A few great summer races in Washington

June 26, 4:37 AMDC Running Fitness ExaminerAmy Reinink

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The start of the Crystal City Twilighter 5K last year.

The Washington area is rife with races in the summer, with a spate of 5Ks and 10Ks just about every weekend.

But some summer races stand out from the others, thanks to a flat, forgiving course, a cool post-race party, a respite from the pavement or a great cause. Below are just a few great summer races that fit the bill:

The Crystal City Twilighter 5K in Crystal City at 8 p.m. July 25 offers cooler nighttime temperatures, a speedy course and great perks, including a post-race party and a technical T-shirt for all participants.

The Potomac Valley Track Club Go Fourth 8K at 7:30 a.m. July 4 at Belle Haven Park in Alexandria offers a low-key -- and low-cost -- option, and an active way to celebrate the Fourth. Beautiful riverfront course.

Blue Crab Bolt 10K Trail Running Series, Montgomery County. If you missed EX2 Adventures' early-season races, or if you're looking for a shorter-distance trail race, try this series. The first race, on Aug. 1, is held at Seneca Creek State Park in Gaithersburg, Md. The second is Aug. 15, in Little Bennett Regional Park in Clarksburg, Md. Race organizers describe the  courses as "fun and challenging," with "a mixture of winding single-track hiking trails, stream crossings, grassy fields and minimal pavement." And in August, minimal pavement is a good thing indeed.

Larry Noel 12K and 8K, 8 a.m. Aug. 22 in Beltsville, Md. This longtime Washington-area favorite benefits Girls Gotta Run, a Washington-based nonprofit that raises money to support Ethiopian girls training to be professional runners. The race celebrated its 50th anniversary last year. Organizers say the new distance -- it was previously a 15K -- and new date -- it's traditionally held Labor Day weekend -- make it the perfect tuneup for the Annapolis Ten Miler the next weekend and the Virginia Beach Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon Sept. 6.

Don't see your favorite summer race on this list? Add it by posting a comment.