Trail Running
Meet other local people interested in Trail Running: share experiences, inspire and encourage each other! Join a Trail Running group.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Check out trail running events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the trail running events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
Absolutely! Find trail running events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.
Trail Running Events Today
Join in-person Trail Running events happening right now
3 mile run in N. Kensington
We start our new run on the intersection of Woodson Ave. and Soward Dr. promptly at 6:05pm. There is street parking on Soward and Woodson. This route will take us through the Rock Creek Palisades Neighborhood near Albert Einstein High School.
STARTING AND ENDING POINT
http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/7/d/9/600_457062969.jpeg
FULL ROUTE:
http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/7/e/7/600_457062983.jpeg
Thursday Run: Ballston to Custis Trail
Come join other guys in their 20s and 30s for a friendly group run. This run is not competitive and all skill levels are welcome.
Join our [Slack](https://join.slack.com/t/arlington-run-club/shared_invite/zt-2lq70wa9t-INw_xk~MnZM~U41EQsKcXQ) to keep up to date with the group!
**MEETING SPOT:**
We'll meet a little before 6:30 PM at Ballston Local on N Glebe in front off the restaurant. See the pin below. Parking at the mall is only $1.00 after 6:00 PM. Then we'll head out right at 6:30 PM and eventually end up back where we started.
**ROUTE INFO:**
Here's our regular Thursday route, from the Bluemont Junction Trail to the W&OD Trail to the Custis Trail (about 4 miles): [https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/5952134599/](https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/5952134599/)
When viewing the route, you may want to login with a MapMyRun account and bookmark the route so you can load it later from the MapMyRun app on your phone.
**POST-RUN:**
After the run, we'll grab a drink nearby for those who are interested in sticking around.
**WEATHER:**
We won't run in the middle of a thunderstorm, but we'll still go if there's light rain. Many of us will plan to meet at the start time regardless and we can make a call then. We've learned that the weather can change quickly, so there's not much point in canceling the run prematurely.
**RSVP:**
If you are interested in joining, please join the group and then sign up for this event so we know you're coming. You're welcome to bring a friend -- all guys in their 20s and 30s are welcome -- but please have them sign up through Meetup or shoot us a message so we know how many people to expect.
PGRC Easy Run - Thursday Night
This regularly scheduled Thursday night run meets at the head of the Anacostia NE Branch trailhead. Meet at 6:30 pm for introductions and to decide what distance, time, or interval everyone's running. We hit the pavement by 6:45 pm.
This is a time-based run, usually 30 minutes out-and-back. For many it's about a 5k or more.
Runners of all abilities welcome! This is usually considered an 'easy' run. There is usually a group doing run-walk intervals, which is a great option especially for those just coming back to running.
VMO: Massanutten Death March (71 miles)
Yes, it's already approaching that special time of year... time for the Massanutten Death March! After consulting Jen and a few others, I'm putting up this placeholder with dates, and more details can be added or amended later.
To quote Michael: "DCUL's annual spring lap around Massanutten... is always a good test of your backpacking chops and your fitness coming out of the winter." To quote me, "You might cry. You might develop the largest blisters you ever had! Aaaaand... you might come back next year for more torture..."
I'm sticking with the classic version. So, we'll do the trip clockwise, Elizabeth Furnace to Veach Gap on Thursday (roughly 10m), Veach Gap to Waterfall Mountain on Friday (24m). Waterfall to Edinburgh Gap on Saturday (21m), and then back to the Signal Knob Parking lot (15m). NOTE: These splits are copied from last year's event and they do not match the Caltopo below, partly because the Sat/Sun splits show camping at Mudhole Gap but I'm going with Edinburgh Gap. We can make an updated Caltopo later. And, I know not everyone likes the Edinburgh campsite, but I don't want to add an extra 5 miles to Mudhole Gap on Saturday. We'll tag a few volunteers to reserve spaces.
If anyone would like to post a complementary Half-a-nutten (is that canonical language?) or LM trip for the same weekend, feel free!
I'll start group size at 10 plus myself, as Michael did last year. But we may add more spots later. You should be a veteran member to undertake this! It's always a memorable weekend!
Caltopo: https://caltopo.com/m/HNED
EARLY morning run - Bowie
Early riser? Need to get your run in before the kids are up and the busy-ness of the day sets in?
Join other early morning runners at the CAVA in Bowie, 15480 Annapolis Rd.
The group meets at 5:30am and promptly sets out for a 3-5 mile run along Annapolis Rd. It's best if you arrive a few minutes early.
**\*\*This is a regularly scheduled run and Kim, the run-host, does not check RSVPs on meetup. New runners are encouraged to email membership@pgrc.org for more info, prior to coming out.**
Weekly Run 'n' Quaff
Please join members of the the Arlington Running Club each Thursday night at 6:30 PM for our weekly Run 'n' Quaff at Astro Beer Hall located at 4001 Campbell Avenue, Arlington Virginia 22206 in the Shirlington neighborhood of Arlington, Virginia.
We are a laid back group of runners that enjoys running a 5-K (3.1 mile) course each week followed the quaffing of cold refreshing adult beverages.
We have runners of all abilities from the beginning runner / walker up through marathoners and ultra runners.
Our age group spans from early twenties through late seventies and all ages in between. There is someone your age range / someone your skill level at our weekly meetups.
No check-ins, waiver forms, or administrivia.
No rules, just right.
Please join us each and every Thursday night, rain or shine, for the Arlington Running Club!
Trail Running Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
39th Annual Springburst 10K and Kids One Mile Fun Run
Join the Prince George's Running Club for our 39th annual Springburst 10K and free Kids One Mile Fun-Run. The race will take place on Saturday, April 18th, starting at the Glenn Dale Splash Park.
Pre-registration is required via RunSignUp. Registration and more race information here: [https://runsignup.com/Race/MD/GlennDale/Springburst10K](https://runsignup.com/Race/MD/GlennDale/Springburst10K)
Sundays In The Park series
We meet on Sundays at 8 a.m. for training runs on some of DC's best trails, including Rock Creek Park and the surrounding area. We typically meet at either Peirce Mill in Rock Creek Park, or Roosevelt Island, depending on the route.
Details of the weekly schedule can be found here: https://new.vhtrc.org/runs/sip
We hope you can join us for a run! All paces and levels of trail experience are welcome for these runs, which range in distance from 6 to 9 miles.
Sunday Morning Long Run
Come out and run with us along the shady Anacostia Tributary Trails!
These runs tend to be longer than our other club runs. Average mileage is 4-6 miles, but some members might go farther (and others shorter).
We meet in front of Mission BBQ at 8:00AM for introductions, then walk over together to the Indian Creek Trailhead.
We are always happy to welcome new faces (and feet)!
Saturday Run - 50 min (25 out and 25 back)
This Saturday lets run to the National Mall! We will start at Roosevelt Island at the crosswalk in the center of parking lot.
(Note there is an alternative meeting spot, it is right on the Custis trail, on the North side of Gateway Park, near Langston Blvd and Lynn St; it will be clearly marked as the meeting spot if conditions are bad on a given Saturday. Ignore this unless told otherwise.
Afterwards stay for coffee, we'll wander up to Rosslyn and either meet in Compass or, if the weather is nice enough, at the Plaza opposite the Metro.
Note: Photos taken during the event may end up on Instagram, Meetup, Strava and similar platforms.
\|LOCATION:
Roosevelt Island Parking Lot. Use this map to locate the parking lot ([https://www.google.com/maps/place/38%C2%B053'48.2%22N+77%C2%B004'02.1%22W](https://www.google.com/maps/place/38%C2%B053'48.2%22N+77%C2%B004'02.1%22W)) [GPS: 38°53'51.99"N 77° 4'3.24"W]. To help new people find the group, please meet in the middle of the parking lot.
Please meet 10 min. before the start time.
Alternative location, ONLY when indicated, on the Custis trail, on the North side of Gateway Park, near Langston Blvd and Lynn St: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/3SNFYSkFv9rRQed37](https://maps.app.goo.gl/3SNFYSkFv9rRQed37)
PACE and MILEAGE:
All paces are welcome! We'll be doing an out and back route, so everyone will just turn around at the halfway time marker. We generally average from 8-12 min/miles and run for fifty minutes. But, you can run any amount of time or mileage. And if you need to walk, it's not a problem either, everyone needs to start somewhere!
ROUTE:
The usual route is [https://onthegomap.com/s/7r0gvj5r](https://onthegomap.com/s/7r0gvj5r). It may vary occasionally. The full circuit works out to around 8:30 min/mile for a 50 minute run. Slower paces can turn around earlier, faster paces can run farther.
PARKING:
Use this map ([http://bit.ly/i2dWD0](http://bit.ly/i2dWD0)) to find parking in Rosslyn. There are parking lots at Roosevelt Island and above the Continental Lounge. There are also meters and pay garages.
DIRECTIONS:
For those of you driving to Roosevelt Island, please note that the parking lot is only accessible from the NORTHBOUND lane of GW parkway. You will see it right after the Roosevelt Bridge. Also whenever it is warmer the parking lot fills up really quickly. You are strongly advised to use alternative travel or park in Rosslyn.
They do ticket illegally parked cars at the island!!
METRO:
Orange or blue to Rosslyn. From N. Moore St, turn left; right onto 19th St; cross Lynn St. and turn left; take the trail on the right just before the Key Bridge.
Turkey Run-Langley Oaks-Dead Run: Bluebells-a hunting we will go (Rating: C)
You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, **[https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf](https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf)** and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "**I accept**" to be permitted on the hike.
**5 mile loop with 476 ft. of elevation**
**Please Note:** The hike requires quite a bit of **maneuvering**
(rock scrambles, stream crossings, ascent/descent using ropes, over/under trees).
**This hike is only suitable if the Potomac River level is**
**not high and there has not been much rain in the previous**
**week which would make the streams difficult to cross.**
**DESCRIPTION:**
Come join me for this fun trail and enjoy this beautiful spring weather! We will descend from **[Turkey Run Park](https://gohikevirginia.com/turkey-run-park/)** to the **Potomac River** to hike along the **[Potomac Heritage Trail](https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/upload/POHEMap-508-2021.pdf)**[ ](https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/upload/POHEMap-508-2021.pdf)for a short distance before turning off towards **[Langley Oaks Park](https://liveandlethike.com/tag/langley-oaks-park/)** on our way to **[Dead Run](https://myhikes.org/trails/dead-run-hike)** where we'll stop for a **snack/lunch break** lounging on the rocks! We will then head back along the River to the parking lot.
**Bring:** adequate hydration, sturdy shoes, poles, snack/lunch
**Pace:** We hike at a pace of 2.0 to 2.5 mph while moving.
**Dogs**: No dogs on this hike per **[[NVHC Dog Policy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicyhttps://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolic)]**
**Park Entry Fee**: $0.00
**Where to Meet**: We will begin at **Turkey Run Park Lot C1** off of the **George Washington Memorial Parkway**. There is plenty of parking.
I have a Honda Fit, the hatchback will be up.
Please **arrive by 9:15** am to allow time for signing in. We'll start hiking at 9:30am.
**GPS Coord: 38.964339, -77.153148**
**[https://maps.app.goo.gl/KDBQ5BdcVQRGHCnP7](https://maps.app.goo.gl/KDBQ5BdcVQRGHCnP7)**
**[BLUEBELLS in Northern Virginia](https://gohikevirginia.com/bluebell-trails-virginia/)**
**Rehydration**: TBD
Leader: Dawn Keeler message me here or text to 703 533 9231
Saturday Morning #HillsForBreakfast
**Meet at the trail head at the Sweetgum picnic area.**
Come out and join us on the newly surfaced, rolling hills of Greenbelt National Park. This run through Greenbelt National Park consists of two loop that comes out to roughly 3 miles.
With 3 hills (run twice), this is a great way to get hills in before breakfast.
Both walkers and runners are welcome.
Trail Running Events Near You
Connect with your local Trail Running community
Alum Creek Trail Hike
Joins us for a 3 mile hike this Friday evening along the beautiful Alum Creek Trail. This fully paved trail is pretty flat and winds along Alum Creek. We will travel 1.5 miles south along the trail to a scenic bridge before turning around. Hope to see you Friday!
Hike Pickerington Ponds
We'll hike 3.4 miles on the Killdeer and Yellowlegs Trails - both out and back gravel trails. If we want more mileage we can repeat an out and back. Pace of around 3.5 mph, no one left behind and those who want to go faster sure can!
As always optional lunch after.
This is the second Metro Park in the lineup for me - with 21 to go (plus more are being added).
Drunken
This month's prompt concerns the idea of the “warrior philosopher” (seemed appropriate in these times)--that is someone whose understanding of violence, power, and justice is forged through direct experience of war. We are looking at Major General Smedley D. Butler, a highly decorated U.S. Marine raised in a Quaker (pacifist) tradition who later became a prominent critic of American militarism (there is a wonderful biography of Gen. Butler called "Gangsters of Capitalism")
Butler's argument in *War Is a Racket* (1935): that many U.S. interventions were driven less by national defense than by corporate and financial interests, with Butler portraying himself as an enforcer for business and Wall Street. We can consider the moral ambiguity of his insider critique—whether complicity strengthens or undermines credibility and also consider some of the concrete reforms he proposed (e.g., “conscript” capital before soldiers, restrict the military to coastal defense, and have only those who fight decide on war).
Butler’s life arc clearly changed from pacifist upbringing to warrior to antiwar crusader—and asks whether true understanding of peace requires firsthand knowledge of war, and what that implies about the cost of suffering. So do we need to suffer to understand suffering? Do we have to experience war to appreciate peace? As one more question: in the movie "A Few Good Men" Jack Nicholson's character says that "you have the luxury of not knowing what I know" so do most of us go through life oblivious to real violence and suffering? See you at Drunken Philosophy!
Brunch Club: Make New Friends
⚠️ **IMPORTANT: You must sign up and buy a ticket here to attend:**
[https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/)
**Join the Columbus City Brunch Club and make new friends!**
Each meetup brings together 4–6 people for casual conversations over brunch. We use the Groupvibe platform to facilitate the meetup and ensure everyone’s a good fit.
👉 **To attend, you’ll need to complete registration via this link:**
[https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/)
We’ll share the exact location of the upcoming meetup the night before only if you have bought a ticket or membership plan.
**Why this works:**
\* Smaller groups make real conversations easier.
\* Discover new restaurants in your city, together.
\* Curated lunch venues with good food and vibe.
\* If you hit it off with your group, there’s plenty of time to hang out afterwards.
**Note:**
RSVPs on Meetup don’t reflect total attendance. Many attendees register directly via our website. The event on [Meetup.com](http://meetup.com/) is only a placeholder.
This meetup is organized by Groupvibe, a small team passionate about helping people form meaningful friendships offline.
Hike Blacklick Woods and The Canopy. Optional lunch after.
Over time I'm hoping to organize a hike to all the Franklin County Metro Parks. This is the first one so if you're interested jump in!
We'll start with the Canopy Walk, a cool feature of this park. Climb 100 stairs to the top - or take the elevator if stairs aren't your thing. At the top there are a bunch of things to play on - a rope bridge, a fireman pole that we can slide down - and more! About fifteen minutes there and we'll head to the natural trail, Buttonbush, Maple and Beech Trail for 2.2 miles then do a 1.7 mile loop on the paved Greenway Trail. We'll be passing our cars as we transition if you only want to do the first loop, or the second loop. Pace of around 3.5 mph but no one left behind.
If there is an interest we can grab lunch nearby afterward.





























