The 2011 DC Vegfest will take place on Saturday at George Washington University. Photographs courtesy of DC Vegfest
Friday, September 23
CLASSES: Tonight’s Fit Night Out at Thearc (1901 Mississippi Ave., SE) will provide a host of fitness classes designed especially for women, including yoga, Zumba, belly dancing, ribbon dancing, and pole aerobics. Every class is designed for all levels. Food, drinks, and pampering will be available all evening. For more information, and to register ($30), click here. 7 PM.
Saturday, September 24
FESTIVAL: If meat isn’t your thing, then head to the DC VegFest, a free outdoor festival at George Washington University’s University Yard (2000 block of H St., NW), which will celebrate everything vegetarian. The festival hopes to raise awareness on how keeping a plant-based diet can be easy—and delicious—with cooking demonstrations, lectures, free food samples, and vendors. For more information, click here. 11 AM to 6 PM. Free.
OPEN HOUSE: The Smith Center for Healing and Arts invites everyone to the grand opening of their expanded U Street Center (1632 U St., NW) for free programs and classes, cooking demonstrations, music, and refreshments. The new space features a rooftop terrace, a teaching kitchen, and more than 2,000-square-feet of more room. The nonprofit’s mission is to promote healing practices for people living with illness. For more information, click here. 11 AM to 4 PM; free.
RUN: The Prevent Cancer Foundation 5K will raise funds for the foundation’s support of cancer prevention and community outreach programs. There will be music, entertainment, and snacks starting at 7 AM, and the race will start an hour later. There will be T-shirts, goodie bags, and refreshments. Register here ($25 for individuals, $75 for a family of four).
WALK: The Capital Challenge Walk MS starts today, covering 50 kilometers to benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The route will take walkers on a two-day trip through Washington, ending at the US Capitol. It kicks off in the morning at 5260 Western Ave., Chevy Chase. Walkers will be provided with entertainment, meals, and support throughout the entire walk. At the overnight site, there will be showers, massages, and a meal. If you missed out on the registration dates, you can still register on the day of for $1,555, which includes the $1,500 fundraising minimum. Check in starts at 7 AM; the walk starts at 8:30. For more information, click here.
RUN: The Clarendon Day Run will celebrate the community with a 5K, 10K, and kid’s dash through the neighborhood. The race will end with a party at Whitlow’s on Wilson. Register ($20) here for the races. The 5K begins at 8:20 AM, the 10k at 9, and kids dash at 9:30.
Sunday, September 25
WALK: Georgetown Ministry Center and Fannie Mae’s Help the Homeless will host a mini-walk to raise awareness about the homeless in Georgetown. Mini-walks take place in Washington from July to November. This weekend’s walk will take place at Grace Church (1041 Wisconsin Ave., NW). Register ($30 for adults; $20 for those ages 25 and younger) here or the day of the event. 12 to 3:30 PM.
RUN: The eighth annual Navy 5 Miler will take off at Boundary Channel Drive near the North parking lot of the Pentagon. There will be a hand-cycle wheelchair race starting ten minutes before the running race. Click here to register ($45). 7:50 AM and 8 AM.
YOGA/KAYAK: Past Tense Studio’s Kelly DiNardo will host a yoga and kayaking session along the Potomac River. Participants will prepare and warm up for the kayak portion with a yoga session, and then will go for an hour-long paddle. Members and non-members can register here ($35 and $40, respectively). Bring your own mat and meet at the Georgetown Waterfront Park near 33rd and Water streets. 1 PM.
YOGA/HIKE: If kayaking isn’t your thing, Past Tense Studio will also host a yoga and hiking session later that afternoon with Caitlin Van Hecke. Meet at Pierce Mill in Rock Creek Park and get in an hour-long yoga session followed by an hour-long hike. Members ($25) and non-members ($30) can register here or the day of for $35. 4 to 6 PM.
RUN: Potomac River Running will host the Perfect 10 race, where you can run either at 10-miler or 10K. The race starts and finishes at South Lakes High School (11400 South Lakes Dr., Reston) and will go through the town of South Reston. There will be food, music, and awards post-race. The races will benefit local high schools’ cross country and track and field programs. Register for the 10-miler ($45) or the 10K ($35) here. 8 AM.
GRAND OPENING: ZenGo fitness, a spinning boutique in Bethesda (4866 Cordell Ave.) will celebrate its grand opening on Friday, September 25 with two cycling classes. The boutique’s 45-minute workouts incorporate spinning, strengthening, and core development. The boutique will also offer Pilates classes. Each class costs $21. ZenGo’s first class starts at 9:30 AM. For more information, click here.
Editor’s note: An earlier version of Fit Fun said the grand opening of Zengo Fitness would be on Sunday, September 25. The opening date has been moved to Friday, September 25.
Have an event you want included in the FIt Fun roundup? E-mail mromero@washingtonian.com with the details.
