Frederick Women's Distance Festival

Name: Frederick Women's Distance Festival
Start: 2026-08-01T04:00:00Z

Date:: Sat, Aug 01, 2026 at 12:00 AM – 11:59 PM
Location:: Frederick County, Maryland
21702
United States
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Links:: frederickwdf.com Register at runsignup.com
Tags:: 1k 5k Run Walk

Join us for the 37th annual Frederick Women's Distance Festival!

The Frederick Steeplechasers are bringing this exciting event back to Frederick Community College in 2026!

As with all Steeplechaser races, we will pay your processing fee. The registration fee you see is exactly what you'll pay! No sneaky add-on fees.

Net proceeds will again be donated to The Women's Giving Circle of Frederick County.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information, see our website at https://frederickwdf.com

HISTORY

In 1979, the RRCA started the Women’s Distance Festival in response to the lack of distance running events in the Olympic Games for women. The first Women’s Distance Festival events were held on July 13, 1980, the date of the men’s marathon at the Moscow Olympics. Today, the Women’s Distance Festival celebrates the history of women’s right to participate in running events at any distance and at any age. While women’s participation in distance running nearly matches that of men, the Women’s Distance Festival continues to serve as a celebration of the determination and dedication of women runners across the country.

TEAMS

Participants of the 5k Run/Walk may optionally register as part of a team. In-person runners who are competing on a team are also eligible for individual awards.

Team Type Description Minimum Team Size

Family Any combination of mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, granddaughter, wife, partner, etc (you know who your family is!) 2

Friends Any company, civic organization, club, friends 4

Registrants who wish to participate in the team competition must provide the team name and team category during registration.

If you are registering a large team and would like to pay in a single payment, contact the race director at info@frederickwdf.com.

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FSRC Spires Youth Running XC & Track (Ages 9-16) [runsignup.com]
Tue, Apr 14, 2026 at 5:30 PM

Description

Our spring running program will start on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. This season we will accept runners who are 9-16 years old, and we will cap registration based on our coaching staff. We will practice...

Our spring running program will start on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. This season we will accept runners who are 9-16 years old, and we will cap registration based on our coaching staff. We will practice on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m. one day a week at Baker Park, and other day at regional parks/tracks, usually within the city limits.

Note: for insurance reasons you must be a member of the Frederick Steeplechasers Running Club to participate in this program. You can check if you are already an FSRC member at https://runsignup.com/Club/SearchForRenew/668. The price for a Junior membership is $10. New memberships will begin on the day you sign up and continue for 12 months. This registration must match the name in the club registration exactly, as well as the birth date.

NOTE: the price for the Spires program shows up as $50 but you will be given a $10 discount when you check out, making the resulting price $40 for FSRC club members. You must be a member during this program. If your child is already an FSRC member, if it expires before this program starts you will need to RENEW your membership. Please do so at https://runsignup.com/Club/SearchForRenew/668. If your child is not already an FSRC member, they need to join FSRC at https://runsignup.com/fsrc. This costs $10 per child, or there are family options.

AGE RANGE OF PROGRAM: The FSRC Spires Youth Running Program is open to children ages 9-16. Ages should be 9 as of 12/31/26.

CONCEPT OF THE PROGRAM

The FSRC Spires Youth Running Program is somewhat unique because the emphasis is on learning the benefits of running as a fun and enjoyable means of lifetime fitness. This is different from programs that emphasize performance and competition. There is always gratification for kids that finish first, but this program tries to give every kid the opportunity to achieve and be recognized for simply how much they participate, learn, and improve.

Understand that some of our kids do go on to become competitive high school runners and do very well! But our goal is not to have them peak in the 8th grade. While they’re young, it should be about developing a great foundation of knowledge, technique, and base conditioning before they step into a rigorous school program.

For those that choose not to run for competition, they will still have gained the knowledge and approach to use running as a fitness tool for the rest of their lives!

DESCRIPTION OF CONDUCT

The programs are conducted during the Fall and Spring. The fall season program is more geared toward the sport of cross country and is conducted mostly in Frederick’s Baker Park primarily during the months of September and October. The spring season is more slightly more geared toward track but focuses on conditioning and encouraging the kids to build up to running a mile or 5k!

Kids will be grouped according to their ability and are supervised by the coaches who keep the kids together as a group for safety. The normal goal is for all participants to be confident in racing in a 5k race. The FSRC summer decathlon series starts as the Spire Spires session ends and allows for track racing for interested participants.

Kids of greater ability may do more, while kids that are new to this may just want to target one goal event toward the end of the season. Otherwise, there are also periodic timed events during the practices to measure their progress.

RULES OF BEHAVIOR

Kids should not eat dinner before coming to practice. Having a snack when they get home from school is recommended along with drinking water. Please have your child bring water to practice.

In order to maintain safety on group runs, the kids must demonstrate the ability to follow the instructions of the coaches. If they are not feeling well, they should not be forced to participate. Especially in the long group runs, we can’t have kids quitting in the middle as it creates a safety issue for them and the other children. So, if they don’t feel well or are injured, please keep them home.

We do allow for as much laughing, talking, and joking as can be permitted (because we want it to be fun) as long as kids generally follow the instructions they are given. Sportsmanship is also important. Runners should be supportive and encouraging to each other and never do anything to impede another runner in a race.

5.1 km
Frederick, Maryland, 21701, United States
OpenStreetMap Google Maps
Run
11th Annual Fast & Furriest 5K/1M - April 19, 2026 [oph5k.com] [Register at runsignup.com]
Fri, Apr 17, 2026 at 5:00 AM

Description

ONLINE REGISTRATION IS OPEN UNTIL 6:30AM ON RACE DAY

After 6:30, register on site at the blue check in tent BEGINNING AT 7AM.

8:15AM - 5K race

9:00AM - 1M walk

CHECK IN TIMES:

RUNNER CHECK IN:...

ONLINE REGISTRATION IS OPEN UNTIL 6:30AM ON RACE DAY

After 6:30, register on site at the blue check in tent BEGINNING AT 7AM.

8:15AM - 5K race

9:00AM - 1M walk

CHECK IN TIMES:

RUNNER CHECK IN: 7:15-8:00

WALKER CHECK IN: 8:15-8:45

WANT TO RUN WITH YOUR DOG? We welcome your leashed dogs to run or walk the course. Please have your dogs on a 4-6 foot leash - no retractable leashes please. Register as WITH DOG-LIVE 5K RUN so we can easily identify and reward our runners with dogs. Registrants can change this category up until the start of the race. ALL runners with dogs WILL BE eligible for age level awards.

WANT TO WALK THE 5K COURSE? Yes, you can walk the 5K course. Register as 1M LIVE UNTIMED WALK. Check in for walkers is 8:15-9:00. Let us know when you check in that you are walking the 5K course when you check in.

VIRTUAL RACE/WALK DATES:

Friday, April 17 through Monday, April 20

COURSE TYPE: Entire course is within the park grounds and is paved except for small crossing areas that may have light gravel. The event site, check in area and vendor area are on grass and will be wet in the morning. Plan accordingly. The race is run on paved paths with a few gravel crossing sites -- all within the park grounds. Runners will run before walkers so no overlapping will occur.

RACE SHIRTS-LONG SLEEVED:

In an effort to reduce costs associated with this event, we are offering shirts by RESERVATION ONLY. Reserve your shirt when registering to ensure you receive your size. LAST DATE TO REGISTER AND RECEIVE A SHIRT IS MARCH 21 If no shirt is ordered (for on-site participants), the registration fee is reduced by $5.00 at that time. After March 21, the discount does not apply.

CHILDREN AGED 0-10 ARE FREE. There is no option for shirts for these children. If you want to purchase a shirt for a child, email the race director BEFORE April 4 to make arrangements.

ON SITE runners/walkers: ONLY pre-ordered shirts will be distributed at check in. (Must be registered by March 21). There will be NO EXTRA SHIRTS.

VIRTUAL runners/walkers: Shirts are an optional purchase when registering by . AFTER March 21 2026, virtual runners/walkers cannot order shirts.

AWARDS (FOR RUNNERS ON SITE ONLY) - Runners are eligible for overall awards AND age group awards.

Top Overall Male

Top Overall Female

1st, 2nd & 3rd Male Running With Dog

1st, 2nd & 3rd Female Running With Dog

1st & 2nd Male & Female in Age Groups:

60 & Up

50-59

40-49

30-39

20-29

11-19

ON SITE FOOD TRUCKS & VENDORS

FOOD TRUCKS:

TBD

VENDORS

TBD

The 11th Annual Fast & Furriest 5K race and 1M walk to benefit Operation Paws for Homes - an all-breed 501c3 dog rescue - is one of the rescue's largest annual fundraisers.

This year's race is focused on helping dogs diagnosed with heartworm disease, which can be deadly if not treated. These dogs are often the last to leave a shelter -- if they leave at all. The rural shelters we work with do not have the resources to treat these animals who are sick through no fault of their own. Without rescue or adoption from the shelter, the chances are slim they will survive.

Each year, Operation Paws for Homes incurs vast medical costs - in 2025, costs will exceed $150,000. Treating the heartworm positive dogs who are lucky enough to come to the rescue make up about $30,000 - approximately 20% of total medical costs, This event aims to replenish those funds so that we can treat even more dogs. We encourage families, runners, walkers, supporters and anyone interested in helping this organization to join in this fun event.

The race is run on paved paths with a few gravel crossing sites -- all within the park grounds. Runners will run before walkers so no overlapping will occur.

This year our Donate & Dash area will offer only gift cards and gift certificates for various businesses and restaurants. Some gift cards might come with a basket - depending on the donor. The concept is the same though - just donate the D&D suggested amount and take it!

Tell all your friends and family - wherever they are located - they, too, can participate in this event and support the many dogs that need us every single day. Let's make it coast to coast this year! Anyone can participate using a VIRTUAL OPTION. We are excited to host this event again and hope you are just as excited to join us !

8.9 km
9236 Devilbiss Bridge Road, Frederick County, Maryland, 21793, United States
OpenStreetMap Google Maps
1 Miles 5k Gravel Run Virtual Walk
Frederick Running Festival Preview Run, hosted by FSRC [runsignup.com]
Sat, Apr 18, 2026 at 8:00 AM

Description

In coordination with Corrigan Sports Enterprises, Frederick Steeplechasers Running Club (FSRC or Steeplechasers) is hosting a supported on-course training run to help you prepare for race day,...

In coordination with Corrigan Sports Enterprises, Frederick Steeplechasers Running Club (FSRC or Steeplechasers) is hosting a supported on-course training run to help you prepare for race day, preview much of the course, and check out Historic Downtown Frederick. This is a 12 mile supported on course training run two weeks prior to race day. The run is FREE and open to the public.

The Route: FRF 12 Mile Training Turn by Turn

RIGHT on East St

(.6 miles) RIGHT on Monocacy Blvd (turns into New Design Rd)

(1.5) RIGHT on Stadium Dr. (to end)

(2) LEFT on Market St

(2.7) LEFT on Church St (to end)

(2.9) LEFT on Bentz St

IMMEDIATE RIGHT on Carroll Pkwy

(3.5) Enter Frederick High School veer right to stay on Carroll Pkwy.

(3.9) LEFT on Kline Blvd

(4.3) RIGHT on Fairview Ave

(5.0) RIGHT on 2nd Street

(5.8 ) LEFT on Bentz St (water @corner of Bentz & Rockwell)

(6.0) LEFT on Dill Ave (turns into Rosemont)

(6.6) RIGHT on Fairview Ave (turns into 13th St)

(7.8 ) LEFT on Market St

(8.1) RIGHT on 16th St (to end)

(8.9) RIGHT on Shifferstadt Blvd (straight onto Monocacy Blvd)

(10.4) RIGHT at Stop Sign on Hughes Ford/Monroe Ave (to end)

(11.1) RIGHT on Patrick St

(11.8 ) LEFT on East St (back to start)

The Frederick Visitor Center will have plenty of information on Frederick, the “nicest bathrooms in town”, as well as a spot to warm up after the run. Please park in the lot next to the Visitors Center but don’t park in their designated “visitor spots.” If we run out of spaces in the Visitor Center lot, there’s a parking ramp across the street.

This is a casual group run that is NOT timed or held on a closed course. Runners of all abilities and paces are welcome, but must obey all traffic laws. We ask that you run on sidewalks where available and against traffic if you must enter the roadway for best visibility and safety. RUN AT YOUR OWN RISK.

The Steeplechasers will provide turn by turn directions and a mid-course water stop. Our friends at Charm City Run Frederick will provide post-run refreshments and breakfast at the store afterwards. We suggest you bring your own water and other energy supplements if you will need them. We look forward to seeing you out there!

We’d love to answer questions about any restaurants, cafes, breweries, pubs, or shops that you see along the way.

If you would like more information or would like to join the Frederick Steeplechasers Running Club, please go to steeplechasers.org

5.1 km
Frederick, Maryland, 21701, United States
OpenStreetMap Google Maps
12 Miles Run Walk
SMHS Makin' Hay 10K & 5K [runsignup.com]
Sat, Apr 18, 2026 at 8:30 AM

Description

Welcome back to the Makin' Hay 10K & 5K! We can't wait to have you claim bragging rights after conquering one of these challenging but scenic courses on Saturday, April 18, 2026.

The scenic and...

Welcome back to the Makin' Hay 10K & 5K! We can't wait to have you claim bragging rights after conquering one of these challenging but scenic courses on Saturday, April 18, 2026.

The scenic and rolling 10K and 5k courses will take you on a journey through some of the prettiest farmland in Frederick County. Spring will be ushering forth as you run past numerous farms; along beautiful Catoctin Creek on a gravel road, and across two, historic one-lane wooden deck bridges spanning Catoctin Creek. 5-year age group awards!!!

Early packet pickup will be held at Charm City Run, Frederick, on the Wednesday prior to the race, April 15th, 2026, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Race Day Schedule: 0700 - 0820 Bib Pickup; 0830-10K Start; 0835-5K Start; 1030-course closes for both events. Race day on-site registration must be accomplished via personal smartphone - no cash/check transactions accepted.

Race day bib pickup closes at 8:20 sharp for both events, with vehicular access to the park closing at that time. No late starts - plan your arrival time accordingly. Running strollers are allowed, but the wearing of headphones/earbuds is strongly discouraged as both courses are held on open roads where vehicular traffic can be expected to be encountered.

Our 5K option offers half the distance and half of the elevation change of our 10K, is all on paved surfaces, crosses one wooden deck bridge twice, and also provides some amazingly sweeping vistas!

Race shirt is included with registration for those registering before March 22, 2026. Those registering on or after after that date are not guaranteed to receive a shirt.

Awards: Overall top 3 male and female finishers in each race will receive a custom award (no double-dipping). In our 5-year age-groups, the top 3 in each will take home a custom glass acknowledging their achievement. The John Godinet Memorial Mid-Pack Maven Award will be presented to the 10K participant that finishes smack-dab in the middle of the pack!

Refund Policy: You will be given the opportunity to purchase event insurance during registration from a third-party provider. Makin' Hay registrants will be able to initiate a partial refund via their RunSignup profile up until 30 days prior to the event. After that, no individual refunds or transfers.

8.8 km
Frederick County, Maryland, 21769, United States
OpenStreetMap Google Maps
5k 10k Gravel Run
Stomp Out Addiction 5K Run/Walk [facebook.com] [Register at runsignup.com]
Sun, Apr 26, 2026 at 8:00 AM

Description

9th Annual Stomp Out Addiction 5K Run/Walk charity event. Helping adolescents at Maryland's only recovery high school, Phoenix Recovery Academy.

5.1 km
Frederick, Maryland, 21701, United States
OpenStreetMap Google Maps
5k Run Walk

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