural The BREW Mile. Participants will attempt to complete four laps around a quarter-mile course, kicking off each lap with a 12-ounce beer (or root beer). Runners can go at it solo or create a team. Participants will receive a custom bottle-opener medal and cooler bag. House 6 Brewing Co.: 44427 Atwater Dr., Ashburn; $50, Must be 21-plus
Burke Lake 5K & 10K
Sunday, August 29, 7 a.m.
Consider taking a break from the asphalt and go for a run along the trail at picturesque Burke Lake Park, an 888-acre oasis tucked away in Fairfax County. Runners will receive a finisher’s medal and a shirt. After the race, make a day of it and enjoy everything else Burke Lake Park has to offer, from its picnic areas and mini golf to the carousel, tour boat, and fishing. Burke Lake Park: 7315 Ox Rd., Fairfax Station; $13–$40
Luray Half Marathon & 5K
Sunday, September 12, 8 a.m.
Enjoy incredible views of the Shenandoah mountains at this late-summer race in Luray. Both the half marathon and 5K will start and finish in downtown Luray, and each promises a course that’s great for both experienced runners and beginners alike. Participants will receive a finisher’s medal, logoed socks, and a free beer or beverage from Hawksbill Brewing Co. 22 Zerkel St., Luray; $25–$120
Feature image courtesy Potomac River Running
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