5K races near Eldersburg

Snack Town RunFest takes place in Hanover, Pennsylvania, offering several distances rather than a single main event. The available races include a chip-timed half marathon, 10K, and 5K, along with a 5K Corporate Challenge and a Kids Fun Run for participants aged 4 to 12. The event occurs in early October, organized by the Hanover Area YMCA and supported by partners Utz Brands, Inc. and WellSpan Health. The half marathon covers approximately 13.11 miles on a single-loop course, and the 5K is about 3.11 miles, also on a single loop. This format attracts a variety of participants: half marathoners, shorter-distance runners, corporate teams, families, and children who can race themselves instead of just observing. A local tradition is the Beer Bash on George, featuring craft breweries as part of the post-race activities.

The Fall Foliage 5k & 10k begins at Constitution Park in Waynesboro, Virginia, during the autumn leaf season. Participants can select either a 5k or a 10k, accommodating those seeking a brief community run and those preferring a longer morning race. The route winds through Waynesboro neighborhoods and follows the South River Greenway, featuring autumn colors and fallen leaves. Aid stations are provided, participants receive a race-day shirt, and a food-and-drink gathering follows the finish. The Fall Foliage Art Festival, featuring artists nationwide, takes place downtown the same weekend.

The second edition runs through Druid Hill Park, a historic public park. The course follows tree-lined paths and open green spaces, with clear signs and marshals. A themed medal, chip-timed results, and free race photos are included. Marshals will provide guidance and encouragement.

The MoCo CARES Charity Race begins at 7503 Muncaster Mill Road in Gaithersburg, Maryland, offering 1.6 km, 5 km, and 10 km distances. This local charity run, organized by So What Else and Covenant Life School, focuses on fundraising for local charities and assisting children and families in need throughout Montgomery County. The course features short-distance paths arranged by volunteers, including a route similar to a 1-mile run and a 5K route. Local families, businesses, volunteers, and Companies Who CARE participate in the event. Capital Youth Outreach Club collaborates with So What Else for service support. Volunteers manage the event's logistics, such as setting up signs and booths, encouraging runners, ensuring children's safety, participating in a post-race service project, and assisting with cleanup. Formerly known as the LaunchCARES Charity Race, it originated as a small community gathering before growing into a county-wide initiative aimed at combating hunger.

The Westminster Haunted 5K & 10K is a Halloween-themed road race held at 739 Tahoma Farm Road in Westminster, Maryland. The race begins at 8:00 AM. Packet pickup is available starting 30 minutes before the race and closes 10 minutes prior to the start. Registration must be completed via RunSignup before race day; no on-site registration will be offered. Both the 5K and 10K events follow an out-and-back course. The 5K route is completed twice, and the 10K route is completed four times. All participants have a 2-hour time limit. Medals are awarded to finishers, and race merchandise can be purchased from the event shop. The best costume award adds a Halloween element beyond the event's name. The race also contributes points to the US Road Running series, attracting participants who are accumulating series results alongside local runners participating in a themed event.

The Coppermine Breast Cancer 5K is a timed run and walk at 1400 Panther Drive in Hampstead, Maryland, held in October to support the fight against breast cancer. It is organized as a community 5K, welcoming runners, walkers, families, and sideline supporters. Participants receive race shirts, with an advance registration deadline to guarantee one. Music is provided, and Molli's Cafe will offer donuts and coffee for purchase. Packet pickup is available the day before at Coppermine 4 Seasons, allowing race morning to focus on the run, the cause, and the local participants.

The New Market STRONG Run/Walk and Festival is an annual 5K in New Market, Maryland. It honors Karen Durbin, the town clerk who served the community for over 14 years before passing away after a prolonged battle with breast cancer. This 3.1-mile event accommodates both runners and walkers, with timing provided by Racine MultiSports. Families, walkers, and leashed dogs are welcome. The course follows New Market’s historic streets and adjacent neighborhoods, keeping the race centered on the town it benefits. Proceeds are directed to the Hurwitz Breast Cancer Fund, supporting the Frederick Health Hospital Cancer Center. Following the race, the event transitions into a local festival featuring live music, vendors, food and beverage trucks, family activities, and a cornhole competition.

The Run for MWS 5K is a regional race for Mowat-Wilson Syndrome held in Monocacy Village Park in Frederick, Maryland. The event offers a 5K run/walk and a shorter Fun Run, both starting at 10am, catering to runners, walkers, families, and supporters, not exclusively competitive racers. The course is set within the park, presenting a local, park-based charity race with two distance options. Every registrant receives a Run for MWS: Mid-Atlantic Regional race t-shirt, and participants are entered into prize drawings. Non-runners can participate via a support/spectator option which also includes a shirt.

Run Like Michael centers on Michael’s 5K Run For Life, a July race connected to Michael’s Run for Life Festival in Peoria. Packet pickup is handled at RC Outfitters on SW Water Street before race day, and on-site registration is available at the festival. The run was created because Michael loved running, and it supports the foundation’s fight against signet ring colon cancer. The event’s message is direct: a large group of people can take on hard problems together. The race gathers runners and supporters around that cause, rather than around a complicated course or elite field.

The .05K, presented by 98ROCK, is a small Baltimore race with a distance that's a joke: it measures just 162 feet, or “point zero five K.” This yearly evening event takes place at Union Craft Brewing and functions as a launch party for the Baltimore Running Festival. Registration costs $15 and includes a bib and a commemorative 98ROCK/.05K T-shirt. The course is essentially a short dash or walk, after which participants return to Union Craft Brewing. Justin, Scott, and Spiegel from 98ROCK lead the event, which includes check-in, pre-race beer, and a warm-up before the one-minute race. The event is open to ages 21 to 99, costumes add to the enjoyment, and those not running can still attend for the brewery gathering. All proceeds from entry fees benefit the Baltimore City Firefighters Local 734 Widows & Orphans Fund.