Was your New Year’s resolution to get in seriously great shape? Challenge yourself? Try something new? Then the list below is definitely for you. Sometimes setting a goal like a big race or a group hike is just what you need to get off the couch and into the gym on a consistent basis. If you like facing big challenges and coming out stronger, try signing up for one of these big events coming to DC in 2019!

Rock and Roll Marathon

Perhaps the most infamous DC marathon is Rock and Roll Marathon (RnRDC). It may also be the most fun. Picture a course with integrated cheer teams and live music; imagine a finish line that doubles as a rock concert. That’s what you get with RnR, and it also goes to a good cause: St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. The event will be making its way to DC on March 3rd and with it will come a schedule of activities including a health and fitness expo, as well as two smaller races: a half and a 5k. Register online now and get to training!

American Odyssey Relay

Maybe you can’t run 200 miles alone, but it’s more fun as a group anyways. Register as a team or as a solo and make new lifelong friends as you pass the baton and work your way from Gettysburg to Waterfront Washington DC for a finale party you don’t want to miss! American Odyssey is special because it’s a race designed to be enjoyable for runners, by runners! You’ll be surrounded by positivity, determination and FUN as you smash your goals over two days: April 26th and 27th. Races benefit Team Red, White, and Blue as well as Hope Connections for Cancer Support.

Bike to the Beach

I can’t think of anything more fun than a bike ride at the beach, except for maybe a bike ride to the beach WITH a community of individuals raising money for Autism Awareness and Autism-related partner charities! On August 9th, you can join the bikers on their pursuit from Washington, DC to Dewey Beach, Delaware! Online, you can register, learn more about the rid, and download a training program to help get your body prepared for the big day! While you’re thinking about how rewarding it would be to cross that 100+ mile finish line, go ahead to their website and sign on up!

Virginia Xtreme Hike

Xtreme Hike for Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is the perfect event if you’re an avid hiker looking for a true team experience. As their website says, the experience starts the moment you sign up. Not only does this team hike a marathon distance (26.2 miles) in one day, but they train together through 5 different training hikes to do it. You’ll find new heights in your fitness and philanthropy, and as you raise money to better the lives of those diagnosed with CF, you may find yourself bettering your own life as well. The date is September 9th and fundraising has already begun! Visit their website for more info.

Over the Edge for Brain Cancer

Adrenaline Junkie? Ready to face your fear of heights? Over the Edge for Brain Cancer is an event where participants raise a minimum of $1,500 to rappel down the side of the Hyatt Regency Crystal City. No experience necessary. If you think you’ve got what it takes, you’ve got until around October 2019 to plan your fundraising strategy and whip together some courage. The 2018 event was held October 27th, but the 2019 date has not yet been announced, so keep checking back in with Over the Edge online.

If you’re thinking you want to keep conquering your goals on a smaller scale, check out these local hot spots that are sure to have you crushing it in no time.

No matter how you choose to get fit this year, tag us on social using #DCFray and #FrayLife to keep us on our toes!

View More Articles By Masha Bernam