Lace Up Your Sneakers for Fall Fun Runs in Maryland

Got your running shoes on? Courses have been set and registrations are open for Fall Fun Runs happening in Maryland. Whatever the distance – 1k, 5k or more – fun runs are great community events and fun for the whole family. Stay tuned to the Chesapeake Inspired page as more runs will be posted, including Halloween running events, Thanksgiving Turkey Trots, and Santa Runs!

Little Sisters of the Poor NUN RUN 5K and 1 Mile Run/Walk
September 14, 2024. Baltimore

Our 11th Annual 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run to benefit St. Martin’s Home and the Little Sisters of the Poor Baltimore.
https://spnmd.org/events/little-sisters-of-the-poor-nun-run/

Rep Your Run Crew
September 15, 2024. Baltimore

Runners Run is hosting festival style, running event highlighting the impact of the urban running community on the health and well-being of the residents of Baltimore City and beyond. It is designed to connect runners of all ages, demographics, and running levels by providing a unique running experience.
https://www.letsdothis.com/us/e/rep-your-run-crew-227610

Annapolis Run for the Light House Half Marathon & 5K
september 15, 2024. Annapolis

The 15th annual Annapolis Run for The Light House provides scenic half-marathon and 5K routes along the trails of Quiet Waters Park and through the beautiful Chesapeake Bay-front community of Hillsmere Shores. All proceeds from the Run for The Light House will benefit The Light House in Annapolis, a well-known public charity working to end the cycle of homelessness and poverty.
https://www.annapolisrunforthelighthouse.org/Race/Info/MD/Annapolis/AnnapolisRunforTheLightHouseMD

Johns Hopkins Children’s Center “Miracles in Motion” 5K
September 21, 2024. Baltimore

Join us for the inaugural Miracles in Motion 5K, 1 mile walk or run, and Kids Dash to benefit the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center. Your registration fee includes admission to the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore and a free t-shirt. 
https://events.jhu.edu/event/baltimore-md-johns-hopkins-childrens-center-miracles-motion-5k

Strides for Strength 5K and Fun Run
September 22, 2024. Owings Mills

The 1st Annual Strides for Strength 5K and Fun Run will be held at McDonogh School with all proceeds benefiting Giving Strength Inc and our mission to fund research grants and build awareness for the rare congenital muscular dystrophy, SELENON Related Myopathy.
https://www.givingstrengthinc.org/stridesforstrength

The Kellie Thompson Shiley 5K and Family Fun Run
September 22, 2024. Stevensville

Our mission is to honor Kellie Thompson Shiley’s competitive spirit and love of physical fitness, family, and friends by holding an annual 5k and Family Fun Run on Maryland’s beautiful Eastern Shore.
https://www.kts5k.com/

Art League of Ocean City’s Color Run
September 22, 2024. Ocean City

Get ready to add a splash of color to your run! Join us for an exhilarating color run fundraiser, where every step bursts with vibrant hues, all in support of the Art League. There will be a Kids Fun Run, 5K Color Run, and 2 Mile Color Walk.
https://runsignup.com/Race/MD/OceanCity/ArtLeagueofOceanCitysColorRun

2024 Key City Foundation Octoberfest 5K Fun Run
October 5, 2024. Frederick

Come run (or walk) with us, enjoy the Family Fun Zone, and check out a local brewery. It is October, so bonus points for those runners brave enough to wear a costume! Proceeds will help fund ongoing Key City Foundation youth sports initiatives, like free sports skills clinics and our youth lacrosse program. A portion of the proceeds from the event will be donated to our nonprofit partner Girls on the Run Mid and Western Maryland. 
https://www.keycityfoundation.org/octoberfest-5k-fun-run

Hyattsville Zombie Run
October 5, 2024. Hyattsville

The annual Hyattsville Zombie Run will be held in Driskell Park on October 5th! This fun, family-friendly event includes three races: a 1K Family Fun Run, a 1 Mile Kids Run, and a USATF certified 5K, all of which raise funds for our neighborhood schools. Your donation will help purchase art supplies, instruments, teacher appreciation efforts, school beautification, classroom supplies, and more.
https://runsignup.com/Race/MD/Hyattsville/HyattsvilleZombieRun

Blue Crab Fun Run 5k & 1k
October 5, 2024. Waldorf

Welcome to Hospice of the Chesapeake’s Inaugural Blue Crab Fun Run! All proceeds will benefit patients and families in Charles County. Every day, close to 85 hospice patients and their families turn to our care teams in Charles County, more than ever before. Hospice of the Chesapeake is committed to providing the highest quality care for all regardless of their inability to pay. Your support ensures we can continue our commitment to provide supportive, hospice, and bereavement care for all those who are experiencing serious illness and loss in Charles County. Starting at 9am at Regency Stadium, home to the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, Waldorf.
https://www.hospicechesapeake.org/blue-crab-run/

14th Annual Red Shoe 5k Run & Walk
October 6, 2024. Forest Heights

Join us at the Red Shoe 5k for in-person or virtual registration! Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Greater Washington, DC (RMHCDC) eases the hardship of children’s illness on families through programs that directly improve the health and wellbeing of children. The Red Shoe 5k is our one and only annual event held to raise critical funding for our programs and the families that we serve.
https://rmhcdc.org/red-shoe-5k/

AA County Sheriff 5k Fall Festival
October 6, 2024. Crownsville

Run with your dog and support the Chesapeake K9 Fund and help raise funds to assist First Response K9 Partners across the state. And after the race, stay for the FREE family festival with games, food trucks, face painting, and vendors. Sign up for either the 5k or 1k fun run. Race course and Fall Festival are taking place at the Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds in Crownsville.
https://runsignup.com/Race/MD/Crownsville/RunfortheDogsinBlue5KRun1KWalk

Retriever 5K Dawg Chase and Fun Run
October 26, 2024. Baltimore

Join us for the return of the Homecoming 5k with the addition of a fun run. Whether you’re in it for some friendly competition or would rather stick with a group, this event’s emphasis is on camaraderie, bringing together all paces and styles. The 5k or 1 mile route starts and ends at the Albin O. Kuhn Library. The 1 mile route will be leisurely and casually paced (pets and families encouraged).
https://homecoming.umbc.edu/events/event/107787

Hot Cider Hustle – Washington D.C. 5K & 10K
November 2, 2024. National Harbor

Run to raise funds to support Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Greater Washington, DC. The Hot Cider Hustle has both chip-timed and fun run categories, you choose! Run along the Potomac River among nature’s fall beauty and waiting for you at the finish line…Hot Apple Cider, Caramel Apples, and a Finisher Mug!
https://hotciderhustle.com/dc

28th Annual Jug Bay Run for Wildlife 10K/5K & 3K Fun Walk
November 2, 2024. Patuxent River Park, Upper Marlboro

Together, The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission’s Patuxent River Park and The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary comprise over 3,500 acres along the banks of the Patuxent River. The river and its shores are home to an incredible variety of wildlife. By participating in this annual benefit race you will be directly contributing to conservation projects and research aimed at preserving the Patuxent River’s natural wildlife. Proceeds from the run and walk directly support projects, research, conservation, and education in the Patuxent River watershed.
https://www.pgparks.com/event_list/28th-annual-jug-bay-run-for-wildlife

Stride for SPAN Turkey Trot 5k Run and 1 Mile Fun Walk
November 2, 2024. Kinder Farm Park, Millersville

Join us at Kinder Farm Park on Saturday November 2nd for a fun morning! This is SPAN’s largest fundraiser. Come join us and support SPAN! Since 1990, SPAN has been assisting neighbors in need with utility turn-offs, court-ordered evictions, prescription/medical needs and food.
https://www.spanhelps.org/12th_annual_stride_for_span_turkey_trot_5k

Bay Bridge Run 10k
November 10, 2024. Chesapeake Bay Bridge, Annapolis

The 10K course will traverse the eastbound span of the bridge from Anne Arundel County to Kent Island in Queen Anne’s County and finish with a huge post-race party! Parking with shuttles to the start are available from both Anne Arundel County and  Queen Anne’s County. Your only chance to run or walk across the majestic Chesapeake Bay Bridge which is typically closed to pedestrians.  Now organized by Corrigan Sports,  Maryland’s premier race company, you can expect a fun, well managed event open to runners and walkers alike. 
https://www.thebaybridgerun.com/Race/MD/Annapolis/BayBridgeRun

Festival of Lights Trot for a Turkey
November 23, Watkins Regional Park, Upper Marlboro

Help families in need by running or walking through the beautiful Winter Festival of Lights! For more than 30 years, visitors to the annual Winter Festival of Lights have been dazzled by twinkling light displays as they drove through Watkins Regional Park. This year, register to walk or run through the almost 3-mile course and see the dazzling displays up close. Your registration fee will provide a family in need with a holiday turkey.
https://www.pgparks.com/event_list/trot-for-a-turkey

Sheppard Pratt Frederick Turkey Trot 2024
November 28, 2024. Baker Park, Frederick

Dust off your sneakers and join us on Thanksgiving Day at the 22nd annual Sheppard Pratt Frederick Turkey Trot! Run or walk in our family-friendly 5K and 1K fun run/walk. Your race registration directly supports the care and services provided to those who turn to Sheppard Pratt for help.
https://www.sheppardpratt.org/turkey-trot/

Downtown Columbia Turkey Trot 5K
November 28, 2024. The Mall in Columbia, Columbia

Join fellow turkey lovers, runners, walkers and friends for an appetite-inducing morning of good-natured competition. Starting and finishing at The Mall in Columbia, runners will complete at 5K distance and earn a logo shirt and finisher medal.
https://www.ripitevents.com/dtcturkeytrot

Turkey Trot Thanksgiving Day 5k
November 28, 2024. Jefferson Patterson Park, Saint Leonard

Run to support Project ECHO, Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum, and the Friends of JPPM, all part of the Calvert County Community Partners. Project ECHO provides hope for the homeless, with emergency shelter and supportive housing for individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Calvert County, Maryland. Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum connects people to the past through history and archaeology and supports preserving Maryland’s cultural and natural resources. The Friends of Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum support environmental, history, heritage, and archaeology educational programs and family events that connect adults and children to our local habitat.
https://projectecho.net/event/turkey-trot/

Y Turkey Trot Charity 5k
November 28, 2024. Arnold, Baltimore City, Bel Air, Ellicott City, Towson, and Westminster

Join us for a fun-filled morning of tradition, family, fitness, friendship and giving back! Looking for a guaranteed way to get a healthy start to your Thanksgiving morning and do something good for your community? We got you! With six race locations across central Maryland, the Y Turkey Trot Charity 5K is an epic morning of feel-good vibes! The Trot is for people of all ages and abilities – we have first-time runners, walkers and seasoned athletes too… everyone is welcome (even your pup!).
ymdturkeytrot.org

Jug Bay Post Turkey 5k Trail Run
November 30, 2024. Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary, Lothian

Join us for a fun 5K run along our beautiful, scenic trails of the Jug Bay River Farm Property. Registration starts at 8:30 am. The run will start promptly at 9:00 am. The trail is all off-road with some single track areas. Run times are not recorded. Hot cider and a light snack will be provided after the run. All proceeds will go to the Friends of Jug Bay to fund the purchase of new canoes, which will support our outdoor education programs along the Patuxent River.
https://jugbay.org/inspire_events/2024-jug-bay-post-turkey-5k-trail-run/

Enjoy your run! And remember, check back for more Fun Runs and Races happening through the fall into winter. For more information and other fun runs in Maryland, check out https://findarace.com/us/running/fun-runs/maryland/fall.