If the idea of a Halloween run is more appealing than a bar crawl, we’ve got you covered. Washington is filled with plenty of fun and spooky themed races, from costume runs to obstacles courses through old prisons.
Spook Hill Cider & Wine 4-Mile Run
Saturday, October 19, 8:30 AM
Burkittsville, Maryland
Run four miles on the roads of Burkittsville and through the Distillery Lane Ciderworks orchard and Boordy Vineyards. The first 150 to sign up will receive a wine glass, and the racer who finishes in the middle of the pack wins a prize. $27 to register until October 17; $30 on race day.
Zombie Run
Saturday, October 26, 10 AM
National Harbor
The first annual Zombie Run comes to the National Harbor. The untimed 5K obstacle course gives runners the goal of making it to the finish line with at least one flag left on their belt. Sign up as a runner ($54) or a zombie ($35).
Run from the Killer Zombies 8K/5K/1K
Saturday, October 26, 2 PM
Lorton
The race begins at a local high school and winds through a forest and old prison complex filled with zombies. Those with the best outfits receive a cash prize. $20 to $50 to register.
Ghost, Goblins & Ghouls Spooktacular 5K
Saturday, October 26, 4 PM
Leesburg
Run in costume for 3.1 miles and then get spooked at the Paxton Campus Shocktober-Fest. Portions of race proceeds will be donated to the Road Runners Club of America’s Kids Run the Nation program. $17 to $30 to register.
Trick or Treat 5K Run/Walk
Saturday, October 26, 5 PM
Arlington
Grab the family and don your best costume for this 5K at Riverside Gateway Park (1101 Lee Hwy., Arlington). Music, food, and prizes for costumes will be waiting at the finish line. The registration fee of $35 gets you a T-shirt and a finishing medal.
Run Like the Wind 5K
Saturday, October 26, 6 PM
Warrenton
Drop your kids off at free child care or enter them in the kids’ dash before you take off on the 5K Halloween run. Flashlights and headlamps are encouraged, as are costumes. Head to Molly’s Irish Pub afterward for a Halloween party. $10 to $70 to register.
Goblin Gallop
Sunday, October 27, 8:30 AM
Fairfax
Run for a good cause (proceeds go to the John Quadrino Foundation to Benefit Children With Cancer) at the 20th annual Goblin Gallop in Fairfax. Adults can sign up for the 5K; kids can enter the 1K fun run. Registration fees range from $15 to $35.
Fleet Feet Zombie Fun Run/Walk
Wednesday, October 30, 6:30 PM
Gaithersburg
The running store hosts a free zombie race with Markoff’s Haunted Forest. Wear a costume (with some reflective gear). Runners and walkers have a chance to win some prizes.
