The summer weather beckons us to participate in outdoor activities, and races are no exception. With warm temperatures and longer daylight hours, runners have more opportunities than ever to hit the pavement, trails, and tracks. From casual 5Ks to challenging marathons, summer race season offers something for every runner.
Early morning starts become a favorite during these months, letting participants beat the heat while enjoying cooler temperatures and quieter routes. Many races also take advantage of scenic outdoor locations that really shine during the summer months.
Whether you're training for your first race or chasing a personal best, this season is the perfect time to lace up, get outside, and join the running community for events happening now through September.
Washington, DC
- Freedom 5K & Half | July 5, 6:30 - 10:30 AM
National Assoc. For Multicultural Education 5K for the Founders | July 11, 8 AM
Race to Cure Sarcoma 5K | July 18, 8:30 - 11 AM
Christmas in July 5K/Half | July 25, 6:30 - 10 AM
Summer Georgetown 5K/10K & Half | July 26, Time Varies on Race
Autumn Georgetown 5K & Half | September 20, 7:30 - 11 AM
Norma E. Boyd 5K Race for Education | September 20, 8 - 10 AM
Northern Virginia
- Firecracker 5K For The Troops | Reston, VA | July 4, 8 AM
Blazing Trails 5K/10K | Vienna, VA | July 11, 7:45 AM - 10 AM
Bastille Day 5K | Annandale, VA | July 14, 7 - 9 PM
Fall Burke Lake 5K & 10K | Fairfax Station, VA | September 20, 7:45 - 10 AM
RUN! GEEK! RUN! | Alexandria, VA | September 27, 8:30 - 9:30 AM
Loudoun County
- Red White ‘n Brew 5K | Ashburn, VA | June 27, 8 - 12 PM
Great Country Farms 5K & 10K | Bluemount, VA | July 12, 8:30 - 11 AM
868 Estate Vineyards 5K & 10K | Purcellville, VA | July 25, 4:30 - 6:30 PM
Summer Sprint 5K & 10K | Purcellville, VA | August 9, 7:45 - 10 AM
Heeling House 5K | Leesburg, VA | September 13, 9 - 10:30 AM
Montgomery & Prince George’s Counties
PGRC Summer Fun Run Series | Greenbelt, MD | Starts July 10, 7 PM & reoccurs every Thursday evening until August 14, 7 PM
PGRC Women’s Distance Festival 5K and Fella’s 5K race | College Park, MD | August 9, 7:30 - 8:30 AM (Women's) & 8:30 - 9:30 AM (Fella’s)
2026 Summer Moco 5k & 10K | Silver Spring, MD | July 26, 7:30 - 10 AM
College Park Parkrun 5K | College Park, MD | Recurring every Saturday, 9 AM
Anne Arundel County
- PAL Challenge 5K & 10K | Annapolis, MD | June 28, 7:30 - 10 AM
Annapolis 10 Mile Run | Annapolis, MD | August 30, 7 - 9:30 AM
Walk and 5K Run for Life | Gambrills, MD | September 19, 8 AM - 12 PM
Annapolis Run for the Light House | Annapolis, MD | September 20, 8 AM (Half), 8:45 AM (5K), 9 AM (Walk)
No matter where you are in your running journey, the DC metro area has a race waiting for you this summer. From the shaded trails of Fairfax Station to the waterfront paths of Annapolis, the region's courses offer some truly memorable scenery to carry you through every mile. Mark your calendar, sign up early, and make the most of the season. Before you know it, fall will be here and these long summer mornings will be behind us. Good luck to every runner and walker toeing the line between now and September!
