Lovers Half
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Event overview
The 2026 Lovers race takes place on February 14 at Burke Lake Park in Fairfax Station, VA. The event offers three distances:
- 5k
- 10k
- Half marathon
Points from the races count toward the organizer’s Year-Long 5k, 10k, Endurance, and Back of the Pack Series, and toward the Winter Series. The event partners with the Organization for Autism Research. A virtual race option is available. Registered runners receive a finisher’s medal, a technical (Dri-fit) event shirt, and chip timing. T-shirt color choices are offered at registration (red, green, yellow); shirt requests must be made before February 4 to be guaranteed.
Course and race logistics
All courses run on park trails that are described as fairly flat and well maintained, with some roots to navigate. The 5k and 10k are single out-and-back routes; the half marathon is an out-and-back completed twice. Water stations and some Gatorade will be provided: the half marathon has nine stations at approximate mile markers; the 10k has three stations; the 5k has two. Packet pickup is available at the event; organizers recommend arriving about 60 minutes before a runner’s start. Race day registration is offered, though t-shirt sizes cannot be guaranteed for those registering on race day. Live results will be posted during the race and final results with series points will be posted the Monday after the event. Awards are given to the top three men and women overall and to the top two in standard age-group bands. Parking is at Shelter A in Burke Lake Park; restrooms are at the far end of that parking lot. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
