Skip to main content
Date:
Sat, Sep 19, 2026 at 7:45 AM
Location:
3710 Mitchell St
Kensington, Maryland
20895
United States
OpenStreetMap Google Maps
Links:
kensington8k.org Register at runsignup.com
Tags:
1k 2 Miles 8k Run

Fun and Fast for 33 Years

Since 1994, the Kensington 8K Race has been a favorite DC area fall race - a fun, fast event with beauty, challenge, and excitement. Run it this year on September 19, 2026!

Our Community Event

Known throughout the DC area as a true community race - parents and kids cheering on each other and welcomed visitors running through Kensington and Rock Creek Park.

Benefits Local Schools

Eight local schools - Kensington Parkwood ES, North Bethesda MS, Silver Creek MS, and Walter Johnson HS, plus now North Chevy Chase ES, Oakland Terrace ES, Rock View ES, and Rosemary Hills ES - benefit from race net proceeds, with more than $350,000 raised since 2009!

More races nearby

  • SuperHero SuperDash 5k & 10k [bishopsevents.com] [Register at raceroster.com]

    Sat, Apr 25, 2026 at 7:30 AM

    Description

    Enjoy a scenic 5k/10k that will run through Rock Creek Park.

    Walkers and strollers are welcome to attend this event.

    8.9 km from Kensington
    Rock Creek Tennis Center, 5220 16th Street Northwest, Washington, District of Columbia, 20011, United States
    OpenStreetMap Google Maps

    5k 10k Run Walk

  • Blessed Sacrament Bulldog 5k [runsignup.com]

    Sat, May 02, 2026 at 8:00 AM

    Description

    The race will start at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church at 6001 Western Avenue, Washington D.C. The race will head north on Brookeville Road and wind through the neighborhoods of Chevy Chase, Maryland. There will be a post race celebration for runners/walkers and their families after the races.

    6.8 km from Kensington
    5841 Chevy Chase Parkway Nw, Washington, District of Columbia, 20015, United States
    OpenStreetMap Google Maps

    5k Run Walk

  • Run Rock Creek 5K/10K [rockcreekconservancy.org] [Register at raceroster.com]

    Sat, May 02, 2026 at 8:00 AM

    Description

    Rock Creek Conservancy invites you to join park neighbors to celebrate the unparalleled experience of running in Rock Creek Park at our inaugural 5K/10K race on Saturday, May 2, starting at 8:00 AM...

    Rock Creek Conservancy invites you to join park neighbors to celebrate the unparalleled experience of running in Rock Creek Park at our inaugural 5K/10K race on Saturday, May 2, starting at 8:00 AM near the Tennis Center.

    Whether you’re training for a marathon or enjoying a leisurely jog on a cool evening, the roads, trails, and sidewalks of Rock Creek are essential to thousands of local runners. Join the race and make your voice heard for the future of running in our park!

    With Rock Creek Park being America’s premier urban national park, this isn’t just another race. It’s a chance to run through forest, along water, and inside one of the most beautiful landscapes in the city… while supporting and improving the park that makes it all possible.

    Run Rock Creek is more than a race—it’s a reinvestment.

    • PROTECT: Funds support vital restoration and park care.

    • IMPROVE: The feedback you provide during your registration guides future park upgrades.

    • SUSTAIN: Help Rock Creek Conservancy and the National Park Service keep our trails beautiful and safe for everyone to enjoy.

    8.8 km from Kensington
    Valley Trail, Washington, District of Columbia, 20542, United States
    OpenStreetMap Google Maps

    5k 10k Road Run Trail Walk

  • Tricia Davis 5K for Sinai House [runsignup.com]

    Sun, May 10, 2026 at 8:00 AM

    Description

    We run, walk, and celebrate in honor of the memory of Tricia Davis who was committed to combating housing insecurity and turned this commitment towards the establishment and longevity of Sinai House....

    We run, walk, and celebrate in honor of the memory of Tricia Davis who was committed to combating housing insecurity and turned this commitment towards the establishment and longevity of Sinai House. Proceeds from the event will directly benefit Sinai House, a residential social service program in Washington, DC, in its mission to enable families to move from homelessness towards self-sufficiency by providing safe and affordable housing, comprehensive social services and financial support.

    The two-part event will be held in person on Mother's Day at Rock Creek Park in Washington, DC, starting at Picnic Area #24 in the Carter Barron parking lot, near the entrance to the Tennis Center.

    All registrations will be converted to Virtual Participants if a current or recent Federal Government Shutdown results in our race permit not being issued.

    Part One is the 5K that begins with a warm-up at 7:45 am, followed by the 8 am race start.

    Part Two is the Rainbow of Bubbles Fun Run that begins at with a warm-up at 8:45 am, followed by the 9 am race start. Walk or run through a rainbow of bubbles. This event is NOT Timed. If you register for the 5K, you can also participate in the Rainbow Fun Run without having to register.

    Teams

    After you register, you can join a Social Race Team or create your own. Encourage your friends to register for the race and join your team so you can run or walk together for fun.

    Children, Strollers & Dogs

    Register CHILDREN AGED 12 AND UNDER AT A DISCOUNTED RATE BY CLICKING ON AGE-BASED PRICING during the registration process. If you'd prefer to walk a shorter distance without any hills, register for the Rainbow of Bubbles Fun Run. This event is NOT timed. Strollers and dogs are welcome for both the 5K and the Fun Run, but please stay toward the back of the pack while lining up. For safety reasons, dog leashes must be shorter than 3 feet and no extendible or flexible leashes are permitted.

    Be a Fundraiser!

    Help us reach our ambitious fundraising goal of $175,000 by creating your own Personal Fundraiser and encourage your family and friends to participate! Click on the "Become a Fundraiser" at the top this page.

    Parking

    Free, ample parking is available at the Carter Barron Parking lot located at 4850 Colorado Ave NW, Washington, DC 20011. Please use Colorado Avenue from 16th Street to park near Picnic Area #24 next to the Carter Barron Parking lot, near the entrance to the Tennis Center.

    Race Bib & T-Shirt Pick-Up

    • Friday, May 8th from 5:00 - 6:30 pm - the location will be sent with your race registration confirmation email.

    • Sunday, May 10th (Race Day) from 7:00 - 7:30 am in the Carter Barron parking lot near Picnic Site #24 in Rock Creek Park, Washington, DC.

    Race Day Schedule, RAIN OR SHINE (All times are approximate)

    • 7:00-7:30 am Race Bib and T-shirt pick-up, and bag drop near Picnic Area #24, There is NO registration at the race site.

    • 7:45 am Warm-ups

    • 8:00 - 5K begins (Participants with strollers or dogs, please stay toward the back.)

    • JDBaker Photography will capture your Photo Finish -- Smile!

    • 8:45 - Warm-ups for the Rainbow of Bubbles Fun Run

    • 9:00 am Rainbow of Bubbles Fun Run begins (This event is NOT timed.)

    • Nosh on snacks donated by our generous sponsors

    • 9:30 am All participants must be off the race route

    • Award ceremony begins

    • 10:00 am Clean-up begins

    8.6 km from Kensington
    4850 Colorado Ave NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20011, United States
    OpenStreetMap Google Maps

    1 Miles 5k Fun Run Run Virtual Walk

  • EveryMile for EveryMind 5K and 1K Fun Run/Walk [runsignup.com]

    Sun, May 10, 2026 at 8:30 AM

    Description

    Get ready to raise awareness for mental health during Mental Health Awareness Month with EveryMind’s EveryMile for EveryMind 5K and 1K Fun Run/Walk on May 10th. Join us in Rockville Town Center to...

    Get ready to raise awareness for mental health during Mental Health Awareness Month with EveryMind’s EveryMile for EveryMind 5K and 1K Fun Run/Walk on May 10th. Join us in Rockville Town Center to support our mission while enjoying a morning of fun and connection, including a 100-meter kids’ fun run for the little ones. Every step you take helps EveryMind continue our work across Maryland and the DC metro area, providing support and resources to those in need—including students and families, veterans, immigrants, individuals experiencing homelessness, and those in crisis.

    All proceeds go toward strengthening our community through mental health services, education, and crisis support. Your participation directly benefits programs that make a difference in countless lives.

    The 5K is chip-timed by MCRRC Race Management Services.

    EveryMind strengthens communities and empowers individuals to achieve optimal mental wellness.

    9.2 km from Kensington
    130 Gibbs Street, Rockville, Maryland, 20850, United States
    OpenStreetMap Google Maps

    1k 3k 5k Fun Run Run Walk

More races nearby →

Local running groups, club & shop

See all organizations →
Like Wikipedia, anyone can contribute. Sign up to add your local events.