Candy Cane Dash logo
Running

Candy Cane Dash

Date
December 5, 2026
Distance
5K · ASA 5K · 1K Fun Run & more

From the Organizer

JOIN US:

This beautiful and fun 5K dash around Frederick Maryland's Baker Park is held annually on the first Saturday of December to benefit Girls on the Run of Mid and Western Maryland. Come ready to compete, or come in a (safe) costume - we'll provide a high-energy event for all!

WHAT IS GIRLS ON THE RUN?

Girls on the Run (GOTR) is a youth development after school program for girls in 3rd-8th grade. The program is dedicated to inspiring girls to be joyful, healthy and confident while creatively integrating running or movement. Each season concludes with a celebratory 5K run!

Companion Race - Gingerbread Dash 5K!
Includes linking medals!

The elves are once again excited to bring back the Dash spirit to Downtown Hagerstown on Sunday, December 6, 2026 with the Gingerbread Dash! This event promises to be the perfect complement to the Candy Cane Dash, with plenty of holiday cheer to go around! For information about the Gingerbread Dash visit us at www.gingerbreaddash.org.

Events

ASA 5K8:50 AMRegister →
1K Fun Run8:30 AMRegister →
Virtual 5K9 AMRegister →

Weather

Typical Conditions

It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A 7-day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.

Typical High

50°

Typical Low

33°

Chance of Rain

30%

Based on US Climate Normals data from Frederick Police Brks, 2 mi from the venue.

Sunrise 7:15 AMSunset 4:47 PMDaylight 9h 32m

Host City

About Frederick, MD

Population

80,617

as of 2023

Elevation

329 ft

Nearest Airport

HGR

Hagerstown Regional Richard A Henson Field · 26 mi

Major Hub

IAD

Washington Dulles International Airport · 33 mi

Time Zone

Eastern Time

From Endurance Grid

A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.

Race Location

From Endurance Grid

About This Sport

Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.

With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.

Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.

Read the Guide

Running

From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Candy Cane Dash?
Candy Cane Dash is a running race held in Frederick, Maryland on December 5, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
When and where is the Candy Cane Dash?
Saturday, December 5, 2026 in Frederick, Maryland at 121 North Bentz St, Frederick, MD. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
How do I register for the Candy Cane Dash?
Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.

Candy Cane Dash

Dec 5, 2026

Register →