Looking for a new family tradition? Kick off your summer of fun with the 4th Annual CroppMetcalfe Bug Run starting at 8am on Sunday, May 27th! As a family-owned and -operated business in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia area, we’re always looking for ways to connect with our wonderful customers and other members of the local community. 

 

The 2018 Bug Run, hosted by CroppMetcalfe in partnership with the American Cancer Society and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, is a great opportunity to get outside, get active, and spend time with family and friends in beautiful Georgetown. Interested in learning more? Here’s what you need to know:

 

 

The key to success in any Washington, D.C. race — whether it’s your first 5K or your dozenth half marathon — is preparation, preparation, preparation. Here are some of our tips and tricks to get yourself race-day ready:

 

 

A 5K is just over three miles and a half marathon is just over 13 miles. Make sure your body is ready to handle that level of physical activity by training in the weeks leading up to the race. Do some research to find a training plan that will best work for your schedule and experience level. 

 

 

Putting in your roadwork is a great way to prep for race day, but it’s also important to consider other environmental factors that can affect your pace. This year’s Bug Run is going to be held in Georgetown, which is notoriously hilly. The route will also cover the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Path, which consists of loose gravel pathways rather than paved roads. These are all factors that should be taken into consideration when preparing for race day, especially if you’re looking to finish the race in a specific time frame. For more information, check out the race maps for both the 5K and half marathon.  

 

While it’s obviously very important that you stay hydrated during the race, hydration shouldn’t simply begin when the race starts. Make sure you’re taking good care of your body by drinking plenty of water the day before the race — dehydration can be extremely dangerous.

 

The weather is northern Virginia has been quite unpredictable over the past few weeks — one day can be sunny and 75, the next windy and barely breaking 40 degrees. We’re hopeful for a beautiful Memorial Day weekend to start the summer off right, but these days you can never be too sure. The historical data for May 27 in Washington, D.C. notes that the average temperature is 69 degrees Fahrenheit with 0.13 inches of rain. You should be OK...unless you’re not.  

 

Both races will go on rain or shine, so be sure to double, even triple check the forecast in the days leading up to the race so you can prepared for whatever weather Mother Nature sends your way. 

 

 

… but don’t eat anything you wouldn’t normally have before a run — anything new in your system can affect digestion and throw you off your game. Make sure you’re taking in enough calories and getting the right nutrients to keep you energized throughout the race. 

 

 

Sleep is crucial to overall physical and mental health. Your muscles restore, your hormones balance, and your brain is able to take a break from thinking about work, school, and family responsibilities. Get plenty of rest the night before and you’re sure to be on your A-game for race day. 

 

 

Prep your muscles for the long run ahead by incorporating some dynamic stretches into your warm-up routine. Dynamic stretching incorporates movement, which gets your blood pumping to your muscles and helps loosen them up so they’re ready for a good workout. 

 

Our Bug Run isn’t like any other Washington, D.C. 5K or half marathon you’ve run before — unless you’ve ever raced wearing a bug costume (it’s not called the Bug Run for no reason!) We encourage all participants to dress up as a favorite bug or pest, from ladybugs to bees to termites, roaches, and more. Have fun with the family and get creative. 

 

Enthusiastic participants will also be entered to win one of the 20 pairs of free tickets to an upcoming Washington Nationals game. If that’s not a reason to throw on a stink bug costume, then we don’t know what is.

 

Need costume ideas? Look no further — here’s some inspiration from our favorite neighborhood critters:

 

 

These determined pests can chew through nearly any organic material, which makes them the ideal participant in this year’s Bug Run. The Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Path cuts through a heavily wooded area, which means the mighty termite will be able to chomp through any road block — trees, shrubs, branches, and more — and leave the competition in the dust.

 

When it comes to running, this pest takes first prize. The cockroach is super quick, moving at speeds up to three miles an hour.  Dart to the front of the pack and take home the gold when you dress as this speedy critter. 

 

Want to hop into first place? Camel crickets, often called cave crickets or spider crickets, have back legs similar to those of a grasshopper, so they can jump quite high. Dress like these pests and you’ll be able to leap past your opponents, too. 

 

 

This insect may not run the fastest or jump the highest, but it definitely has a distinct advantage over the competition. Stink bugs are known for their, well, stink. Distract your opponents with your, uh, signature scent, and you’ll be a shoo-in to win the race!

 

 

This year’s event is going to be our best one yet. The 2018 Bug Run will start at 8 am on Sunday, May 27th in Georgetown. We can't wait to see you there! Don’t miss out on one of the most enjoyable Washington, D.C. races of the summer. Register for the CroppMetcalfe Bug Run today.