Running Shorts

General area of the August Metropolitan Branch Trail attacks.
  • Police patrols have increased and overgrown trees have been trimmed around the Metropolitan Branch Trail following two August evening attacks on the trail by groups of assailants.

The Washington Post reports a runner was punched in the face Aug. 15 and surrounded by five suspects, who took the runner’s phone. On Aug. 11,  four robbers, one with a knife,  surrounded the victim, taking a phone and $30.

Both incidents occurred at the north end of the trail before it reaches Edgewood Street NE, near the Dew Drop Inn, and both happened around 8:45 p.m.

  • WTOP reports that a man attempted to abduct a woman running on a trail near 8351 Stonewall Road in Manassas Aug. 18 at 9:38 a.m.

 

Recent Stories

  Looking for our race calendar? Click here   Submit races here or shop local for running gear  

Coaching high school cross country and track made Kelyn Soong a better runner.

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A break from racing one of my favorite events gave me a chance to help other runners reach their time goals.

Eight local runners will compete in the Olympic Marathon Trials Saturday morning in Orlando.

Blackwater Canyon Half Marathon

A point to point race on pavement, dirt, and gravel. Course descends 1400 ft. Entry will close at 200 runners. $60 before August 13; $75 after August 13. Start at 9 am in Thomas; Finish at Mill Race Park, Parsons.

Blue Ridge Marathon

10K, Team Relay, Half Marathon, Full Marathon, Double Marathon in Roanoke, Virginia.
April 18, 2026
More elevation change than any other road race in the country and a full weekend of live music, recovery events, and southern hospitality.

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