
Run Like Michael is a running race on October 11, 2026 in Darnestown, MD, with an entry fee of $30.
From the Organizer
Join us on October 11, 2026 for the inaugural Run Like Michael 5K, hosted by the Michael Long Memorial Fund, Inc., as we come together to honor and celebrate the life of Michael Patrick Long.
Set on the trails of Bretton Woods, this event features a 5K trail run and a 1-mile walk, welcoming runners, walkers, families, friends, and community members of all ages and abilities. Whether you’re racing the trails, enjoying a walk in nature, or cheering from the sidelines, your participation helps make a meaningful impact.
Run Like Michael is more than a race. It’s a community coming together to raise funds and awareness for addiction prevention, education, and support. Through compassionate giving and community partnership, our mission is to combat addiction and support organizations that provide prevention services, treatment and recovery resources, and guidance for families and loved ones affected by substance use disorders.
Whether you join us as a runner, walker, sponsor, donor or all of the above, your involvement helps reduce stigma, strengthen hope, and give support and healing to individuals and communities affected by the disease of addiction.
We hope you’ll join as we run, walk, and remember Michael together.
Packet Pickup
- Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026, 6pm-8pm, Bretton Woods Recreation Center, International Pavilion, 15700 River Rd, Darnestown, MD 20874
Race Day
- Registration opens at 7:30am
- 5k Run / 1 Mile Walk starts at 9:00am
Runners/Walkers Amenities
Runners/walkers will receive the following:
- T-shirts (not guaranteed if registered after Sep. 27, 2026)
- Post race pizza from Mamma Lucia, snacks and refreshments.
Want to Donate or Sponsor the Race?
Donors - We are grateful for donations of any amount! To donate, click the donate button above, or at the end of the race registration process.
Sponsors - Thank you to our generous sponsors who help underwrite the race. To become a sponsor, click the donate button above and donate at one of the following levels:
- $1,000 Gold Sponsor: premier placement of logo on race day banner, website, and T-shirts; 4 complimentary race entries.
- $750 Silver Sponsor: featured logo on race day banner, website, and T-shirts; 2 complimentary race entries.
- $500 Bronze Sponsor: logo on race day banner, website, and T-shirts; 1 complimentary race entry.
Follow us:
Instagram @runlikemichael5k
Facebook @runlikemichael5k
The Run Like Michael 5k is hosted by the Michael Long Memorial Fund, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law. Our bylaws and governing documents are available upon request.
Events
Weather
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
68°
Typical Low
50°
Chance of Rain
28%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Rockville 1 Ne, 8 mi from the venue.
Host City
Nearest Airport
IAD
Washington Dulles International Airport · 16 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
Line up lodging and travel early to lock in your race weekend.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Run Like Michael, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
80
Days to train
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From Endurance Grid
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.
From 5K to marathon, running races are an accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Coming Up
Blue Crab Bolt Trail Run - Schaeffer Farms
Less than a mile away
Kentlands/Lakelands 5K Run/Walk
3 miles away
Montgomery County Interfaith 5K
2 miles away
Schaeffer Half Marathon, 10K, 5K Trail Run
Less than a mile away
Plan your trip
Coming from out of town? There's more to Darnestown than race day. We'll help you line up nearby lodging, flights, a rental car, and things to do so you can make the most of your racecation.
Plan your trip to DarnestownFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Run Like Michael
Oct 11, 2026