5K races near La Plata

Miles for Migraine - DC/VA/MD is a 2-mile walk for the Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Maryland area, held at Laurel Hill Park Central Green on Lorton Road in Lorton, Virginia. It takes place in the fall and is the 10th annual edition of this local Miles for Migraine walk. The format is a short walk, not a road race, designed for participants seeking an accessible distance. The setting is a park green in Northern Virginia, providing the DC/VA/MD series a single gathering point outside the city instead of a downtown street course.

Miles for Migraine Washington D.C. is a free September walk-and-run at Anacostia Park in Washington, DC, with start and finish on Anacostia Drive. The event includes a 2-mile walk and a professionally timed 5K run, allowing participants to walk or race for a recorded result. The event supports Migraine & Headache Awareness, Treatment & Research. Funds benefit the MedStar Georgetown Headache Clinic, local migraine research, fellowship training, and Miles for Migraine programs and services. Participants in the walk and run receive medals. The festival area features sponsors, speakers, and a purple-dress-up prize, contributing to a community atmosphere.

First Mount Zion Baptist Church’s Healthy Start Mind & Body 5K Run/Walk is a fall 5K that includes a Kids Fun Run. It is organized as a church community run/walk, allowing participants to race, walk, or bring children for the shorter kids’ event. The event raises awareness of Alzheimer’s disease, connecting that cause to the importance of keeping both mind and body active. Participants may also donate to the Alzheimer’s Association, which funds Alzheimer’s care, programming, support, and research.

Racin’ to Beat Cancer offers a 5K, 10K, and half marathon at Burke Lake Park. This event welcomes more than just runners; walkers are encouraged, strollers are permitted, and a virtual run option is available for those unable to attend in person. The event features chip timing, and all participants receive a finisher’s medal and a technical event shirt. The race supports We Rock Cancer, a charity assisting individuals impacted by cancer.

The Red Shoe 5k is a 5 km run/walk held in Forest Heights, Maryland. The race begins at Capital Canopy on National Plaza and marks the event's 16th year. Proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House. This event welcomes participants beyond competitive runners. Walkers are welcome in the main 5k, and a Kids Fun Run is available for children. The focus on charity provides the day with a distinct objective, as families and community members gather for a short race that is straightforward and suitable for various age groups.

Pohick Bay 5k & 10k takes participants onto the trails of Pohick Bay Regional Park in Lorton, Virginia. This is a short-distance trail event offering two options: a 5K for a quicker run and a 10K for those seeking a longer loop. The race is part of EX2 Adventures’ Spring Backyard Burn Trail Running Series, providing D.C.-area runners a park-based alternative to road racing. The course utilizes the trails at Pohick Bay Park instead of city streets, and walkers are welcome. EX2 Adventures also organizes adventure racing and triathlon events in Virginia and Maryland, aligning this race with a wider local schedule for enthusiasts of off-road and outdoor endurance events. The organizers have included Pohick Bay in their rotation again, indicating it is a regular venue.

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.