5K races near Norfolk

The Anchor Scholarship Foundation 5K and FunRun is a morning 5K held at Dismal Swamp, featuring a shorter FunRun alongside the main race. The 5K follows a flat out-and-back course, where participants run one direction, turn around, and return on the same path. A virtual 5K option is available for those who wish to support the event from a distance. The race generates funds for Surface Navy families and coincides with Navy Surface Line Week. A team competition is incorporated, with points awarded to the command with the most participants and for the fastest runner. Registration is simple, with distinct pricing for the in-person race and the virtual 5K. The in-person event takes place from early morning until late morning.

Hampton, Virginia, hosts an established event that Runner's World dubbed a "must run half marathon". This race consistently "shows off the best of Hampton, Virginia", inviting participants to explore the city's unique charm. The course itself is notably fast and flat, offering a smooth route that is ideal for runners aiming for personal bests. Participants can expect a straightforward experience designed for speed as they navigate the city.

Race at the Cape is an October race morning at Cape Henry Collegiate, a private college-preparatory school at 1320 Mill Dam Road in Virginia Beach. The program offers a 5K Run/Walk, a One-Mile Fun Run/Walk, and a Dolphin Double Challenge for participants who want to complete both distances. The 5K starts at 8:00 a.m., followed by the mile at 9:15. Race-day registration is open for a short period before the first start. Dolphin Double entrants run the 5K and then proceed to the mile; the challenge is limited to 100 participants and awards three medals.

STAR's Candy Crawl 5k & Boo Dash is a fall running event in Newport News, Virginia, offering two distances: a 5k and a 1.6k. The name reflects the Halloween season, with the Candy Crawl as the longer race and the Boo Dash as the short option. The race is organized by the Order of the Easter Star, a fraternal and charitable service group affiliated with Freemasonry, open to women and men. The organization supports charities, scholarships, youth programs, and local community needs, emphasizing ethical living, compassion, integrity, education, and service to others.

The 5K Angel Run is a timed 5K and casual fun run/walk in Bridgetown, Ohio, on Cincinnati’s West Side. The 5K starts at 9:00 AM, the fun walk follows at 9:15 AM, and race-morning packet pickup opens at 8:00 AM. Parking is at Kuliga Park, with overflow parking at Faith Fellowship Church. The event began after Mark and Missy Meinhardt lost their daughter Sophie to a rare, aggressive brain tumor. Since 2007, it has drawn thousands of families, friends, and runners each year. Proceeds support The Cure Starts Now for pediatric brain cancer research. Past fundraising also supported Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and scholarships for students at local Catholic schools. The day includes food, music, games, and raffles, and it honors Sophie along with Elena, Cece, Jack, Lauren, Wyatt T, Erin, Sarah, Reese, Wyatt R, and children facing cancer.

The OSH Run/Walk 5K Tiger Trot is a morning run/walk in Chesapeake, Virginia, associated with Oscar F. Smith High School. The race starts at Bells Mill Park, with some references also linking the event to the school’s Tiger Drive campus. It is a community 5K, welcoming walkers and casual participants alongside competitive runners. The event raises funds for disadvantaged students at Oscar F. Smith High School, aiming to reduce financial obstacles to academic achievement. Pre-race registration and packet pickup occur at the Oscar Smith High School Football Stadium, with race-day pickup at Bells Mill Park. Participants get a race shirt and a Chick-fil-A biscuit, contributing to a local school-community atmosphere rather than a large-scale race feel.

The Chartway Norfolk Harbor Race Weekend is a Saturday-Sunday running event in Norfolk, Virginia, featuring a 5K, 10K, and half marathon centered at the Waterside District. Presented by Sentara, the course is described as flat and fast, suitable for runners aiming for a personal best or those seeking a straightforward fall race weekend by the harbor. The route guides participants through Downtown Norfolk, the NEON District, historic areas, and past Old Dominion University's campus, concluding at Town Point Park. Half marathon runners will see over 20 of Norfolk's mermaid sculptures, a distinctive local element that adds character to the race. Following the finish, participants convene at Town Point Park for the post-race gathering, embracing the event's mermaid theme and waterfront location.

K5K - A Run for Kendra is a November run/walk held on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. The in-person start is at 24th St Park, and a virtual option is available for participants anywhere. This race honors Kendra R. Atherton and raises funds for a scholarship in her name, focusing on remembrance and practical support over competition. The scholarships are awarded to college-bound high school seniors who have lost a parent to cancer. The race has awarded over $140,000 to date. The event welcomes all participants, including children, students, adults, walkers, runners, and virtual participants who can submit their results throughout November. Following the boardwalk race, attendees gather at The Shack on Atlantic Avenue. A lighthearted tradition involves bringing pets, often dressed in pink.

The Tacky Sweater 5K starts and finishes at Smartmouth Brewery in Norfolk, Virginia's Chelsea district. This December holiday race offers both a 5K run and a 5K walk, allowing runners and walkers to share the same morning. Mettle Events produces the event, which supports EVMS Melanoma Awareness. The route winds through Norfolk’s Chelsea neighborhood, using the brewery as the race hub before and after the 5K. The post-race party continues at Smartmouth Brewery, featuring food, entertainment, Smartmouth beer, awards, giveaways, and a Tacky Sweater contest. Having run for multiple editions, the sweater contest gives the day its distinct character: participants arrive ready to move, then stay in intentionally outlandish holiday attire.

Lost in the Woods 5k is an evening Christmas charity walk/run held at Peninsula Catholic High School. The route consists of two loops through the campus and the woods behind the school, illuminated by Christmas lights. The main 5k begins at 5:00 p.m., with a Kids Fun Run starting at 6:00 p.m. Participants of all paces are welcome, and there is no requirement to join a team to race, walk, or donate. The event supports St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and other charities via a team competition. After expenses, all registration profits are donated to charity: half goes directly to St. Jude, and the winning team selects the beneficiary for the remaining half. Previous participants have included the Newport News Police, Newport News Fire Department, Luther-RUNS, and Catholic High School teachers, with each team supporting a different cause. PCYT organizes the race, using such events to demonstrate to teenagers that service can be active and enjoyable. The club has contributed over $25,000 to organizations such as St. Jude, the Citizen Fire Academy of Newport News, and D-Feet Cancer.