A rhyming nickname of “fantastic” is used by some to describe what quickly has become a popular annual high-school track-and-field meet held at Robinson Secondary School in Fairfax.
The large four-year-old girls and boys outdoor event called the Ramtastic Invitational recently was held all day on Saturday, April 11. There were athletes from 34 schools from throughout the metro area.
It’s been a minute.
As you may have noticed, RunWashington has been largely idle over the past couple of years. Our race calendar was still very much active, but original articles were put on the back burner.
Join the Organization for Autism Research for the 2026 Active for Autism 5K and Kids Dash in support of Autism Acceptance Month! This fun, family-friendly 5K features a flat out-and-back course, kid-friendly activities, a raffle, a coffee truck, and more. The race takes place on April 19th at 8 am on Main Line Boulevard near George Washington Middle School in Alexandria, Virginia. Register now using the code ACTIVE10 for 10% off your registration.
On your mark, get set, go!
For those involved or interested in the springtime’s high school outdoor track-and-field seasons throughout the metro area, the campaign is about to explode with many big events in coming days and weeks.
Once prohibited in Arlington County, pole vaulting is now allowed, and the event has become quite popular at two public high schools in the county.
With the 2026 outdoor spring high-school season now underway, a number of vaulters from Arlington schools, girls and boys, are expected to be among the best during regular-season and postseason meets.
Winter is still raging, but it’s time to start planning your spring race calendar.
From fast and flat courses along the Potomac to challenging mountain marathons, there’s something for every runner in the months ahead in Virginia, Maryland and the D.C. area.
Below are some notable events to consider.
Burke Lake 12K — March 8, Fairfax Station, Va.
A picturesque 12K loop around Burke Lake on mildly rolling terrain, hosted by DC Road Runners. The race starts and finishes near the park’s Ice Cream Parlor parking lot. Free for club members; $10 for non-members.
Four Courts Four Miler — March 14, Arlington, Va.
DC Road Runners partners with Ireland’s Four Courts for this St. Patrick’s Day tradition along Wilson Boulevard. The 4-mile out-and-back course features a fast downhill first half, then challenges runners with an uphill return. Registration is $45 through March 9.
Grand Slamrock — March 14, Fredericksburg, Va.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and the approach of baseball season at Virginia Credit Union Stadium, home of the FredNats. This Arsenal Events race features a USATF-certified 5K course that finishes on the field. Top male and female finishers earn the chance to throw out a first pitch at a FredNats game later this season.
Belle Haven 10K — March 22, Alexandria, Va.
A flat and fast out-and-back 10K along the Mount Vernon Trail, perfect for chasing a PR. Hosted by DC Road Runners, the race starts and finishes at Belle Haven Park along the Potomac River. Free for members; $10 for non-members.
43rd Annual Main Street Mile — April 8, Westminster, Md.
A downhill mile with a 144-foot drop from start to finish — this Westminster Road Runners Club race is as fast as it gets. Course records stand at 3:54.6 for men and 4:32.9 for women. The evening race starts at 7 p.m., followed by ice cream sandwiches for all finishers.
New River Trail Races — April 11, Fries, Va.
For trail and ultra enthusiasts, this race offers distances from 10K up to 100K on a flat, 100% dirt course along the New River in southwest Virginia. The 100K features a belt buckle for finishers. All races are out-and-back courses through the scenic state park.
Big Cork Wine Run 5K — April 11, Rohrersville, Md.
Run through the rolling landscape of Big Cork Vineyards in western Maryland, then enjoy some award-winning wine. The course showcases the vineyard’s scenic microclimate terrain. Open to runners and walkers.
Blue Ridge Marathon — April 18, Roanoke, Va.
Billed as “America’s Toughest Road Race,” this event features more elevation change than any other road marathon in the country. Choose from 10K, half marathon, full marathon, or even a double marathon. A full weekend of live music and recovery events accompanies the race.
Run Thru Reston — April 26, Reston, Va.
Reston Runners’ annual premier event features a half marathon and 5K on rolling paved trails. Both races start and finish on the track at South Lakes High School. The half marathon begins at 7:30 a.m., with the 5K following at 7:45 a.m.
These are just a handful of the races on tap this spring. For the complete calendar of upcoming events, visit RunWashington’s race calendar.
With individuals and teams winning races or placing high in various postseason meets, the 2025 high-school cross-country season during the fall was a big success for Arlington runners.
There also were some significant achievements for runners and teams from Fairfax County schools, especially from Potomac School on the private-school level.
Multiple local high-school indoor track-and-field squads have enough depth to contend for district, conference, region and state titles when playoffs begin at the end of the month.
On the girls side, the South County Stallions are the defending public-school Class 6 state indoor and outdoor champion from the 2025 track-and-field seasons.