Entry fees for the MoCo CARES Charity Race run from $20 to $45, making it an accessible option for runners of all levels. Held in Gaithersburg, Maryland, this event takes place on October 3, 2026, at 7503 Muncaster Mill Road. The race offers three distance options: a 1-mile run, a 5K, and a 10K, giving participants flexibility based on their fitness level and goals. The event kicks off at 8:30 AM, allowing you to complete your race early in the day. As a charity-focused race, proceeds support a cause while you get your workout in. Whether you're training for a longer event or looking for a shorter competitive outing, this race accommodates various distances in one morning.
From the Race Organizer
Thank you for registering for our 5th annual charity race! We are excited to host this event and to interact with local community members and businesses. This race has grown from being a small community event (previously called LaunchCARES Charity Race) to a county-wide effort of uniting people and companies who CARE. We are thrilled to announce the charity recipients of the 2026 race - - - COMFORT CASES and COVENANT LIFE SCHOOL (our location host)! Both of these organizations work diligently to improve the lives of children in and around MoCo. Your donation is tax deductible. After the races are over we will work together on a service project for Comfort Cases . Together, we will aim to pack 1,000 backpacks of essential goods for children in foster care. Students participating in this will receive SSL hours for their time of service. It is our goal is to raise $100,000 with this event in 2026. YOU are helping make this a reality. YOU are helping to change lives of children and local families!!! UNABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE RACE? Please consider making a tax deductible donation by clicking on the DONATE button at the top of the page. You must be present at the award ceremony to claim prizes. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers (1st $200, 2nd $100, 3rd $50). Gift cards will be awarded to the top three male and female winners in the following age categories: Ages 10-14 Ages 15-19 Ages 20-29 Ages 30-39 Ages 40-49 Ages 50-59 Ages 60-69 Ages 70-79 Ages 80 and up Race day will be structured in a way that allows children and parents to participate! This is a family friendly event. We encourage full family participation! You may participate in more than 1 event. For example, we have many kids who do the 1-mile AND the Trike-a-Thon. Event Start Times: Timed 10k - 8:30 am Timed 5k - 8:45 am 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk - 9:00 am Kids Trike-A-Thon - 9:30 am Packet Pick-Up: PLEASE come pick up your swag bag, bib numbers, and race t-shirts before Saturday morning. This helps to ensure a much smoother race day event. Location: Launch 702 King Farm Blvd, Suite 150, Rockville, MD 20850. Free parking behind the building. It is a physical therapy and fitness gym - with a private side entrance. Time: Friday, October 2nd 9am-8pm (or Saturday morning starting at 7am if you absolutely cannot make it Friday).
Hotels Near This Race
Find accommodation close to the start line in Gaithersburg, MD. Sorted by distance from the race venue. Book early — race weekend hotels fill fast.
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for October 3.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Gaithersburg, MD.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
When is MoCo CARES Charity Race 2026 — Gaithersburg, MD?
MoCo CARES Charity Race 2026 — Gaithersburg, MD takes place on October 3, 2026. The race is held in Gaithersburg, Maryland.
Where is MoCo CARES Charity Race 2026 — Gaithersburg, MD held?
MoCo CARES Charity Race 2026 — Gaithersburg, MD is held at 7503 Muncaster Mill Road in Gaithersburg, Maryland.
Where can I find hotels near MoCo CARES Charity Race 2026 — Gaithersburg, MD?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Gaithersburg. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
