Crystal City 5K Fridays

Course Information

The USATF-certified course runs along Crystal Drive starting and finishing across from the popular Crystal City Shops complex.

Course Records:

15:10, Bert Rodriquez (2011)
16:53, Susanna Sullivan (2014)

Crystal Run 5K Fridays

Fridays in April 3, 10, 17 and 24

Your favorite spring evening race series, the Crystal City 5K Fridays, is back! Join the Crystal City BID and Pacers Running every Friday in April at 6:30PM for one of the most popular and fun 5k races in the metro area!

Run the Series!

Be brave and run all four – competing each week to beat your previous time and start your weekends off with a fit start!

Register for one for $20 or register for all four for $60 (save $20!) and receive a free tech tee.

Confirm your successful registration – click here.
The Series default date of April 3 will appear on your confirmation email – check the details section to verify the actual race selection you’ve made.

Happy Hour Done Right

Runners will receive post-race party drink tickets attached to the race bib that can be used at various Crystal City establishments to include Tortoise & Hare, Crystal City Sports Pub, and Freddie’s Beach Bar.  In addition, these establishments will offer specials which we will announce each week at the race.

Shoe Lab is Back!

Our popular shoe test runs are back and we are bringing more brands to the Lab.  Each week we will have different shoes for you to test including models from: New Balance, Saucony, Hoka One One, Newton, Mizuno, and Adidas.

4/3 – New Balance /Saucony

4/10 – Mizuno /Adidas

4/17 – Newton / Hoka

4/24 – Mizuno / New Balance

First come first serve.  Come early to pick your test pair.  Shoe Lab opens at 5:30 PM near the start/finish line.

Packet Pickup Details: 

Pick up your bib at Pacers Pentagon Row (just minutes from Crystal City) anytime during normal business hours through April 24th.  Miss the heavy pre-race rush and pick up your bib early.

Or, bibs will be available on race site every week starting at 5:30 PM.

If you are registered for more than one race in the series (or are considering running more than one in the series), please do NOT discard your bib.  You will use the same bib for multiple races.

Race Amenities:

There will be a self serve Bag Drop  area overseen by Pacers Running staff members.  But, Pacers Running is not responsible for lost or stolen items– check at your own risk.

Nearby, the Crystal Park Sport and Health Club  will be offering post race showers to participants-

2231 Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA 22202

Easy to Get Here!

With METRO, bike share, and the trails nearby you can commute to Crystal City in a snap! Need a place to park? You may park for free after 4PM in the parking garage at 2100 Crystal Drive, or any public parking garages located in the Crystal City area.

Start Location

2121 Crystal Drive (Between 20th and 23rd Streets)

Start time is 6:30 PM SHARP.  Please note that due to course limitations, late participant starts will NOT be permitted.

Course Map:

Inclement Weather Policy:

Weather can be unpredictable in April but our aces are held rain or shine. In the event of inclement weather (e.g. lightning), we will hold up the start in 15 minute increments. If necessary please seek shelter in the Crystal City Underground located directly across from the start. Please listen for announcements and/or adjusted start times and check our twitter (@runpacers) and facebook feeds for updates.  

Other Race Details:

We will need to enforce a course time limit.  You must be able to finish the 5K course in 1 hour 5 minutes or less

There are no overall or age group awards for this series.