Ready, Set, Race: Local Runs Coming Up

The arrival of warm weather means that there is no longer a good excuse to avoid lacing up the running shoes. For those who want to test themselves against some fellow pavement pounders, there are plenty of local races in the next few weeks.

Many of these 5K and “fun run” events raise money for a good cause, with a number of PTAs for local schools getting in on the action. Here’s a list of races in the area during the next several weeks. 

April 23

Annapolis Youth 5K Fit and Family Fun Run

The 5K starts and stops at the south end zone of the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis and goes through the neighboring community of Admiral Heights. It is a hilly and challenging course. Proceeds go to the Admiral Heights community.

Entry fee: $10 (14 and younger), $20 (ages 15 to 19) and $25 (age 20 and older) before April 21. On race day, all registrations are $30, except for $5 youth registrations.

April 30

Belvedere Elementary Fitness for the Future Fun Run

Help Belvedere Elementary in Arnold by participating in its annual 5K and 1-mile fun run. Last year, the school raised more than $4,000, which went toward a new “rock wall” for the gymnasium. This year, the school hopes to raise even more money and proceeds will purchase new technology in the classrooms. Be sure to check out the pasta dinner to load up on carbs the night before the race. 

Entry fee: Before April 15, $15 for age 12 and older, $10 for age 11 and younger. $20 to participate in both races. Race day registration is $25 for age 12 and older, and $15 for age 11 and younger.

Cape St. Claire Elementary School Fun Run  

Enjoy a run through Cape St. Claire  and help the local elementary school PTA. There will be prizes for all participants, and awards given out to top finishers in various categories.

Entry fee: $15 for adults and $10 for ages 5 to 14 by April 15; $20 or $12 on race day 

Jones Elementary Run for Technology and Feisty Fox Fun Run

Support the Severna Park school in its efforts to get top-notch equipment, including SMART Boards and Slates and Lightspeeds. Two dollars from each entry fee for the 5K and 1-mile run will go to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation in Annapolis. The run will start at the school and go along the B&A Trail.

Entry fee: $35 for the 5K, $20 for the fun run

May 1

Folger McKinsey 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run

Kinder Farm Park will host this race to benefit the PTA at Folger McKinsey Elementary School. All registrants get a free tote bag.

Entry fee: $20 per person/$50 per family by April 26; prices go up an additional $5 per person and $10 per family on day of the race

May 7

NAACCC 5K Run

Celebrate the North Anne Arundel Chamber of Commerce Chamber (NAACCC) Community Day. There will be free health screenings, crafts and giveaways. The 5K is a flat course along the B&A Trail, starting at the Bruster’s Ice Cream shop in Glen Burnie. 

Entry fee: $15 for 5K runners, $8 for fun run

Piney Orchard 5K

Help Piney Orchard Elementary School with this fundraiser run through the Piney Orchard Nature Preserve. The race begins at the school, follows Strawberry Lake Way to Piney Orchard Parkway, then goes through the nature preserve and back to the school. Awards will be handed out to the winners in various categories, and T-shirts will be given to those who register in advance.

Entry fee: $20, or $25 on race day

May 15

Terrapin and the Hare 5K Adventure Race

Head to Terrapin Adventures in Savage for this race to benefit Playworks DC, a charity that supports physical activities in low-income schools. There is also a 1-mile walk.

Entry fee: $25, plus a $25 recommended donation; $15 for the walk, with a $25 recommended donation.