4 running and walking events in Fairfax, Virginia

Join us for the sweetest race in town! The Sweet Mile is a deliciously fun way to support the annual Chocolate Lover's Festival. Lace Up your sneakers and dash through a scenic, family-friendly 1 mile course filled with chocolate-themed surprises. Whether you're a seasoned runners, a casual walker, or a chocolate enthusiast, this race is for everyone!

When: February 7, 2026 starting at 9:00 am

Where: 4041 University Dr. Fairfax, VA 22030

Participants will enjoy a chocolate treat at the finish line, along with opportunities to win prizes and support community programs. Proceeds from the race will directly benefit local charities and organizations supported by the Chocolate Lover's Festival.

Don't miss out on this delightful combination of fitness, fun, and chocolate! Register today and indulge in the run that's as sweet as it sounds.

Registration fee for 1Mile: $25 through January 31

$30 on Race Day - February 7

All participants will receive a commemorative Beanie.

Packet pickup will take place on race morning only, beginning at 8:30 AM in front of:

4041 University Drive, Fairfax, VA

⚠️ Please note: There will be NO packet pickup on Friday. All packets must be picked up race morning.

Due to the predicted cold temperatures, there will only be one heat for all participants at 9:15 am.

[DEL: There will be three heats (register for the appropriate heat): :DEL]

[DEL: 9:00 am - Runners/Racers - estimated finish time, 8 min. or faster :DEL]

[DEL: 9:20 am - Joggers, Fun Run - estimated finish time 8-12 minutes :DEL]

[DEL: 9:40 am - Walkers, Family Fun Run - estimated finish 12 -20 minutes :DEL]

C.G Woodson High School 5k fundraiser is proud to support the Edward "Eddie" Zhou STEM and Figure Skating Enrichment Fund through Arlington Community Foundation (ACF), this memorial fund awards a $1,000 grant to a Northern Virginia middle or high school figure skater who is interested in STEM and is a valuable part of their community. The 5K will be held on May 16th, 2026. This year will mark the 16th time we’ve held this event and we would be thrilled to have your support to continue to help local organizations!

DOWN THE STRETCH TRACK FEST

Saturday, May 24

George Mason University | Fairfax, VA

4x800 - Mile - 5k - 10k

Open/Community to Elite/Pro Heats

🎉 Welcome to the second Annual Down the Stretch Track Fest!

📍 George Mason University – Fairfax, VA

📅 Saturday, May 24

We’re back—and this year, we’re turning up the volume!

New this year: We’ve moved the meet to Saturday so we can expand the fun: more heats of the open mile, 5000m, and the addition of the 4x800m relay!

Get ready for:

🔊 A high-energy, music-filled atmosphere

🍔 Food trucks & 🍺 beer from Aslin Beer Co.

🎤 Dynamic announcers

🏃‍♂️ A mix of community and pro races under the stars

We’re building stacked pro fields for the Webb Mile, 5000m, and 10,000m—but there's a spot for everyone looking to PR in the 800, mile, or 5000m.

Meet Details:

✅ USATF & World Athletics sanctioned

🕐 Open to all runners who can maintain: 10:00/mile or 30:00/5K

👟 All ages welcome

📊 Heats seeded by qualifying time (HS/college athletes can compete in pro fields)

🍻 One complimentary beer or another beverage with entry

🏅 Webb Mile Prize Money

1st – $350

2nd – $100

3rd – $50

(Men’s & Women’s divisions)

👧 Youth Mile (13 & under): FREE ENTRY!

☔ In case of inclement weather, races will be delayed until continuation is no longer feasible.

Bring your energy. Bring your spikes. Bring your friends.

Let’s race under the lights at DTS! 🌟

Looking for spectator tickets? Head Here

If you're not running, pacing or coaching - you need a spectator ticket!

Introducing tracksiding seating! Get up and close to the action.

Race Schedule:

5:25 - Open Mile (10:00 cutoff)

6:25 - Free Youth Mile (15:00 cutoff)

6:45 - Open 5000 (30:00 cutoff)

7:45 - 4x800 Relay (12:00 / 3:00 avg per leg cutoff)

8:15 - Select 5k

9:00 - Webb Mile

9:30 - Select 10k

Schedule subject to change

Youth mile - 13 & under (boys & girls combined)

Open races are men's, women's and nonbinary combined

Select heats & Webb Mile are women's followed by mens

Friday, June 12, 2026

George Mason University | Fairfax, VA

DMR • 800 • Mile • 5000 • Steeplechase

Community-to-Pro Racing

An electrifying night of racing under the lights.

Run Unbridled Track Fest brings together open runners, youth, high school and collegiate athletes, post-collegiates, and pros for one of the DMV’s most exciting track nights.

Come for your event. Stay for the atmosphere.

SANCTIONING

This meet is USATF and World Athletics sanctioned, making it eligible for:

Verified marks

Rankings

Qualifying standards

WHAT TO EXPECT

🎧 DJ spinning all night

🎤 Live professional announcing

🌮 Food trucks + ice cream truck

🍺 Aslin beer available on site

⚡ Community races → Select races → Championship DMR

This is where grassroots racing meets pro-level energy.

FEATURED EVENTS

Steeple Madness:

Open 2K & 3K Steeplechase

Select / Pro 3K Steeplechase

Select Championship Races:

800m

Mile

5000m

3K Steeplechase

Closing Event:

Distance Medley Relay (DMR)

DMV Club Championships

PRIZE MONEY

Select 3K Steeplechase

🥇 $350 | 🥈 $100 | 🥉 $50

(Men’s & Women’s)

DMR – DMV Club Championships

💰 $400 — Winner Take All

(Top Men’s & Women’s Teams)

RACE INFORMATION

All ages welcome (must be able to maintain a 10:00/mile pace)

Heats seeded by qualifying times

High school & collegiate athletes may compete in select/pro heats

Youth Mile (13 & under): FREE

PRELIMINARY SCHEDULE

Open races early. Championship racing under the lights.

(Subject to change. Final schedule posted on meet website.)

4:30 PM – Women’s Pole Vault

5:00 PM – Open Mile (10:00 cutoff)

5:40 PM – Free Youth Mile (15:00 cutoff)

5:55 PM – Open 5000m (30:00 cutoff)

6:25 PM – Open 800m (4:00 cutoff)

6:30 PM – Men’s Pole Vault

6:55 PM – Open 2K & 3K Steeplechase

🌙 Under the Lights

7:50 PM – Pugsley 3K Steeplechase

8:17 PM – Select 800m

8:28 PM – Select Mile

8:42 PM – Select 5000m

9:22 PM – Distance Medley Relay (DMR)

Schedule subject to change. Youth Mile: 13 & under (boys & girls combined). Open races: men’s, women’s, and nonbinary combined (except steeplechase). Select heats: women’s race followed by men’s race

NOT RACING? GET INVOLVED.

We’re always looking for volunteers and pacers.

Pacing needs: All distances and sections — from select fields to 10:00/mile pace.

Perks: Coaches, volunteers, and pacers receive free entry.

📧 Email: [email protected]

☁️ Weather Policy: In the event of inclement weather, races may be delayed until conditions are deemed unsafe to continue.

✨ Fast times. Big energy. Community to pro.

Let’s Run Unbridled. ✨