FCEF Run for the Schools
The Falls Church community laced up for the 22nd annual FCEF Run for the Schools. With more than 900 runners on the course, the day was a true celebration of school spirit and community support. Even the rain clouds couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the Little City! Huge thanks to our participants, volunteers, and sponsors who made the event possible! And a shout-out to Meridian Cheerleaders for cheering on our runners at the start and finish, the Cross Country team for encouraging runners along the course, and the Volleyball team for adding extra fun with face painting. Proceeds will fuel teacher grants, professional development, and programs that benefit students all year long.
2026 Run for the Schools Sponsors
Community Partners
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Additional Sponsors
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Run for the Schools FAQs
WHAT: Falls Church Education Foundation's 22nd Annual Run for the Schools
WHEN: September 20, 2026
WHERE: 300 Park Avenue (between City Hall entrance and the MRS Library)
MAY WE BRING MORE RUNNERS/WALKERS? Please do! In-person registration is available at either packet pick-up or race day between 7-7:30am.
WHAT SHOULDN'T WE BRING? Please leave all scooters, skateboards, bikes, skates, etc. and your PETS at home. This is for the safety of all of our participants and we appreciate your compliance.
PACKET PICKUP: PACKET PICK UP opens Friday, September 18, from 4:00–7:00 pm at Meridian High School (121 Mustang Alley, Falls Church, VA). On Saturday, September 19, packets can be picked up either at Meridian High School from 9:00 am–12:00 pm or at the Falls Church Fall Festival from 10:00 am–4:00 pm. Packets will also be available on race morning, Sunday, September 20, starting at 6:45 am at the race site.
RACE PARKING: Available in the parking garage for Kaiser Permanente at 201 N. Washington St., Falls Church at the corner of N. Washington St. and Park Ave. Park on level 2 or above. Please note the race course will be closed so you will not be able to park on the race streets, but there is additional street parking and we encourage walking/biking to the starting line for an additional warm-up.
WARM UPS: Begin at 7:45 AM. Please allow for enough time to park and to get to the starting line on time. The starting line is in the 300 block of Park Ave., between the City Hall and Mary Riley Styles Public Library.
RACE: The 5K will begin promptly at 8:00 AM; if you intend to run 7-minute miles or below, please line up at the front. The 1-Mile Fun Run will begin at 8:05 a.m., and we ask that you line up at the back of the running pack and wait for a separate start command. The one-mile course turns left on Virginia Avenue from Great Falls. Check out the course map.
POST-RACE: Water and granola bars will be available at the end of the race. Kids (and kids at heart!) can enjoy the face painting, and family friendly games at the conclusion of the race.
AWARDS: Stick around for the awards ceremony! Fastest runners overall, 11 age categories, fastest staff members and first to finish 5K with a stroller.
SOCIAL MEDIA: Follow the Falls Church Education Foundation on social media to share photos of your run. Tag us using #FCEFRunfortheSchools.
WHAT: Falls Church Education Foundation's 22nd Annual Run for the Schools
WHEN: September 20, 2026
WHERE: 300 Park Avenue (between City Hall entrance and the MRS Library)
MAY WE BRING MORE RUNNERS/WALKERS? Please do! In-person registration is available at either packet pick-up or race day between 7-7:30am.
WHAT SHOULDN'T WE BRING? Please leave all scooters, skateboards, bikes, skates, etc. and your PETS at home. This is for the safety of all of our participants and we appreciate your compliance.
PACKET PICKUP: PACKET PICK UP opens Friday, September 18, from 4:00–7:00 pm at Meridian High School (121 Mustang Alley, Falls Church, VA). On Saturday, September 19, packets can be picked up either at Meridian High School from 9:00 am–12:00 pm or at the Falls Church Fall Festival from 10:00 am–4:00 pm. Packets will also be available on race morning, Sunday, September 20, starting at 6:45 am at the race site.
RACE PARKING: Available in the parking garage for Kaiser Permanente at 201 N. Washington St., Falls Church at the corner of N. Washington St. and Park Ave. Park on level 2 or above. Please note the race course will be closed so you will not be able to park on the race streets, but there is additional street parking and we encourage walking/biking to the starting line for an additional warm-up.
WARM UPS: Begin at 7:45 AM. Please allow for enough time to park and to get to the starting line on time. The starting line is in the 300 block of Park Ave., between the City Hall and Mary Riley Styles Public Library.
RACE: The 5K will begin promptly at 8:00 AM; if you intend to run 7-minute miles or below, please line up at the front. The 1-Mile Fun Run will begin at 8:05 a.m., and we ask that you line up at the back of the running pack and wait for a separate start command. The one-mile course turns left on Virginia Avenue from Great Falls. Check out the course map.
POST-RACE: Water and granola bars will be available at the end of the race. Kids (and kids at heart!) can enjoy the face painting, and family friendly games at the conclusion of the race.
AWARDS: Stick around for the awards ceremony! Fastest runners overall, 11 age categories, fastest staff members and first to finish 5K with a stroller.
SOCIAL MEDIA: Follow the Falls Church Education Foundation on social media to share photos of your run. Tag us using #FCEFRunfortheSchools.
In 2026, more than 900 runners, walkers, and strollers filled the streets of Falls Church City to celebrate community and support FCCPS at our 22nd annual Run for the Schools. We are deeply grateful to our generous sponsors for investing in our schools, and to the many volunteers who kept the event running smoothly—from start to finish.
A huge shout out to our photographer Mei-Ling Fitzpatrick! Share your photos on social media and tag us #FCEFRunfortheSchools
A huge shout out to our photographer Mei-Ling Fitzpatrick! Share your photos on social media and tag us #FCEFRunfortheSchools