Kaylin White 
Fall is race season in Northern Virginia. Races wind through lake parks, historic downtowns, and neighborhood streets from September to Thanksgiving. Whether you’re aiming for a personal record or seeking a reason to be outside on a cool morning, there’s a race for you. Read on for our list of 5K and 10K races taking place in Northern Virginia this fall.
9/11 Memorial 5K (24th Annual) | DoubleTree Hotel, Crystal City, Arlington
Saturday, September 5th, 6:00PM
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Arlington Police, Fire, Sheriff, and Emergency Communications Center personnel will take to the course this evening for a 5K that honors the events of September 11 and brings together the region’s public safety community in remembrance, service, and solidarity.
Labor Day 5K + 10K | Burke Lake Park, Fairfax
Date: September 7th
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This is a scenic route around Burke Lake Park. The race is a fundraiser for the Lilly and Blair Foundation, which is dedicated to improving the lives of children with de novo spastic paraplegia through collaboration with top scientists and funding of promising research.
George Washington Patriot Run 5K + 10-Miler | George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon
Sunday, September 13th, 7:30AM 5K
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The annual race includes a 5K alongside the 10-mile event, with a course incorporating the George Washington Memorial Parkway.
Quantico 9/11 Heroes Run 5K | Quantico/Stafford
Saturday, September 19th
Runners, walkers, and ruck participants can take part in this 5K honoring those who served on and after September 11th.
Strut Your Mutt 5K | Pender Veterinary Center, 12000 Government Center Pkwy, Fairfax
Saturday, September 19th, 9AM
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Pender Veterinary Center welcomes runners and their dogs for this pet-friendly event, featuring both a timed race and a fun run. Vendors, adoptable pets, and refreshment stations at miles 1 and 2 keep the energy high throughout the morning, while every registration helps support Pender’s Angel Fund.
Fall Burke Lake 5K & 10K | Burke Lake Park, Fairfax Station
September 20th
Runners and walkers can take in the natural beauty of Burke Lake Park during this scenic trail race, which winds through the park’s wooded paths and offers both 5K and 10K distances.
Food for Others Tysons 5K & Fun Run | PenFed Plaza at Tysons Corner Center – 1961 Chain Bridge Road, Tysons
Saturday September 26th
This is a fun 5K to benefit local organization Food for Others.
RUN! GEEK! RUN! 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run | Alexandria
September 27th, 8:30AM
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Alexandria runners can chase a fast finish while supporting a good cause at this annual charity 5K. Each year, the race benefits a different local nonprofit, with the 2026 event raising funds for the Scholarship Fund of Alexandria. The flat, out-and-back course follows Main Line Boulevard and Potomac Avenue, beginning near George Washington Middle School.
Friends of Reston Fall 5K & Pumpkin Dash (6th Annual) | Brown’s Chapel Park, 1686 Brown’s Chapel Road, Reston
Sunday, October 4th – Pumpkin Dash 8AM, 5K Race 8:15AM
This community fundraiser helps support the Friends of Reston Youth Scholarship and Enrichment Fund, an organization that expands opportunities for local youth through programs connected to the Reston Association. Before the main 5K begins, young runners ages 10 and under can take off in the free Pumpkin Dash, adding a festive and family-friendly start to the morning.
McLean 5K | McLean Community Center, McLean
October 10th, 8AM
The McLean Community Foundation and McLean Community Center bring the community together for this certified race, which supports local grants funding playgrounds, fire trucks, and neighborhood programs. Runners can also give back beyond the finish line through the “Stuff the Truck” food drive benefiting Share of McLean.
Grand African Run | Alexandria
Saturday October 10th
This is a race in support of athletics in Africa.
For the Health of It 5K | Burke Lake Park, Fairfax Station
Sunday, October 11th, 9AM
This scenic trail 5K benefits the Center for Health and Human Rights.
Fall Classic 10K | One Loudoun, Ashburn
Sunday, October 18th, 8AM
This =PR= race features a flat, fast 10K course through the neighborhoods surrounding One Loudoun.
Marine Corps Marathon 10K | Arlington
October 25th
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Part of Marine Corps Marathon Weekend, the MCM10K brings runners to the iconic Marine Corps War Memorial, where they share the finish line with marathon participants. Marines line the course to cheer on athletes, and the race keeps its focus on community and camaraderie with no prize money awarded, staying true to its “People’s Marathon” spirit.
The Brain Foundation 5K/10K | Burke Lake Park, Fairfax Station
October 31st
Part of the same race series as the Fall Burke Lake 5K/10K, this Halloween weekend event brings runners back to Burke Lake Park’s scenic lakeside trail. Participants can enjoy the familiar wooded course while adding a festive twist to their fall race season.
Fall City Views 5K + 10K | Jones Point Park, Alexandria
Sunday, November 1st
The course begins at Jones Point and follows the Mount Vernon Trail, with both 5K and 10K distances and views of the Potomac River.
Veterans Day 5K + 1K | Fairfax
Sunday, November 1st, 8AM
This =PR= event includes a regular 5K, military division, and 1K fun run.
Veteran’s Day Defenders Dash 5K & 10K | Burke Lake Park, Fairfax Station
November 7th
This Veterans Day race brings runners together for a meaningful trail experience through Burke Lake Park. Held the weekend before the holiday, the event honors those who have served while guiding participants along the park’s scenic wooded paths.
Jack T. Farrar Fill the Shoes 5K | Alexandria
Saturday, November 7th
This is a community fundraiser to support those dealing with pancreatic cancer.
Spend Yourself 5K Run + 3K Walk | Falls Church
Sunday, November 8th, 8AM
The 15th annual fundraiser supports hunger-relief ministries serving families in Falls Church and Muchila, Zambia.
Salute to Veterans 5K + 10K + Half Marathon | Lake Accotink Park, Springfield
Sunday, November 15th, 8:30AM
This Veterans Day-themed event includes 5K and 10K courses at Lake Accotink, plus separate veteran and active-duty registration categories
Tysons Rotary 5K Turkey Trot + 1 Miler | Tysons Central Park, Tysons
Sunday November 15th
The Tysons Rotary Club brings the community together for this race, using proceeds to support charitable initiatives throughout Northern Virginia. Participants can enjoy a morning of running while helping fund local programs and outreach efforts.
Eagle 5000 Turkey Trot | Thomas Edison High School, Alexandria
Saturday, November 21st
This track race at Thomas Edison High School supports the school’s Cross Country and Track and Field teams, with participants helping fund the programs while taking part in a fast-paced community event.
Burn Boot Camp Gobble & Give 5K | Workhouse Arts Center, Lorton
Sunday, November 22nd
This stroller-friendly race supports the Prince William County Community Foundation while bringing families and community members together for a fun morning event. Organizers also encourage participants to give back by bringing a food donation to help support local needs.
Fall Backyard Burn #2 – Riverbend | Riverbend Park, Great Falls
Sunday, November 22nd
This is a laid-back trail run along the Potomac River through Riverbend Park.
Herndon Turkey Trot 5K | Herndon Community Center, Herndon
Saturday, November 21st
This family-friendly race takes runners through scenic Herndon while adding a fun Thanksgiving-inspired twist. Overall winners earn a turkey prize, and every adult participant receives a token for a beer at Aslin Brewing Company to celebrate after crossing the finish line.
Vienna Turkey Trot (5K/10K) | Vienna Volunteer Fire Department, Vienna
November 22nd
This community race supports both the James Madison High School Marching Band and the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department while offering runners a choice between 5K and 10K distances. Strollers are welcome on the course, making it a family-friendly event, though dogs must stay home.
Virginia Run Turkey Trot | Virginia Run Community Center, Centreville
This long-running community tradition brings runners and walkers together for a 5K run and 3K walk while supporting the American Boy Project. Proceeds help the organization provide resources and support for people and families impacted by addiction.
Ashburn Farm Thanksgiving Day Races | Ashburn
Thursday, November 26th
Plus Virtual option
Arlington Turkey Trot | Lyon Park Community Center, Arlington
Thursday, November 26th
Celebrating its 21st year, this Christ Church of Arlington-hosted 5K brings the community together to support Arlington’s nonprofit organizations. The event has raised more than $1 million over the years, making it a lasting tradition of generosity and community impact.
Braemar 5K Turkey Trot | Bristow
Thursday, November 26th
Participants ages 5 and up can join this community race while supporting Morgan’s Message, a nonprofit dedicated to improving mental health awareness and resources for student athletes. The event welcomes runners of all ages for a meaningful cause.
CAN the Bird 5K | Kingstowne
Thursday, November 26th
This community race combines fitness and giving back by serving as a food drive for local food banks. The course loops around the scenic Kingstowne neighborhood lake, and runners can join the fun with their four-legged friends through the “Doggie Duo” category, celebrating those who cross the finish line with their dogs.
City of Fairfax Turkey Trot (5K) | Fairfax
Date TBA
This community race takes runners through the historic streets of Old Town Fairfax and the George Mason University campus while supporting the City of Fairfax Fire Department Benevolent Fund. Participants can enjoy a scenic course while giving back to the local firefighters and community they serve.
Fairfax Turkey Trot (4-miler) | Fairfax
Date TBA
This race supports Britepaths, a Fairfax County nonprofit that helps low-income working families through emergency assistance, financial literacy programs, and mentoring services. Every step helps provide local families with resources and support to build a stronger future.
Landsdowne Turkey Trot | Potomac Club at Landsdowne
Thursday, November 26th
This fundraiser supports the Loudoun County Bar Foundation’s Beat the Odds Program, which helps Loudoun youth pursue higher education and career training opportunities after high school. Participants can make an impact while supporting programs that help students achieve their goals.
Hero’s Bridge Prince William Turkey Trot | Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center, Manassas
Date TBA
This race supports Hero’s Bridge, a nonprofit dedicated to serving elderly veterans from World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. After crossing the finish line, participants can celebrate at the post-race party featuring a DJ, Thanksgiving-themed photo booth, and community gathering.
Thanksgiving Day 5K Turkey Trot + Trail Run | Lake Fairfax Park, Reston
Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26th, 9AM
The Reston Runners host this casual, no-registration-required race, inviting participants to gather for a community run near Lake Fairfax Park. The event starts across the main road from the park’s main parking lot, making it an easy and accessible way to enjoy a morning run.
Turkey Day 5K & 1 Mile | South Lakes High School, Reston
Thursday, November 26th
This family-friendly event welcomes runners of all ages with both 5K and 1-mile race options. Participants who cannot join in person can still take part through a virtual run option, making the event accessible from anywhere.
Langley and McLean Crew Turkey Trot | Langley High School, McLean
Date TBA
Registration helps support crew programs for McLean and Great Falls high school students, giving young athletes more opportunities to compete and grow. After the race, participants can celebrate with an after-party featuring a DJ, food trucks, and coffee on-site.
Army Navy 5k + 10k | Ben Brenman Park, 4800 Brenman Park Drive, Alexandria
Saturday, December 12th
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