Races

Every Saturday morning, regardless of weather conditions, Striders members meet informally at the Columbia Swim Center for various distances and paces using the roads and pathways within Columbia and the surrounding area.  All distances and paces begin sharply and 7am.  Nicknamed the Bagel Runs due to the proximity of the Bagel Bin at the start/finish.

Start the new year with running at least 1 mile/ day. Add a little fun with some special challenges throughout the month.

The Females-in-Training (FIT) program is designed for women of all ages who want to learn to run in a supportive, non-coed environment. FIT is primarily for women who are fairly new to running or coming back to running after a break. The FIT coaches will support and guide you so that you will be ready to run a 5K (3.1 miles) distance by the end of the program. If you are already running, you are welcome to participate if you do not run faster than a 10-minute pace for your typical run. If you are already faster than this pace, we encourage you to try one of the other Striders programs. All runners must be at least 18 years of age to participate in the program. We want running to be a way for you to meet your fitness goals while having fun and developing friendships with women who are also embarking on their running journey. The FIT Motto = Fitness, Fun and Friendship

Looking to train for a 10 Mile race this year? Join the Howard County Striders for one of their prestigious training programs! The Next Step 10 Mile Program is for runners of varying abilities. Participants will do a 3-mile time trial at Wilde Lake High School on Monday, March 23rd so coordinators can group participants with those of similar abilities.  Weekly training runs will involve a variety of running techniques including speed work and hill work to improve running performance.  All runners must be able to run 3 miles before starting the program.

The 2nd Annual Atholton 5k and Fun Run This year's event will take place Sunday, March 29, 2026 at 8:00 am sharp.  The race will feature a custom T-shirt (must register by March 14 to guarantee a T-shirt). 5k start time:  8 am Fun Run:  9 am This is a certified race course and takes you through the neighborhoods of Columbia. Please register early, this race usually sells out! Early packet pickup will take place: Friday, March 27 from 2-4 pm at Feet First. Race day:  6:30 am-7:30 am Atholton Adventist Academy

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 ​

The 19th Annual AFCEA Central Maryland 5K & Family Fun Run/Walk Race for Excellence will be held on Saturday, April 18th at 9AM.  A virtual option will also be available. The AFCEA Central Maryland Chapter (AFCEA-CMD) is a non-profit membership association dedicated to providing an ethical, interactive forum for sharing knowledge and building relationships across government, military, industry and academia. We accomplish our goal by promoting the continuing education of current IT professionals and supporting the education of future leaders in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Each year our AFCEA-CMD chapter is able to award over $200,000 to qualified students and teachers through scholarships, endowments, and grants. The 19th Annual AFCEA-CMD 5K & Family Fun Run/Walk is an uplifting, family-oriented, community event that benefits AFCEA’s Central Maryland STEM Scholarship Fund. Join over 1,000 participants and spectators on a beautiful April day to take p

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.

Join us for the 2nd Nurses Run, a family-friendly, non-timed 5K and short loop bringing our community together in support of the Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center nurses! This relaxed 5K is perfect for runners, walkers, families, and participants of all ages and abilities. Whether you’re aiming to jog the course, enjoy a casual walk with friends, or push a stroller along the way, this event is all about fun, fitness, and giving back...NOT the clock. Proceeds from the event will help our nurses by providing continuing education, trainings, scholarships, and more.

Welcome to the 10th annual Phelps Luck 5K and Fun Run sponsored by the Phelps Luck PTA! Through advocacy, events and fundraising, the PTA strives to provide the support our students, families and staff need to make our PLES community the best it can be for our children to learn and grow. This year’s race will be held at Long Reach High School. 5K participants will run on the Long Reach High School cross country course (combination of grass and pavement). Fun Run participants will challenge themselves to complete as many laps as they can in 20 minutes. The Fun Run race will be run on grass. All race participants will receive a T-shirt.  T-shirts have been upgraded for 2026 to a soft tri-blend fabric!  Packet Pick-Up will be at Road Runner Sports Columbia (6630-C Marie Curie Dr, Elkridge, MD 21075) from 5pm to 7:30pm on Friday, May 8th. Road Runner Sports will be making a very generous contribution to the Phelps Luck PTA for each packet picked up at Road Runner Sports. Deadline to receiv

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.

6 Years Strong: Powered by Community! Founded in 2020, OhanaHC brings people together across different backgrounds to build real relationships and, through mentorship, empowers Howard County students to define and pursue their own version of success.  Now it’s time to bring the community together for a fun-filled walk and run! Enjoy delicious snacks, play exciting games, cheer on your friends and family, and stick around for some special surprises.   This event will take place rain or shine. However, if severe weather conditions prevent us from racing, we will notify you as soon as possible. Please note that all donations and registrations are final. Packet Pick Up                                                    Awards to the top finishers in each age group! 8:30am - 9:45am at race venue, Sunday, May 31, 2026 7000 Columbia Gateway DriveColumbia, MD 21046 US

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

Tino's Italian Bistro & Wine Bar is sponsoring a Father's Day 5K for charity to raise funds for the following organizations:  Zaching, CCA, Bridges, and Cancer Foundation.  They will provide a mini-lunch after the race.   The race will start at 8am and Tino's will be the meeting spot for before and after.  The race will start and finish on Red Branch Road by the Children's school.  Racecourse map will be available soon.

Join the Howard County Striders for one of their prestigious training programs! Are you ready to take your Half or Full marathon endurance training to the “Next Step”? If so, you’re in for a fun ride this Summer and Fall! Please be advised this program is NOT intended for brand new runners, nor for anyone 18 years of age or younger. Rather, the Next Step is to take your running to the Next Level. As such, there are certain minimum essentials required to be successful: Minimum Base MileageIf targeting a FULL marathon:Able to run at least 20-25 miles per/week (base mileage).Able to perform a long run of AT LEAST 10 miles at start of programIf targeting a HALF marathon:Able to run AT LEAST 10-15 miles per/week Minimum PaceYou need to be able to maintain a pace of 13 minutes or faster pace of constant running.  Runners who are unable to maintain this pace on the time trial, may be asked to switch programs to one of a shorter distance.  We will not be including a walk/run or Galloway style

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

Looking to train for a 10K race this year? Join the Howard County Striders for one of their prestigious training programs! Join the Howard County Striders for one of their prestigious training programs! 10K Goal Race will be the Columbia Classic 10K race on the first Sunday in October The Next Step Building to 10K Program is for runners of varying abilities. Participants will do a 2 mile time trial July 23 at Longfellow Elementary at 6pm so coordinators can group participants with those of similar abilities.  Weekly training runs will involve a variety of running techniques including speed work and hill work to improve running performance.   All runners should be able to run 3 miles before starting the program.

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!

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.