Now that the summer heat has subsided, it only makes sense that the region host outdoor workout opportunities. One of the easiest ways to do that, and potentially raise money while doing so, is by organizing a good old-fashioned run-around.
Here are eight races taking place this month, each offering their own unique take on fall fitness.
2017 Georgetown Half Marathon
Oct. 29, 9 a.m.
Flat, scenic routes that run along the Potomac River are what you’ll find at this year’s Georgetown Half Marathon. The event costs $85 for members of the race’s sponsoring organizations, and it costs nonmembers $95. // Fletcher’s Cove: 4940 Canal Road NW, Washington, D.C.
Blood and Guts Run and Wildest 5K Zombie Obstacle Race
Oct. 14, 9:30 a.m.
For $35 participants can run, hang out with zombies, participate in a costume competition and overcome 10 obstacles in the Blood and Guts Run and Wildest 5K Zombie Obstacle Race. The event’s official charity is the Virginia & Maryland Susan G. Komen branch.//Bull Run Regional Park: 7700 Bull Run Drive, Centerville
Blacklight Run
Oct. 21, 7 p.m.
Glow packs, race bibs, and glow-in-the-dark tattoos will be given to each runner at one of the largest nighttime 5K runs in the county. A standard ticket costs $20, and a VIP ticket, which gets runners a a VIP shirt, LED shades and access to the VIP Start Chute, costs $45. // RFK Stadium: 2400 E. Capitol St. SE, Washington, D.C.
Potomac River Run Marathon and Half-Marathon
Oct. 28, 8 a.m.
The day before ACE Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine Institute’s marathon and half-marathon (participants can choose which they want to participate in), a dinner will be held at Arlington’s Cosi Restaurant on Oct. 27 at 6:30 p.m. Dinner tickets cost $15 before Oct. 8 and $20 afterward. Guests must register for the dinner by Oct. 26 . // Carderock Recreation Area: 1 mile west of Capital Beltway off Clara Barton Parkway, Carderock, Maryland
2017 Reston Pumpkin 5k & Kids’ Pumpkin Dash
Oct. 8, 8:15 a.m.
Reston’s Halloween 5K is an event fit for the whole family. Kids will get to show off their Halloween costumes, and parents will be able to turn their workout into quality family time. Prices range from $10 for kids and $35 for adults.// Reston Town Center: 11921 Freedom Drive, Reston
Harrity Race Against Heart Disease
Oct. 14, 7 a.m.
Harrity & Harrity LLP, an intellectual property law firm, is hosting a 1-mile race benefiting the American Heart Association. First-, second- and third-place prizes ($500, $400 and $300 gift cards, respectively) will be presented. // Harrity & Harrity: 11350 Random Hills Road, Suite 600, Fairfax
Washington D.C. Race to Stop Traffick
Oct. 7, 8 a.m.
A 1-mile fun run and a timed 5K and benefits Operation Underground Railroad, a nonprofit helping rescue and rehabilitate human trafficking victims, will be held at Lake Accotink Park on Oct. 7 at 8 a.m. After the race, there will be face-painting opportunities, carnival games, a raffle and balloon art. // Lake Accotink Park: 5660 Heming Ave, Springfield
DNT Fitness Group’s Annual 5K Run/Walk
Oct. 14, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
This 5K will benefit the Cancer Support Foundation Inc. in honor of DNT Fitness member Charles T. Coates, who passed away in 2016. All ages are welcome. // Jones Point Park: 125 Jones Point Drive, Alexandria