RUN! GEEK! RUN! 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run

Lace up your running shoes for the annual RUN! GEEK! RUN! 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run, taking place on Sunday, September 27, 2026, in scenic Alexandria, Virginia. This cherished community event offers participants the choice of a USATF-certified 5K or a shorter 1-Mile Fun Run, making it perfect for runners, walkers, and families of all ages and abilities, including those with strollers and even dogs. The course itself is a highlight, consistently praised by runners as "flat and fast," winding through a pretty, suburban neighborhood on wide, well-marshaled streets that promise both speed and enjoyable scenery. You'll find motivating "pit stops" along the way, ensuring you stay hydrated and energized. Typical race day conditions in late September in Alexandria offer pleasant weather, with highs around 77°F and lows around 58°F, and only a 13% chance of precipitation, creating an ideal environment for a personal best or a leisurely stroll.

Beyond the enjoyable course, RUN! GEEK! RUN! boasts a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere that sets it apart. The event kicks off with energetic support from the Alexandria City High School Junior ROTC and local musicians, setting a festive tone at the start/finish line located conveniently on Main Line Boulevard near the Braddock Road Metro. What truly makes this race unique is its commitment to giving back; each year, proceeds benefit a different Alexandria-based non-profit. The race also features its beloved mascot, Eugene the Geek, and offers coveted bobblehead trophies to top finishers in the 5K, with special awards for the first boy and girl in the 1-Mile Fun Run.

Having started in 2008 and moved to Alexandria in 2016, RUN! GEEK! RUN! has built a strong reputation as a well-organized and family-friendly charity race, having raised over $230,000 for local causes since 2016 and even earning the "Nonprofit Organization of the Year" award in 2025. Participants consistently rave about the friendly atmosphere and the "perfect course," with many returning year after year, some even achieving personal records. Join this celebrated event for a fantastic day of fitness, community spirit, and philanthropy.