Fall Backyard Burn Trail Running Series - Fountainhead

Prepare for a captivating autumn challenge at the Fall Backyard Burn Trail Running Series - Fountainhead, returning on Sunday, December 6, 2026, in Fairfax Station, VA. This beloved event, a racer favorite for over 15 years, promises a beautiful yet demanding experience within the scenic Fountainhead Regional Park, situated along the banks of the Occoquan Reservoir. Runners can anticipate typical race day conditions with highs around 49F and lows near 32F, alongside a mere 13% chance of precipitation, creating crisp, ideal running weather.

The course itself is a testament to rugged trail running, winding through dense, deciduous forests over a mixture of hiking trails and old dirt roads, complete with exciting stream crossings and minimal pavement. Choose your adventure with either the classic 4.8-mile single-loop course, boasting approximately 450 feet of elevation gain, or tackle the tougher 10.5-mile option, which expands on the shorter route with a significant lollipop loop on the Bull Run Occoquan Trail, featuring around 950-1000 feet of climbing. Runners frequently praise Fountainhead for its challenging, rewarding system of tight singletrack, constant elevation changes, and deep forest corridors, where every mile is truly earned.

Beyond the challenging terrain, the Fall Backyard Burn at Fountainhead is celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere and runner support. Participants can expect "awesome aid stations" with "wonderful volunteer support" to fuel their efforts, culminating in "plentiful post-race food," including breakfast burritos and other tasty treats. This long-standing series also offers an opportunity to support the local non-profit Homestretch and provides a convenient Kids Race Day Program, allowing parents to hit the trails worry-free.