5K races near Prince Frederick

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.

Beach to Beer takes place on an October race morning in Colonial Beach, Virginia, featuring a 10K, a 5K, and a non-timed 1-mile walk. The 10K begins first, followed by the 5K a few minutes later, and the walk starts after both runs, ensuring a compact and straightforward event. The 5K and 10K are chip-timed with live results, while the 1-mile option provides a relaxed way for walkers and children to participate. The 5K and 10K follow a flat, fast course along the Potomac side of Colonial Beach, concluding at Colonial Beach Brewing. Walkers in the 5K begin after the runners, and the 5K has a 1-hour time limit. Awards are presented to the top three overall finishers and the top three in each age group for both timed races, with age groups for participants 14 and under. Post-race, Colonial Beach Brewing and Ice House Brewery serve local craft beer, and the race benefits BAMM.

The CalvertHealth Breast Cancer 5K Run/Walk is a community 5K held at Solomons Medical Center in Solomons, Maryland. The race begins with an early program, a 8:30 a.m. start, and awards presented later in the morning. Participants can choose the timed 5K run or the Fun Walk. Both activities benefit the Sheldon E. Goldberg Center for Breast Care via the CalvertHealth Foundation. The event focuses on honoring and remembering those affected by breast cancer, welcoming runners, walkers, supporters, families, and local residents, not solely competitive racers. All participants receive a medal, and the event includes custom shirts and bibs. Awards are given to the top male and female finishers overall, as well as age-group winners. Vendors will be present before the race start. Each registration enters a drawing for a Viking Cruise, with a second cruise awarded if participation reaches 2,000.

The Fort Hunt Park 5k & 10k are road races held within Fort Hunt Park in Alexandria, Virginia. They begin in the park area off Fort Hunt Road. Participants select either a 5 km or 10 km distance. This event is part of the broader running schedule in the D.C. area. The course is a flat loop within the park, suitable for new runners, consistent club runners, and those seeking a relaxed local race. Bishop Events manages registration for this event, as they do for many smaller races in the region.

The Trick Or Trot Crab Trot 5K is a Halloween-season run/walk on Cobb Island, following a full loop of the island’s perimeter. It is a chip-timed 5K, designed for walkers and runners of all ages and fitness levels, not solely for those aiming for a fast time. The race proceeds rain or shine, with standard registration at $40. The course circles Cobb Island, offering water views along Neale Sound, the Potomac River, and the Wicomico River. The crab theme adds to the enjoyment: participants are encouraged to wear crab-themed costumes or gear, with a prize awarded for the best costume. This marks the fourth annual running of the event, and early registrants are assured a finisher medal and race T-shirt.

The North Point Fright Night 5K & Haunted Trail is a Halloween-themed race and haunted-trail event held at North Point High School in Waldorf, Maryland. The 5K race utilizes the school’s official cross country course, with distinct waves for elite runners, middle school and younger runners, and an open/family group. The elite wave has a limit of 100 runners. Families and younger participants have their starts scheduled for later in the afternoon. Registration provides a souvenir T-shirt, entry to the quarter-mile Trail of Lost Runners Past, and medals for the top three finishers. All proceeds benefit the North Point Track & Field Team. The event also features sponsor booths, food, and concessions.

The Hot Cider Hustle - Washington D.C. 5K & 10K is a fall race held at National Harbor, Maryland. Participants can choose between a 5K or 10K race, both starting at 137 National Plaza. The event takes place in November and marks the 9th annual running. It follows a standard cold-weather road-race format, not a long-distance challenge. The course specifics are minimal, but the structure is straightforward: runners select either the 5K or the 10K at National Harbor. The race's character comes from its post-race offerings. Every finisher receives a mug, apple cider, a caramel apple, and official race merchandise as part of their registration.

The Historic Drawbridge Running Festival takes runners over and alongside Talbot County’s historic drawbridges on a fast waterfront route. The event typically provides a 5K, 10K, half marathon, and Kids Dash, suitable for walkers, families, first-timers, and runners seeking a longer challenge. The organization is practical: chip timing, marked turns, staffed aid stations, posted course maps, elevation profiles, and pace limits inform participants before race day. The courses trace the county’s working waterways, featuring flat sections, coastal breezes, harbors, marsh views, historic neighborhoods, boats, and potential wildlife. Local authorities manage bridge operations and traffic control, important as the route uses active drawbridges. Many editions include finisher medals, race shirts, age-group awards, race photos, real-time results, post-race refreshments, and sometimes a shakeout run or course talk before the main events.

The Fall City Views 5k & 10k begins at Jones Point in Alexandria, Virginia. The 10K starts at 7:45 AM, followed by the 5K at 8:00 AM. This road race offers two distances along the Potomac River, directly opposite Washington, DC. The route departs from Jones Point, tracing the river and providing runners with views of the DC skyline from the Virginia bank. Walkers and strollers are permitted, welcoming participants who are not solely focused on race times. The event supports Semper Fi & America's Fund.

The Sole Circle - Harbor Heroes 5K/10K is a run-and-walk event in Oxon Hill, Maryland, offering both 5K and 10K distances. The start line is located at 100 MGM National Ave, close to the National Harbor. The course runs along the harbor front, providing a waterfront route instead of a typical park loop. This race recognizes U.S. veterans, with a portion of each registration fee benefiting The Greenwell Foundation. It is designed for runners, walkers, and spectators, welcoming all participants, not just competitive racers.

The Budds Creek Turkey Trot 5k, 10k, & Half is a November race held at Budds Creek Motorsports Park on Budds Creek Road in Mechanicsville, Maryland. This event offers runners three distance options: the standard 5K and 10K, along with a half marathon for those seeking a longer distance than typically found at holiday-themed trots. The unique setting distinguishes this race, as participants convene at a motorsports park instead of a typical downtown street, park loop, or school campus. Bishop's Events is the organizer, with Travis Bishop as the event contact. The listing notes Budds Creek as one of the organizer's more recent Turkey Trot venues. Virtual participation is also available, with options including a medal, no medal or shirt, or both a medal and shirt.