Races Near Me: Upcoming Running Races

Join us for the 2026 Oktoberfest 5-Miler presented by Altra in Howard County! Celebrate this fall tradition with a beautiful course that winds around Columbia's scenic Lake Elkhorn, great swag, and an awesome post-race party at Black Flag Brewing Co.! A portion of the race proceeds benefits Bridges to Housing Stability in Howard County. This race SELLS OUT, so register early and secure your spot!

Cranksgiving is an annual charity cycling event held in Downtown Columbia, MD, that combines cycling with community service. Hosted by the Downtown Columbia Partnership and the Howard County Office of Transportation, Cranksgiving offers residents a chance to engage in active recreation while raising awareness about Howard County’s bikeable pathways and collecting food donations for individuals and families in need. Participants ride into Downtown Columbia with food donations for Grassroots Crisis Intervention. Cyclists of all skill levels are welcome, making it a family-friendly event that fosters camaraderie among the local cycling community while supporting those in need. The county’s Office of Transportation has mapped out biking routes to the drop-off location from all Columbia Villages and other points across the county. Where: The Plaza at The Mall in Columbia Competition: Columbia Villages, along with any other interested communities, are invited to compete to see who can donate the most. Each village will have a designated table, staffed by a volunteer provided by the Downtown Columbia Partnership, where residents can drop off their contributions. At the end of the event, we will announce the winning village based on the total donations received. (If you live outside of Columbia but want your community to participate in the challenge, please contact us). About the Name: The name "Cranksgiving" is a playful combination of "crank," a part of a bicycle, and "Thanksgiving," a holiday focused on gratitude and giving. It perfectly captures both the cycling focus and charitable spirit of the event, which takes place during the Thanksgiving season. Prizes: The first one hundred registrants will receive a really cool commemorative event shirt. Deadline to receive shirt is noon on 10/31. New This Year: Attendees will also have the opportunity to join members from HCPD’s Community Outreach and Pathways Section on a group ride starting from The Other Barn in Oakland Mills (5851 Robert Oliver Pl, Columbia) to the Mall in Columbia and back. The group ride will start at 10AM and is a great way for younger and/or less experienced riders to bike to the collection location from a Village Center with seasoned cyclists as guides. List of most needed items Canned Meals: Chef Boyardee-any kind, Beef Stew, Corned Beef Hash, Canned Chili, Chicken & Dumplings, Canned TamalesCanned Meats: Chicken, Spam, Vienna Sausage, Salmon, Sardines, Corned Beef, HamChunky or Progresso Soups-Any varietyCondensed Soups-Chicken Noodle, Tomato, Cream of Mushroom, Cream of Chicken, Vegetable BeefKnorr Side Dish Pouches-Rice or PastaFruit Cups or Applesauce Cups

A prediction run is entirely different from other races that you’ve run in the past. Rather than finishing first or running the fastest, the object of a prediction run is to finish as close to a certain time as possible. In the case of the Howard County Striders prediction runs, the goal is to finish as close to 11:00am as possible. One way the Striders prediction runs differ from many other runs is that you get to start whenever you want – whoever finishes closest to 11:00am wins. Oh, and one important thing, you CANNOT use any sort of timing device. Also, no baby strollers, iPods, headphones or animals. All proceeds from this event will be donated to the Tripp Scholar Athlete Fund. The run is located at the Jeffers Hill Neighborhood Center, 6031 Tamar Drive, Columbia, MD 21045

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. View all race information at www.rivalraceseries.com/dtcturkeytrot.

A prediction run is entirely different from other races that you’ve run in the past. Rather than finishing first or running the fastest, the object of a prediction run is to finish as close to a certain time as possible. In the case of the Howard County Striders prediction runs, the goal is to finish as close to 11:00am as possible. One way the Striders prediction runs differ from many other runs is that you get to start whenever you want – whoever finishes closest to 11:00am wins. Oh, and one important thing, you CANNOT use any sort of timing device. Also, no baby strollers, iPods, headphones or animals. All proceeds from this event will be donated to the Tripp Scholar Athlete Fund. The run is located at the Jeffers Hill Neighborhood Center, 6031 Tamar Drive, Columbia, MD 21045

Next Step Hibernation to 5K is a no frills, get to work right away program to encourage a quick start to the new year. This program is for both beginning runners and more experienced adult runners (18+) that just need to get off the couch after a long winter! Although we only train as a group once a week, participants should expect to be devoting time for 3-4 workouts each week in order to maximize their progress.

Enjoy nature in one of the most beautiful areas of Columbia, MD. Starting and finishing at the Guilford Pratt Truss Bridge, the half marathon (13.1 miles), 10K (6.55 miles) and 5K (3.1 miles) takes place on the Patuxent and Wincopin trails. The course runs along the Little Patuxent and Middle Patuxent River. The terrain is tame compared to many other trail races. This race is appropriate for beginners and intermediate runners. Registration includes a long sleeve shirt, finisher medal and knit gloves.

The RRCA 10 Mile Club Challenge is a one-of-a-kind, restricted entry event. Runners race on behalf of their respective RRCA club and score points cross country style. Awards are given by club, not by runner. You race for the bragging rights of your RRCA club. It is the capstone event within the MD Grand Prix series. An RRCA Presidents meeting is held immediately after the race each year. The course is a very challenging 10 Miles with a strict time cutoff of 2 hours, 10 minutes (13mpm pace or better). This is a race! It is held at the Athletic Building of Howard Community College in Columbia, MD. It is one of many events that comprise the Maryland RRCA Grand Prix Series. Howard Community College's Athletic Building is located off Dragon Place, near the campus entrance on Campus Drive & Hickory Ridge Road, Columbia, MD.

Very popular race. Event sells out every year! This race takes place on Columbia Gateway Drive in Columbia, MD. With only one hill on the looped course, this race is relatively flat, FAST and appropriate for all experience levels including first-timers! This race includes both an adult and youth race. All information about this race can be viewed at www.rivalraceseries.com/columbiagatewayduathlon.   Sprint 2 Mile Run | 10 Mile Bike | 2 Mile Run   Youth - 7-10 Yr Old 0.5 Mile Run | 2 Mile Bike | 0.5 Mile Run   Youth - 11-15 Yr Old 0.5 Mile Run | 2 Mile Bike | 1 Mile Run ​

Join us for the ultimate test of speed, stamina, and sweet tooth at the Donut Mile Race! It’s not just a race—it’s a sugar-fueled adventure! Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just in it for the donuts, this fun-filled event will challenge you in all the right ways. The 2nd Annual Columbia Donut Mile will take place at Colorburst Park after the conclusion of the Discover Downtown Columbia 5K & 10K on Sunday, April 19, 2026 at 10:00 AM.  ALL information about this event can be viewed at https://www.rivalraceseries.com/donutmile.

In partnership with the Downtown Columbia Partnership and Columbia Association. Starting and finishing at Colorburst Park in the Merriweather District, this race is appropriate for all level runners. Race registration includes a shirt and finisher medal. Learn more about this race at www.rivalraceseries.com/discoverdowntowncolumbia5k10k.  Pets, baby joggers/strollers, in-line skates, bicycles, and any other non-official wheeled vehicles are prohibited. Online registration closes Thursday, April 16 - end of day.  In person registration is available during packet pick up times. To view packet pick up times, go to www.rivalraceseries.com/discoverdowntowncolumbia5k10k.

The Women's Distance Festival 5K (also known as WDF 5K) is a road race exclusively for female participants of all ages.  It is held at the Athletic Building of Howard Community College in Columbia, MD.  It is one of many events that comprise the Maryland RRCA WDF Series. Howard Community College's Athletic Building is located off Dragon Place, near the campus entrance on Campus Drive & Hickory Ridge Road, Columbia, MD.

The Columbia Triathlon is a welcoming, community-focused race set in the heart of Columbia, Maryland. Designed for both first-time triathletes and experienced racers, this event features a pool swim, scenic bike course, and paved-trail run through one of Howard County’s most active and vibrant areas. With Sprint and Super Sprint options, a safe and well-organized course, and an encouraging race-day atmosphere, the Columbia Triathlon is the perfect way to challenge yourself, try something new, and experience the excitement of triathlon close to home.​ Registration includes t-shirt and finisher medal. ​This race is sanctioned by USA Triathlon. All RULES apply. Sprint Distance - 400 Yard Pool Swim | 10 Mile Bike | 3 Mile Run ​Super Sprint Distance - 200 Yard Pool Swim | 5 Mile Bike | 1.75 Mile Run

ALL information about this race can be viewed at https://www.rivalraceseries.com/columbiafirecracker.  Get ready to light up your Independence Day at the Columbia Firecracker 5K & 10K.  Join us for a high-energy celebration of fitness, community, and freedom. Whether you’re chasing a PR or just out for a fun, festive run, this event is built for everyone. Choose your distance:5K – Fast, scenic, and perfect for beginners, families, and speedsters.10K – A longer challenge for those ready to push the pace. Both courses wind around the beautiful paths of Lake Elkhorn, offering smooth pavement, water views, and a safe, spectator-friendly atmosphere. It’s flat, scenic, and ideal for runners and walkers of all ages and levels.​ ​RACE START LOCATION  9821 Broken Land Parkway, Columbia, MD 21046.​ Small parking lot next to Uber Bagels. AGE REQUIREMENT  Runners must be at least 10 years old to participate in the 10K. Runners must be at least 7 years old to participate in the 5K.  Pets, baby

The Columbia Association KIDS Triathlon is a race for all level athletes. Staged at Clemens Crossing Pool in Columbia, MD, participants will complete a pool swim, road bike and paved trail run. The bike course is moderate in elevation change and the run course is relatively flat. Registration includes t-shirt and finisher medal. This race is sanctioned by USA Triathlon. Additional race information can be found at www.rivalraceseries.com/columbiakidstriathlon.  7-8 YRS OLDSwim - 50 yards, Bike - 2 miles, Run - .5 mile 9-10 YRS OLDSwim - 100 yards, Bike - 2 miles, Run - .5 mile 11-12 YRS OLDSwim - 100 yards, Bike - 4 miles, Run - 1 mile 13 -15 YRS OLDSwim - 150 yards, Bike - 6 miles, Run - 1 mile

The Columbia Classic 10K & 5K returns to Downtown Columbia, MD with an exciting new race experience for 2026. This year's updated course takes runners on a fast and scenic route around the iconic Columbia Mall, showcasing the vibrant heart of Downtown Columbia while delivering a fun and accessible challenge for athletes of all abilities. Participants will enjoy a professionally managed event, commemorative race shirt, finisher medal, and the opportunity to experience one of Maryland's premier running destinations. Join us in Downtown Columbia and be part of a new chapter in this local racing tradition.