Holiday races are a great way to dress up in your best Santa costume and have fun with family and friends. Photograph courtesy of Flickr user HowardLake
IN DC
Capital Running Company Jingle All the Way 8K
When: Sunday, December 11, 9 AM
Where: Near Freedom Plaza (between 12th and 13th sts. on Pennsylvania Ave., NW)
The seventh annual 8K runs along a mostly flat course through DC, past the US Capitol, museums, and across the National Mall. Runners will receive bells to wear at the packet pickup, as well as a colorful long-sleeve T-shirt. $30 register through December 4, $35 December 5 to 10, and $40 on race day.
Christmas Caper 5K/10K
When: Saturday, December 17, 7:50 AM
Where: East Potomac Park, Hains Point (972 Ohio Dr., SW)
Potomac Valley Track Club hosts the Christmas Caper 5K and 10K at the East Potomac Park golf course in DC. The course is completely flat. There is no race-day registration, so click here to register. Prices vary.
IN MARYLAND
Wiggin’ Winter Dash
When: Saturday, December 3, 9 AM
Where: Baker Park (TK)
This 5K run and walk supports and raises funds for juvenile diabetes research. The event will feature food, prizes, activities, and more. Participants are encouraged to wear wigs. $30 for adults, $15 for children 12 and under, $15 for walkers.
Rockville Jingle Bell Jog 8K
When: Sunday, December 11, 9 AM
Where: Rockville Senior Center (1150 Carnation Dr., Rockville)
The Montgomery County Road Runners will put on this low-key 8K, which winds through a quiet residential neighborhood. Registration is race-day only. $10 for nonmembers 18 and over and $5 for nonmembers under 18. MCRR members run for free.
IN VIRGINIA
Reston Run With Santa 5K
When: Sunday, December 4, 8:30 AM
Where: Reston Town Center (11911 Democracy Dr., Reston)
Run to support the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Participants are encouraged to dress up in their favorite holiday costume for the chance to win the best-dressed award. Family and friends can register as a team, and kids can do the fun run for free. $30 to register.
2011 Metropolitan DC Jingle Bell Run/Walk
When: Saturday, December 3, 8 AM
Where: Bluemont Park (325 N. Manchester St., Arlington)
The Jingle Bell Run/Walk will raise money for arthritis research. Participants are encouraged to dress up (think reindeer antlers and Santa hats). Online registration is closed, but there will be limited on-site registration available. $30 for adults, $15 for children.
AGC 5K Jingle Bell Jog
When: Saturday, December 10, 10:30 AM
Where: Marymount University/Bluemont Trail (1000 Glebe Rd., Arlington)
The Associated General Contractors’ race will benefit the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Participants will receive a race T-shirt and entrance to the after-party. $35 to register.
Potomac River Running’s New Year’s Day 5K
When: Sunday, January 1, 10 AM
Where: Reston Town Center (11911 Democracy Dr., Reston)
If you’re not too tired from the previous night’s festivities, join Potomac River Running in celebrating the new year. There will be music, food, and hot chocolate after the race. Runners will receive a commemorative long-sleeve shirt. $25 to register.
