If you’re an avid runner, then your in luck, as this August, there are numerous 5Ks, 10Ks and even a 20K coming to the Northern Virginia region. What’s more? Traveling through these various running trails will benefit nonprofits and organizations that are making a difference for members of the local community.
Here, we share them all.
2019 Connect Our Kids 5K & 10K
Aug. 11, 7 a.m.
Start your morning off the right way with this run hosted by Bishop’s Events, which will donate 25% of the proceeds to Connect Our Kids, a Falls Church-based organization dedicated to connecting foster children with safe and loving families. // Great Falls Park: 9200 Old Dominion Drive, McLean; $30-$45
2019 Fredericksburg Semper Fi 5K & 10K
Aug. 11, 7:30 a.m.
This Sunday, put on your running shoes in support of the Semper Fi Fund, a charity dedicated to providing resources and support for combat-wounded, critically ill and catastrophically injured members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families. Both race trails are alongside the Rappahannock River in Fredericksburg, making the route as scenic as it is rewarding. // Pratt Park: 120 River Road, Fredericksburg; $15-$45
Autism Speaks 5K – Fairfax
Aug. 17, 9 a.m.
As part of its mission to increase understanding and acceptance for the autism community, Autism Speaks will be hosting a 5K for the residents of Fairfax and beyond to participate in. Whether you want to run (or walk) on your own or join a team of supporters, every step taken will benefit families affected by autism. // Fairfax County Government Center: 1200 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax; $25-$45
Leesburg 20K|5K
Aug. 18, 7:30-10:30 a.m.
For the 31st year in a row, avid runners can come together for a community event benefiting youth programs organized by the YMCA Loudoun County and other local high school cross country teams. Want to bring the kids along? No problem, as there will be a free kids’ fun-run of about 100 yards for your little athletes to participate in. // Market Station: 203 Harrison St. SE, Leesburg; $40-$55
2019 Burke Lake 5K & 10K
Aug. 25, 7:45-10 a.m.
Take advantage of the final days of summer with this run supporting The Arc Northern Virginia, a local nonprofit dedicated to the promotion and protection of the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As you get a good workout in to start the day, your participation will benefit efforts to increase involvement for those with disabilities in the community. // Burke Lake Park: 7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station; $25-$45
2019 Summer Dash 5K, 10K & 1M
Aug. 31, 7:30-10 a.m.
To say goodbye to August, join national nonprofit running community, Wear Blue: Run to Remember, in support of the courage and service of the American military. The organization creates a network for military members and their families by connecting them to their local communities through a simple act: running. // Pratt Park: 120 River Road, Fredericksburg; $15-$45
Good Shepherd Catholic Church International Festival 5K & Fun Run
Aug. 31, 8 a.m.
This annual event in Alexandria will raise funds for nine community-based organizations that reflect the mission of the parish: to serve people in need, do justice where inequity exists, stand for human dignity and promote peace. While this year’s recipients have yet to be announced, organizations that have benefited in the past include Falls Church-based nonprofit Culmore Clinic and The Nest Collective, a group providing furniture to those in need in NoVA. // Good Shepherd Catholic Church: 8710 Mount Vernon Highway, Alexandria; $20-$30
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