Aberdeen Proving Ground Run To Honor 5K Run/Walk

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 Drive

Columbia, MD 21046 US

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 Mileage

If 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 program

If targeting a HALF marathon:Able to run AT LEAST 10-15 miles per/week

Minimum Pace

You 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 training option for this program.

Time Trial

We will conduct a 5 mile time trial for all participants on the first day of the program to assess current fitness level and to group participants appropriately for optimal training and success

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 joggers/strollers, in-line skates, bicycles, and any other non-official

wheeled vehicles are prohibited.

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.