Running helps build and maintain strong bones, strengthens muscles, improves heart health and helps control stress. But with the popularity of charity 5Ks, fun runs and walks, we also know running can help raise awareness for a cause and support fundraising.
Here are some charity runs taking place throughout the rest of 2024 and early 2025 in Maryland and the DMV that benefit families, from children to grandparents. Register your family, strap on your laces and run with purpose.
Oct. 5
Blue Crab Fun Run
Jog (or drive) down to Regency Furniture Stadium in Waldorf, home of the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs baseball team, for a family-friendly 5K and party to support Hospice of the Chesapeake. All proceeds/benefits go toward supporting local patients in hospice care and their families.
Families with young children, ages 8 and younger, might enjoy the festive 1K. Strollers are allowed!
Oct. 20
We’ve Got Your Back 5K Fun Run and Walk
The National Spine Health Foundation invites everyone from elite runners to recovering and recovered patients, industry experts and community members to run together. This event in Reston, Virginia, raises awareness for spine health, celebrates positive outcomes and helps raise money to support people on their journey to spinal health.
Oct. 26
Port to Fort 6K
Get a stellar view, from Baltimore’s harbor to historic Fort McHenry, run in your Halloween costume and trick or treat—but most importantly, support critically ill children and their families. The Port to Fort 6K benefits the Believe in Tomorrow Children’s Foundation, a local nonprofit providing hospital and respite housing services to critically ill children and their families.
Nov. 2
Lambda Beta Alpha Justice 4 Her Walk/Run
This race, organized by Lambda Beta Alpha Military Sorority, Inc., brings awareness and advocates for gender equality among women who are serving or have served in the U.S. Military. The 2024 race will be held at historic Fort McHenry in Baltimore.
Nov. 3
Red Hot Run
Stay active, bond with community members and support a school all at the same time. Parents and kids alike can look forward to the family-friendly environment, exercise, activities, prizes and more from this race that benefits Roland Park County School, an independent all-girls school in Baltimore with a focus on leadership, empowerment and supporting one another.
Nov. 24
5K Celebration Run
This race is the capstone of a program that encourages joyful movement and the development of life skills. Community members, friends and family are invited to register and join the girls of Girls on the Run of MoCo in crossing the finish line of a race they’ve been training for all season long in Bethesda.Merchandise will be available for purchase to help support the program.
Dec. 7
Candy Cane Dash 5K & 1K
This annual race takes place in Frederick, where it supports Girls on the Run Mid Maryland (GOTR). GOTR is an after-school program for girls in third through eighth grades. The program blends physical activity with life skills development. This family-friendly race is open to all ages, and holiday attire is highly encouraged.
Dec. 14
Jingle Bell Run
‘Tis the season for jingle bells, beloved sweaters and holiday spirit. Fasten on your Santa hat and join other caring runners for this community event supporting research for arthritis treatments and a cure, as well as arthritis resources and local programs.
This race will take place in Baltimore, Washington D.C. and more cities across the United States.
Feb. 8
Cupid’s Chase 5K
Run, walk, jog or sponsor to help fund Community Options, a national nonprofit supporting housing and employment for people with disabilities.
This race will take place in Baltimore, Silver Spring and several other cities around the country.
April 27
Red Shoe Shuffle 5K Run & Walk
Wear red and run—or walk—for a cause at the 2025 Red Shoe Shuffle 5K. In 2024, the Red Shoe Shuffle helped raise more than $500,000 for the Ronald McDonald House, a charity that supports and provides resources for families with children receiving medical treatment away from home.
Registration for the 2025 race opens Jan. 1, 2025.
