5K races near Odenton

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

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 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 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 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.

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 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.

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.