5K races near Joppatowne

Glen Burnie Improvement Association 5K RUN & FUN WALK starts from the Glen Burnie Carnival Grounds. Connect with neighbors and get active.

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 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 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 .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 Cardinal Cup is a fall 5K run and 1-mile walk held at the School of the Cathedral, 111 Amberly Way in Baltimore. It is hosted by the School of the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen, with Mother Seton Academy invited as the beneficiary and community partner. The race features a timed 5K for runners and a shorter walk for those who want the day without the full distance. The event supports Mother Seton Academy: net proceeds and all sponsorship donations go directly to the school. A past edition had over 500 participants, indicating it is more than a small school fundraiser. Awards are presented to the top three overall male and female 5K finishers, while the 1-mile option is open to younger children, families, walkers, and supporters focused on the cause rather than a race result.

The Retriever 5k Dawg Chase and Fun Run begins and ends at UMBC’s Albin O. Kuhn Library in Baltimore. This Homecoming morning event offers a 5k for runners and walkers, and a 1-mile option for those seeking a more relaxed outing with family, friends, or a pet. Check-in starts early, with the race/walk commencing at 8:30 a.m. The course is contained on campus, with both distances concluding back at the library. Participant numbers are limited to 250, fostering a community feel for Homecoming rather than a large-scale road race. UMBC students receive a reduced entry fee, and alumni, faculty, staff, friends, and families can register individually or as a family pack. Those who register early will get a commemorative shirt and a participant medal.

The Cats & Bats Haunted 5K begins at Festival Park in Aberdeen, Maryland, at 8:00 a.m. on Halloween morning. Participants can choose between a USATF-certified 5K run/walk, a 1-mile untimed fun run for a shorter option, or a virtual 5K for those unable to attend in person. The race embraces its Halloween theme, using #HalloweeninAberdeen and attracting participants seeking a casual holiday run over a traditional road race. Now in its 12th year, packet pickup is available under the pavilion starting at 6:30 a.m. The process is straightforward: arrive at the park, collect your bib, and proceed to the certified 5K course.

St. Augustine Catholic School hosts the Angels on the Run 5K, designed for runners, walkers, and stroller-pushers. This community event supports fundraising and wellness, offering a virtual participation option for those unable to attend in person. The route winds through the Lyndwood neighborhood, featuring safety marshals and a water station at the midpoint. The event accommodates race enthusiasts, families, friends, and walkers, with awards given in various age categories. Veterans are recognized with a special token, adding a local tradition to the event beyond the race outcomes.

The Patterson Park 5K & Homebrew Contest combines a road 5K run within Baltimore’s Patterson Park with a homebrew tasting and competition. It typically takes place in November, featuring a 1-mile fun run preceding the 5K. Both events are open to families, strollers, and dogs. The race course is contained entirely within Patterson Park and features some inclines, making it a relaxed neighborhood event rather than a fast, flat course. The field size is modest, typically numbering in the low hundreds. Participants include runners, walkers, children, pet owners, beer tasters, and those supporting student travel. Following the races, the event transitions to a beer garden atmosphere with homebrew samples, live music, food, and local vendors. The homebrew contest is an established annual tradition connected to a Baltimore initiative focused on developing global citizens.

The Bulle Rock Turkey Trot takes place on Thanksgiving morning in Havre de Grace, Maryland. The live start is at 9:00 a.m. on Bulle Rock Parkway. The primary event is a 5K run. The day also features a 1-mile live option, kids’ 5K and 1-mile races for those 10 and under, and a virtual 5K for participants who prefer to run or walk remotely. The race benefits the Susquehanna Hose Company of Havre de Grace, connecting it to a local fire company beyond a simple holiday run. This event has been held for approximately twenty years. Awards are presented to the top three male and female finishers overall, as well as to age group winners from 10 and under up to 70+. Awards are exclusively for in-person participants.