It’s just about time for hundreds of Washingtonians to make New Year’s resolutions that they won’t keep for even an entire week. Topping that list is the perennial “work out more.” But before your resolutions move to the couch with you, plenty of local races offer you the opportunity to at least start 2010 on the right foot.
Dec. 31: Festival of Lights 5K Run, Centreville, 3 p.m. The race is a 5K (3 miles) in Bull Run Regional Park. The race benefits the American Diabetes Association and the park. Info: bullrunrunners.com.
Jan. 1: Resolution Run Prediction Run 8K, Columbia. The goal of this 8K, hosted by the Howard County Striders, is to finish as closely to 11 a.m. as possible. No watches, coaches or other help are allowed. Info: www.striders.net.
Jan. 1: New Year’s Day 5K, Gaithersburg, 10 a.m. The race starts at Philbin’s Family Fitness & Athletic Training Center on Gaither Road. Info: www.mcrrc.org. Jan. 1: Rotary Resolution Run, Leesburg, 10:25 a.m. The 10K will lead runners through the hills of the Morven Park Estate, while the 4K run/walk will take participants to the park mansion. Info: runwashington.com. Jan. 1: Resolution Run 5K, Fredericksburg, 11 a.m. This race, late enough so you can sleep in after a late night of ringing in the new year, is being sponsored by the Stafford YMCA. Info: racetimingunlimited.org. Jan. 2: Brats Frozen 5K, Manassas, 9 a.m. The race, for those who want to recover from New Year’s Eve for a day before racing, will take runners three miles on a flat course. Info: bristowtriandswim.com.
