Whether you gravitate toward the light or the dark, there’s a spot for you at the finish line of the 2026 Healthy Strides Heroes vs. Villains 5K/10K. Suit up and join this thrilling community event that takes place at Burke Lake Park on Saturday, May 2.

Fairfax County Park Authority brings this annual event back with opportunities for the entire family. The event, set to upbeat, themed music, starts at 7:30 a.m. Begin with a group stretch and warm-up session. Walk, run or roll in the family friendly 5K (3.1 miles) that follows a tree-lined, paved road that is wheelchair and stroller accessible through the park. Step up to the challenge by participating in a competitive 10K that leads through a 6.2-mile wooded trail that circles the lake. Participants in the 10K must be able to maintain faster than a 17-minute mile and complete the course by 9:30 a.m. 

Take on this trek to earn a specially designed shirt and commemorative medal reflecting the race theme. The overall top finishers and top finishers in different age groups for both the 5K and 10K earn awards and bragging rights. Race participants can also register their children to participate in a Tots Dash (ages 2 to 5) and Kids Dash (ages 6 to 10) — short runs to the finish line for children of the 5K/10K participants.

Come out to cheer for the runners and enjoy the post-race refreshments and party. Please note that all race participants and spectators must wait until the race is over before leaving the park, since roadways will be closed for the runners.

A portion of the proceeds from the event goes to the Fairfax County Park Foundation to support beautiful Burke Lake Park. Opportunities to sponsor the popular 5K/10K Healthy Strides race are still available through the Fairfax County Park Foundation at Healthy Strides – Fairfax County Park Foundation.

Fairfax County Park Foundation also supports the Park Authority’s Healthy Strides program -- which offers free online fitness classes -- with monetary donations. Explore all the ways to become a partner and give support by visiting the Park Foundation's Healthy Strides website.

Burke Lake Park is located at 7315 Ox Road in Fairfax Station. For more information, visit the Burke Lake Park website or call 703-323-6600.

About the Fairfax County Park Foundation

The Fairfax County Park Foundation, a 501(c)(3), supports the Fairfax County Park Authority by raising private funds, obtaining grants, and creating partnerships that supplement tax dollars to meet our community’s needs for park land, facilities, and services. For more information, visit the Park Foundation website or call 703-324-8582.