I rekindled my relationship with running about six years ago while living in Arlington, adjacent to the Custis Trail. It was an amazing thing to roll out of bed and have my feet on the trail in a matter of minutes. I loved to train on the Custis Trail and do longer weekend runs on the Mount Vernon Trail.

With miles of multi-used paved trails in Arlington—the Custis, Mount Vernon, Washington & Old Dominion (W&OD), and Four Mile Run—running is made easier. Each trail is perfect for exploring and training for a race, so you’ll never get bored! Use the Arlington Loop map to explore a new path if you’re trying to find a new route.

Arlington has dozens of local 5k runs (that’s 3.1 miles) that motivate locals to run and bring people to town from all over the country. The 5k distance is loved by serious, casual, and new runners alike, and many of these Arlington races are friendly to both walkers and runners.

Choose Your Race

There are so many different types of races throughout the year geared towards every age, interest, and ability. We’re highlighting a few of our local favorites to make it easy for you to bookmark the races on your calendar. 

I want to be social.

• DC Road Runners Predictions & Resolutions 5K – New Year’s Day at Washington-Liberty High School
• Pacers Running Social Runs – Various Locations in Arlington (not a race, but social!)
• Roosevelt Island parkrun – Every Saturday on Theodore Roosevelt Island

I want to support my community.

• Arlington Police, Fire, Sheriff, and ECC 9/11 Memorial 5K – September in Crystal City
• Jennifer Bush-Lawson 5K and Family Fun Day – November at the Knights of Columbus
• Reach for Uganda Global Strides 5K – April in Bluemont Park

It needs to be kid-friendly.

• Cherry Blossom 5K – April at Congressional Cemetery in D.C.
• Friends of the National Arboretum Flowering 5K – March in D.C.
• Kenmore Cougar 5K Run/2-Mile Walk – May in Bluemont Park

I want to compete…and win.

• NOVA Running Club 5K – August in Bluemont Park
• PNC Parkway Classic (a 10-mile race with a 5K option) – April at George Washington Memorial Parkway
• Rock ‘n Roll Washington (a half-marathon with a 5K option) – March in D.C.

I’m only running for the costumes.

• Arlington Bunny Hop 5K – April in Clarendon
• Arlington Turkey Trot – Thanksgiving Day in Lyon Park
• BEST Kids Superhero 5K and Fun Run – May in Bluemont Park

Need Route Ideas?

Now that you know what race you’re going to run, it’s time to find a new running or walking route on some of the trails we’ve mentioned. Use our Comfort Map to locate the Arlington Loop and off-street trails perfect to kick start your training.

Editor’s Note: The blog has been updated in March 2024 to include new and additional 5k races.