You know how your kids can literally run circles around you? Let them put that energy to good use at one of the many kid-friendly races the DMV offers. Whether you’re lacing up your running shoes for the first time or gearing up for another running season, we’ve tracked down a wide selection of local races across the DMV and throughout the rest of the year. All of them welcome strollers and kids, some have kids’ fun runs, and each one has a special perk to make it fun for the whole family. See you out there!
Photo: Capitol Hill Classic
Crystal City 5K Fridays
Run one or all of the 5K Fridays races with your mini-bundles of energy. They’ll get the wiggles out while you blow off some end of the week steam. Grown-ups, don’t forget to grab your post-race drink tickets that can be used at nearby watering holes.
Cost: $20-$25
When: Friday evenings in April
Where: Crystal City
Online: runpacers.com/race/crystal-city-5k-fridays
Arlington Bunny Hop
A fun, festive way to run together as a family, this 5K raises money for charity. Costumes are welcome (er, encouraged), and medals for all kids who finish will be handed out. Stick around for the block party afterwards, featuring free food, bounce houses and live music.
Cost: $5-$45
When: April 27, 8 a.m.
Where: 606 N. Irving St. (Arlington, VA)
Online: arlingtonbunnyhop.org
Photo: Teddy Bear 5K
Parkway Classic
Known as Alexandria’s Hometown Race, runners can opt for the 5k, 10-mile or kids dash races. The 10-miler starts at Mount Vernon and follows the GW Parkway to Oronoco Bay Park in Old Town, while the 5k takes off from Belle Haven Park. The Sugar Shack Kids Dash is an 800-meter dash, and participants get a race bib, a medal and a Sugar Shack doughnut at the end. Note that parents may run with their dashers, and the event is limited to 300 participants. It requires pre-registration, and strollers are permitted.
Cost: $10-$80
When: Apr. 28, 8 a.m. races, 10:30 a.m. kids dash
Where: 3200 Mount Vernon Hwy. Mount Vernon; Belle Haven Park, Alexandria; corner of Oronoco St. and North Union St. (Alexandria, Va)
Online: runpacers.com/race/parkway-classic
Spring Georgetown 5K and Half
This scenic run on a flat course along the C&O Canal Path is perfect for runners and joggers with strollers. There are medals for all finishers.
Cost: $25-$60
When: May 26, 8 a.m.
Where: 3530 Water St., NW (Georgetown)
Online: bishopsevents.com
Photo: teddy b via flickr
Capitol Hill Classic
The 40th annual race, which winds by sights such as the U.S. Capitol, Supreme Court and Library of Congress, will end with music and yoga. It raises money for the Capitol Hill Cluster School, a D.C. public school with more than 1,000 students. Medal winners are divided by age: under 15 and 15 to 19 for kids. Jogging strollers are permitted.
Cost: $10-$80
When: May 19, 10:30 a.m. fun run
Where: 425 C St., NE
Online: capitolhillclassic.com
Maryland Half Marathon and 5K
The 11th annual race benefits the University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart
Greenebaum Cancer Center. For their efforts, all kids fun run finishers (who will cross the same finish line as the grown-up half marathoners!) receive a medal.
Cost: $20-$40
When: June 8
Where: The Maple Lawn Community
Online: uomms.convio.net
Photo: David Ingram via Flickr
Kids Superhero Dash for Dad (ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk)
The 1-mile dash (and the 5k run/walk) raise money for prostate cancer research, screening and education. Participants get a T-shirt and free food. Strollers are permitted, but race organizers ask that racers start at the back and give the right of way to runners.
Cost: $15-$35
When: Jun. 15, 8:15 a.m.
Where: 1101 S. Joyce St. (Arlington, Va)
Online:support.zerocancer.org
Stroller Run
This 5k for parents and their kids benefits local charities so you can feel good about doing something for yourself and for others. Post-race perks include child care so you can relax and enjoy nearby shopping and refreshments.
When: June 29, 10 a.m.
Online: http://www.thestrollerrun.com/#cities
—Tricia Mirchandani and Stephanie Kanowitz
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