Where to Run a Local 5K in 2013

The Northern Virginia area is full of runners and running events.

Running is an inexpensive and flexible way to keep a New Year's resolution to get more active or lose a few pounds. The Washington, DC metropolitan area is lucky to have great outdoor running options and plenty of events to train toward if you need a deadline to help you meet your goal. The Mayo Clinic offers a free online training schedule developed by Olympian Jeff Galloway to get you 5K run ready in just seven weeks, even if you are a beginner. A 5K run is 3.1 miles. "Don't be daunted by the distance. A 5K run is a great distance for a beginner. And you can prepare for a 5K run in just two months," according to the Mayo Clinic website. With the training schedule in-hand, you can pick a local race seven or eight weeks in the future and …

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Sherell Williams

2:58 pm on Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Hi Kathleen, you may be able to walk in some of the events above instead of run. You could find more on the individual sites. There's also a Burke Walking/Running Club that may or may not still be active. http://www.potomacriverrunning.com/burke-running-walking-club-a3142 You can also find some meetup walking groups here: http://walkers.meetup.com/cities/us/va/burke/   more ›

Photo Gallery

'Run for the Children' a Family Affair

A photo gallery of Saturday's 'Run for the Children 10K Race and 3K Run/Walk.'

Fairfax Court Appointed Special Advocates’  Run for the Children 10K Race and 3K Run/Walk was a true family affair.  On Saturday, April 28, parents, grandparents, and children of all ages gathered at the Fairfax County Government Judicial Center to walk or run in support of Fairfax CASA volunteers and their dedication to serving the best interests of over 500 abused and neglected children each year.  Enjoy this “family album” of race day photos and stay tuned for more photos of the event in the weeks to come. What was it like on race day? Running blogger Jessica Hofheimer called the Run for the Children “a really awesome race.” Read her full account of the course and the festivities here. Or visit the Run for the Children website to access…

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Weekend Planner

A Family Friendly New Year

Weekend Events for Friday, Dec. 30 through Sunday, Jan. 1.

Ring in the New Year with various events happening in our local area this weekend. Bull Run Runners 5K Fairfax Four-Miler Race “First Night” Alexandria “Watch Night” New Years Eve Celebration New Year Celebration

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Lake Braddock's Chase Heads to Nationals

Junior Sophie Chase placed second overall with a time of 17:06 at cross country championships.

Lake Braddock junior Sophie Chase finished second overall at the 33rd Annual Foot Locker Cross Country Championships South Regional in Charlotte, N.C.,  earning herself a place in the National Finals in San Diego, Calif., on December 10.  Chase's time of 17:06 is the third fastest in Virginia history for 5000 meters. This will be Chase's second consecutive trip to nationals, and the eleventh appearance in the finals by a Lake Braddock girl.  Lake Braddock leads with the number of girls to have competed at nationals. Lake Braddock Cross Country Head Coach Mike Mangan said Chase led a strong contingent of local athletes at the Regional Championships Senior Ahmed Bile from Annandale High School and Junior Sean McGorty from Chantilly also …

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Finishing the Marine Corps Marathon

Local runner results, and an overview of the 36th Marine Corps Marathon.

Angeline Hannachi, Laura DeFraia-Colee and Victor Tran began running for different reasons.  Sunday they ran with the same purpose: Complete their first Marine Corps Marathon (MCM).  They had begun their training with Potomac River Running in Burke and Reston. Victor Tran, who lives in Annandale, had set his goal to finish in 04:15.  He was not far off, completing in 04:31:56.  Reston's Laura DeFraia-Colee planned to keep it simple -- "run each mile at a nice steady pace, keep a positive attitude through all 26.2 miles, and hopefully finish!"  Finish, she did; in 06:39:29. Angeline Hannachi of Fairfax decided one year ago to train for the MCM.  Today she finished the race in 04:41:05. The finishing chip times were obtained from the Marine …

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Running the Marine Corps Marathon

They began running for different reasons, but Sunday they ran with the same goal -- finish their first Marine Corps Marathon.

The 36th Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) on Sunday is limited to 30,000 participants. Yet registration sold out in record time -- 28 hours, four minutes. Three first-time MCM runners who trained with Potomac River Running (Burke and Reston) gave an overview of their preparation. Angeline Hannachi of Fairfax (first marathon) I began running last year in order to further my weight loss goals. Prior to July 2010, I had never run more than a couple miles at a time, and I have always struggled with my weight. Between being a single mother, working full time and going to school part time, my weight had ballooned to 240 by the end of 2009. On Jan. 1, 2010, I determined that I would lose the weight once and for all. Since then I've shed about 80 …

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Rolling Valley Elementary Wins Pyramid Challenge

Annual race benefits Food for Others.

Six elementary schools competed in the sixth annual West Springfield Pyramid Challenge Saturday at Irving Middle School.  Students raced in six divisions: One trophy was awarded to the school with the highest points, which this year was Rolling Valley Elementary.  The six participating elementary schools feed into Irving Middle School and West Springfield High School. The event benefits Food for Others because all participants are asked to bring a food item as their registration fee.

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A Fat Runner's Guide to Being a Fat Runner

Practical advice and helpful tips for runners of all shapes and sizes.

When I first started telling my friends and family that I've taken to the name " The Fat Runner," they seemed shocked and a bit mortified that I would call myself such a thing.  One of my friends seemed genuinely upset saying she felt like I was putting myself down.  Not true at all!   I call myself a fat runner well, because I am but not just that.  I say it with pride. How many fat runners do you know?  There aren't a lot of us and that is a shame!  We've bought into the idea that somehow we can't enjoy running too and it is my hope that when you read about this fat runner, it changes your idea of who can be a runner. If you've ever dreamed about becoming a runner or are already on your way or maybe its never even crossed your mind …

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Kim

6:39 pm on Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Ilene, you should be so proud! What a great thing you are doing for your health. I did the same walk/run thing a couple of years ago for the first time. Although I had never been a runner, I figured I could do anything for a minute. And then another minute, and then another minute ... It really works!   more ›

Knights of Columbus 5k Brings Runners to Burke Lake Park

Fun run/walk raises funds for both citizens with intellectual disabilities and the St. Bernadette Parish School.

Autumn brings many changes to the area. The leaves begin to change colors, the temperature cools to a tolerant degree and runners begin to swarm the parks and trails of the area. Fall also brings the race season. This is a time for experienced and beginner runners to race against fellow area runners and against their own previous race times. One such race, the Knights of Columbus 5k fun run and walk took place on Saturday at Burke Lake Park. With the smell of hamburgers on the grill, a group of over 250 runners crowded near the starting line of the ninth annual 5k. After a quick prayer for fun and safety, the runners, which included adults, children, and families, started the race.  A mere 18 minutes later, the first set of experienced …

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