RUNNING Dec. 5: Jingle Bell 5K Run/Walk, Gainesville, 8 a.m. This timed race also includes a 1-mile fun run. Race packets will contain jingle bells for participants to tie to their shoes. All participants are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Northern Virginia Family Service holiday toy drive. Info: eteamz.com.
Dec. 5: Frozen Slopes Cross Country, Derwood, 9 a.m. This is a 6K run over varied terrain at Meadowside in Rock Creek Park, sponsored by the Montgomery County Road Runners Club. Info: mcrrc.org.
Dec. 5: Wright Stuff 5K Fun Run & Walk, Greenbelt, 9 a.m. The race celebrates the 106th anniversary of flight. It starts near the Greenbelt Youth Center and takes runners aroung Greeenbelt Lake. Info: pgrc.org.
Dec. 5: Reindeer Run, Fort Meade, 8 a.m. This is a 5K beginning at the Fort Meade Pavilion in Anne Arundel County. Info: ftmeademwr.com.
Dec. 6: Columbia Metric Marathon & 5K, Columbia, 8 a.m. This race takes runners over 26.2K, or 16.3 miles, in residential areas and wooded trails. Finishers receive running gloves, plus long-sleeve dry-release shirts. Info: striders.net.
Dec. 6: Backyard Burn Trail Running Series, Clifton, 9 a.m. The Backyard Burn is a series of 5- and 10-mile trail races in Northern Virginia. The race, to be held in Hemlock Overlook, will feature stream crossings, forested fire roads, hiking trails and fields. Info: ex2adventures.com.
SWIMMING
Dec. 13: Last Chance Meet, Washington, 9 a.m. This meet will be held at the the new Wilson High School Aquatic Facility near American University. Races will be held in a 25-meter pool and will include 50-, 100- and 200-meter races of all strokes, plus both the 400 freestyle and 400 individual medley.
TRIATHLON
Dec. 5: Triathlon clinic, Manassas, 8:30 a.m. This all-day clinic at Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center includes workshops on swimming, biking and running, sessions on nutrition and transitions, and a workshop on changing a tire. Info: triitnow.com.
