MCRRC Low-Key Races
Low-key.
Not unofficial
Simple format. Real racing. MCRRC low-key races keep what matters: timing, courses, community, race photos, and a year-round calendar across Montgomery County.
Memorial Day 4-Miler · 2025 · photo: M. Garcia Ripa
What low-key really means
- Not another entry fee
- Free for members
- Not one-and-done
- Year-round calendar
- Not road-only
- Track, road & trail
- Not just 5Ks
- 1 mile to half marathon
The
low-key
race year
All races below are free for MCRRC members. Exact dates may shift year to year. See mcrrc.org/calendar for the current schedule.
- January
- New Year’s Day Race
- February
- Kemp Mill (C)hills
- April
- Capital for a Day
- August
- Groovin’ Woodstock Eastern County
- September
- Lake Needwood Country Road Run
- October
- Matthew Henson Trail Black Hill
- November
- Turkey Burnoff
- December
- Seneca Slopes Jingle Bell Jog
Make a season of it.
The races are fun on their own. The series add another layer: season-long scoring, friendly rivalries, progress over time, and a reason to keep showing up.
Road · Track · Classics
The Championship Series.
Road, track, and classic club races for runners who like benchmarks, standings, and friendly competition across the year.
See standings →Dirt · Hills · Woods
The Trail Series.
A parallel season on dirt, hills, woods, and Montgomery County park trails for runners who want a different kind of racing rhythm.
See standings →Questions
Are MCRRC low-key races really free?
Yes, for MCRRC members. Membership starts at $40/year for an individual adult.
Are the races timed?
Yes. Low-key races are professionally timed club races with published results.
Do I have to be fast?
No. MCRRC’s motto is “A Place for Every Pace.” Walkers, beginners, experienced runners, and competitive racers are all welcome.
Where do I register?
Members only need to register once for the low-key season, then keep their assigned bibs and chips for the year. Non-members register and pay for each race through RunSignup. Use the MCRRC race calendar to find upcoming events and registration links.
What’s the difference between low-key races and MCRRC’s featured races?
The 21 races on this page are MCRRC’s club low-key races: included with membership, simpler production, focused on the running. MCRRC also organizes a handful of larger featured races: Pikes Peek, Parks Half Marathon, Seneca Greenway, Rockville 5K/10K, Kids on the Run, Suds & Soles, Run for Roses, Stone Mill, and Run Under the Lights. Featured races have separate registration and separate pricing (members typically still get a discount, but they aren’t free). This page is about the low-key calendar.
Are there shirts or medals?
No. Low-key races do not have shirts or medals.
Are kids and families welcome?
Yes. Many events are family-friendly, and MCRRC offers household membership for families running together.
What kinds of races are included?
The 20+ race calendar includes track events, relays, road races, trail races, 5Ks, 10Ks, 10-milers, half marathons, and more.
Can I run a shorter distance at some races?
Yes. Several races offer multiple distances. Piece of Cake includes both a 10K and a 5K; Turkey Burnoff has a 10-miler and a 5-miler. Pick the distance that fits your training.
Can non-members run?
Yes. Non-members are welcome at low-key races for $22 per race. For less than two non-member race fees, an individual membership starts at $40/year and includes the full low-key calendar at no extra cost.
What’s the MCRRC Youth Running Series?
It’s the kids’ version of the club calendar. Kids 17 and under can run age-appropriate distances at many Championship Series races. Free for kids of MCRRC member families. Learn about MCRRC Youth Running →
A place for every pace
$40 a year. 20+ free races for members.
Join MCRRC →Est. 1978 · Montgomery County Road Runners Club