Find Local 5K Races & Runs Near You
If you’re searching for a 5K nearby in Northern Virginia, you’re in the right place. PR Races brings you a year-round lineup of Northern Virginia 5K runs and community races. We host over 25 family-friendly races annually across Northern Virginia and provide support and services for over 70 local races across our community. From Fairfax to Reston, Ashburn to Leesburg, Arlington to Springfield, and everywhere in between, our race calendar offers something for everyone. While 5K races might be our most frequent event, we also organize and time a wide range of distances, including 1Ks, 1 Milers, 4 Milers, 10Ks, 10 Milers, Half Marathons, and even the occasional Marathon. Whether you’re a first-time runner or a seasoned athlete chasing a new PR, you’ll find a race that fits your goals and pace.
Our approachable race organizers are part of the local running community, and we pride ourselves on hosting fun, well-organized events. Below you’ll find scannable answers to common questions about finding and joining local 5K races and other distances near you in Northern Virginia.
What Upcoming 5K Races Are Near Me in Virginia?
Wondering about 5K runs happening near you? Here are some upcoming 5K events near you in Northern Virginia, complete with dates and locations (cities like Fairfax, McLean, Reston, Ashburn, Leesburg and more).
Mark your calendar for these races:
New Year’s Day 5K
Reston, VA – January 1
Kick off your year on the right foot, literally. This fast, flat 5K in Reston is the perfect way to start your fitness resolutions with a fresh dose of cold air and community vibes.
Lucky Leprechaun 5K
Reston, VA – March
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a festive 5K packed with green gear, good luck, and great times. Prizes for costumes and plenty of post-run fun make this one a community favorite.
Firecracker 5K for the Troops
Reston, VA – July 4
Celebrate Independence Day with a patriotic run through Reston Town Center. This all-American 5K supports our troops and gets your Fourth of July started with a bang.
Donut Dash 5K
Fairfax Corner, VA – Late Summer
Earn your sprinkles. This sweet, late-summer race offers scenic roads and donut-themed cheer. Perfect for families, casual runners, and anyone who believes in “run now, donut later.”
Turkey Day 5K
Reston, VA – Thanksgiving Morning
Join hundreds of local runners for the best pre-feast tradition in Northern Virginia. This flat, fast course fills up fast, so don’t miss your chance to gobble up a 5K before the gravy hits the table.
Run With Santa 5K
Reston, VA – Early December
Jingle all the way to the finish line with one of our most beloved holiday events. Whether you’re racing for a PR or just looking to spread cheer, this festive 5K is full of family-friendly fun and photo ops.
And that’s just a sample! Our schedule features 5K events throughout the year, including early-spring races, fall favorites, and festive holiday-themed runs across various Virginia communities. We add new races regularly, so be sure to check our full race calendar for the complete list of upcoming events. No matter where you are in northern VA, there’s likely a 5K near you coming up soon.
Where Can I Register for a 5K Race Near Me?
Registering for local 5Ks with PR Races is easy and convenient. Each event listing on our site includes a “Register Now” link or More Info button. Simply click it to sign up online for the 5K of your choice. You can securely complete your registration in just a few minutes. We’ll provide details on entry fees, race start times, and what’s included with your registration (like t-shirts or medals) on the event page.
All of our races offer online registration, making it quick and easy to sign up for the event that fits your schedule. Just head to the race page, click “Register Now” or “More Info”, and follow the prompts to secure your spot. Each listing provides details on what’s included with your registration, like shirts, medals, and timing.
After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation with all the info you need. We also share packet pickup details (where and when to get your bib and shirt before race day) on the site, so you’re fully prepared come race morning.
Community-Focused and Family-Friendly Races
Our 5K events are community gatherings as much as they are races. PR Races is a local, family-owned race organizer, and we strive to make each event welcoming and fun for everyone. Many races support community causes or holidays. For instance, the Veterans Day 5K in Fairfax honors our troops each November, the Turkey Day 5K in Reston brings families together on Thanksgiving morning, and the Run With Santa 5K adds holiday cheer to the winter season. We also partner with many charity and school races, providing timing and logistical support for their 5Ks as part of our community races initiative. (In our race calendar, events organized by us are marked with colored icons, while community races by outside organizations are noted with grey icons, but all are open to you!)
Are these races family-friendly?
Absolutely! We welcome runners of all ages and paces. Many events include a shorter fun run (like a 1K) for kids or beginners. For example, the Monster Mash Dash 5K & 1 Mile offers both a 5K and a 1 mile so little ones can participate too. While our venues are great for spectators and family cheer squads, please note that strollers and pets are not allowed on any of our race courses for safety and logistical reasons, even if you may occasionally see them. We ask all participants to respect this policy so we can keep each event safe and streamlined for every runner.
Even if your family members aren’t running, they can cheer you on from the sidelines. Our races often have a festive atmosphere with music, volunteers, and spectators encouraging every finisher.
We also ensure that every runner feels rewarded. Participants often enjoy awesome perks: think commemorative race shirts, unique finisher medals, post-race snacks, and even free race photos for many of our events. Our goal is to make you feel like a superstar from start to finish.
Whether you’re racing to win or just jogging for fun, you’ll find an enthusiastic, supportive crowd at all of our local 5K runs.
Interested in more than just racing? Browse our footwear collection or swing by one of our locations for gear and advice. We love helping new runners get started!
How to Train for Your Next 5K (and Beyond)
Need a little help getting ready to run in Virginia? We’ve got you covered there too. PR Races is part of a larger running community that includes training resources for all levels. If you’re gearing up for your first 5K or aiming to set a new personal record, consider joining our coached training programs. These programs provide the coaching, group runs, and motivation you need to reach your goals. You’ll train with fellow local runners and get expert guidance on everything from building endurance to proper running form.
Even outside of formal programs, we’re happy to share tips. Here are a few quick training pointers for your next 5K (right here in VA):
Start Early
Give yourself at least 6-8 weeks to train for a 5K if you’re a beginner. Gradually increase your running distance each week.
Join Group Runs
Many local running groups (including our own store events) host weekly runs. Running with others in Fairfax, Reston, or wherever you live can keep you motivated.
Mix in Trails
Northern Virginia has beautiful parks and trails. Incorporating trail runs or different terrains can make training fun and prepare you for any course.
Rest and Recover
Don’t forget rest days! Proper recovery (stretching, hydration, sleep) will help prevent injury as you prep for race day.
By race day, you’ll be ready to go. And remember – the energy at our events is infectious. Even if you’re new to running, you’ll find encouragement from volunteers and fellow runners every step of the way.
Race Day and After: Results & Photos
You signed up, you trained, you ran. Now what? After you cross the finish line, be sure to grab some water and a snack (we have tasty treats at the finish of all PR Races!). Then, you can immediately check out your race results. All our 5K events are professionally timed, and results are usually available after you finish. We post official times on our results & photos page for each race, so you can see where you placed and your exact finish time.
We also know how awesome it is to relive the race moments. That’s why we offer free race photos for all PR Races and some community events, posted online in the days after the run. You can search for your photos by bib number and download them at no charge. Did you celebrate as you crossed the finish or run in a fun costume? There’s a good chance our photographers caught it! Keep an eye on the Results & Photos section; we’ll update it with links to each PR Race’s photo gallery and finisher results as soon as they’re ready.
Collect your finisher medal, share your achievement on social media (don’t forget to tag us!), and start planning your next race. With so many Virginia 5K events on our calendar, you won’t have to wait long for another chance to run.
Head back to the race calendar when you’re ready to set a new PR!
See You Soon!
No matter which part of Virginia you call home, there’s likely a 5K near you on our calendar ready for you. We’re passionate about helping runners in our community stay active, have fun, and achieve their goals.
So lace up your shoes and join us at an upcoming race! We’ll see you at the starting line… and cheer you through to the finish.
Visit our training programs for upcoming class dates, and swing by one of our locations if you have any questions about getting started.