Race previews: GCF half-marathon, turkey trots, holiday runs

Runners at the start of the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Turkey Chase.

Is there a better time and place to race than late fall in Washington? The cool weather, coupled with stunning foliage, beg runners to pick up the pace a notch, and a packed race schedule offers plenty of options for runners looking to stretch their legs.

A few of this Examiner's favorite picks:

Washington hosts a brand-new half-marathon at 7 a.m. Nov. 8.  The Race To End Women's Cancer, sponsored by the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation, winds through downtown Washington, starting and finishing at 14th Street NW and Pennsylvania Avenue. Race weekend also includes a 5K. Both events aim to raise money to support GCF programs that provide research for gynecologic cancer, promote public awareness of the disease, and educate  women about prevention, early detection and proper post-diagnosis treatments

Thanksgiving Day brings a bevy of turkey trots, including:

Arlington Turkey Trot 5K, Arlington, Va., 8 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 26

34th Alexandria Turkey Trot 5 Mile, Alexandria, Va., 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 26

LARS/CARMAX Laurel Turkey Trot 5K, Laurel, Md., 8 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 26

SOME Trot for Hunger 5K, West Potomac Park, DC, 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 26

Bethesda-Chevy Chase Turkey Chase 10K, Bethesda, Md., 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 26

Runners who will be out of town for Thanksgiving may want to keep an eye on these festive holiday races:

Jingle All The Way 10K, West Potomac Park, Washington, D.C., 7:45 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 13, offers jingle bells for all participants' shoes.

The Fairfax Four Miler, a New Year's twilight run through Fairfax, Va., will offer commemorative Adidas sweatshirts for the first 1,400 registrants.