5K races near Glen Burnie

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 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 DC SAFE 5k & Half is a Sunday morning race in Washington, DC, starting at 7:30 AM EDT from the Canal Road area near Georgetown. Runners can choose either a 5K or a half marathon, and walkers are welcome, accommodating those seeking a longer effort and those preferring a shorter outing. Both distances utilize the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal path, remaining near the Potomac and the historic canal corridor. The half marathon begins and concludes near the Potomac Boat Club in Georgetown, while the 5K starts and finishes at Fletcher’s Boat House further up Canal Road. Virtual options are also available, with choices including a medal, a medal and shirt, or neither.

The Chestertown Challenge takes place on race morning at Wilmer Park in Chestertown, Maryland. A half marathon, a 5K run, and a 5K walk begin at 9 a.m. Packet pickup and race-day registration start at 8 a.m., accommodating both pre-registered participants and those signing up on the morning of the event. The race supports Kent Association of Riding Therapy, Inc., a nonprofit organization assisting children and adults with disabilities. KART’s services include therapeutic horseback riding, barn management, and horse care. The Silent Hero option allows individuals to contribute to the fundraising efforts without participating in the run or walk.

The 2nd Annual Creepy Crawl 5k is an October running event in Georgetown, Delaware. It starts at Revelation Craft Brewing on South Bedford Street. Despite the name, a 1.6 km option is also available, so runners do not have to commit to the full 5 km distance. The race follows a simple town course: start from the brewery, run through Georgetown, and finish in Georgetown. The “Creepy Crawl” name provides a Halloween-season feel, and the brewery start contributes to a local community run atmosphere rather than a big-city road race.

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.

The Hyattsville Zombie Run is an annual family race day held at Driskell Park in Hyattsville, Maryland. It features three distances: a 1K Family Fun Run, a 1 Mile Kids Run, and a USATF-certified 5K. This allows children, casual walkers, and runners seeking a measured course to participate in the same event. The Hyattsville Elementary School PTA organizes the run, with proceeds benefiting local elementary schools. Funds are allocated for essential school needs, including art supplies, musical instruments, classroom materials, children's coats, teacher appreciation, and school beautification initiatives. The event welcomes neighbors from Hyattsville and friends from across the DMV, and a virtual option may also be available.