What is the Fall for the Park 5.5K & Flannel Fest?

The Fall for the Park 5.5K & Flannel Fest is a celebration of Manassas Park’s parks, trails, and community!

The inaugural race takes place Saturday, November 14, at 9:00 AM at Blooms Park. Runners and walkers are welcome, and flannel attire is highly encouraged!

After the race, keep the fun going at Flannel Fest and the Manassas Park Farmers Market at City Hall, with food trucks, drinks, shopping, fall décor, and community activities.

When and where is the race?

Saturday, November 14, 2026
Race Start: 9:00 AM
Race Location: Blooms Park
9701 Manassas Dr.
Manassas Park, VA 20111

How much does registration cost?

• $35 through October 31
• $45 from November 1 through Race Day

What is included with registration?

Every registered race participant will receive a race medal.

Participants who register by November 1 will receive a long-sleeved cotton race shirt. Shirts are not guaranteed for registrations after November 1.

Is this a run or a walk?

Both! Runners and walkers are welcome to participate.

Whether you're an experienced runner, casual walker, or simply looking for a fun fall morning outdoors, the Fall for the Park 5.5K is designed for you.

How long is the course?

The course is approximately 5.5 kilometers, or 3.42 miles.

What is the course like?

The course follows an established paved route through beautiful Blooms Park, surrounded by forests, meadows, and fall scenery.

Participants will enjoy:

• Forests and meadows
• Streams
• Bridges
• Train tracks
• Scenic views
• Elevation changes

While the trail is paved, some sections may be bumpy or uneven due to tree roots and other natural features.

Is the course hilly?

Yes! The course includes elevation changes, including inclines and declines.

Participants should take their time and use caution, particularly on downhill sections.

Is the trail paved?

Yes. The course is primarily on a paved trail, but some portions may be uneven or bumpy due to natural features such as tree roots.

Will the course be slippery?

The trail may become slippery when wet. Please use caution and adjust your pace as needed based on weather and trail conditions.

Why will participants be released in staggered groups?

Some sections of the course are narrow. To help create a safer and more enjoyable experience, participants will be released in staggered groups.

Your official race time will be based on when you cross the start/finish line.

Are dogs allowed?

Yes. Dogs are welcome, but they must:

• Remain on a leash
• Stay to the side and out of the way of other participants and attendees

Please use extra caution with your dog on narrow sections of the course.

Are strollers allowed?

Yes, strollers are permitted.

However, please be aware that the course includes hills and elevation changes, as well as some uneven or bumpy sections. Participants using strollers should use caution and determine whether the course is appropriate for their stroller and ability.

Can spectators and fans watch the race?

Yes, but spectator access within Blooms Park is limited.

Due to the narrow trail, fans and spectators are welcome at the Blooms Park start/finish area only. Spectators are not permitted to follow participants along the course.

Flannel Fest at City Hall is also a great place to gather and celebrate before and after the race!

Where do I park on Race Day?

Parking is not permitted in Blooms Park on Race Day.

Participants, spectators, and guests should use the free VRE Parking Garage:

VRE Parking Garage
120 Park Central Plaza
Manassas Park, VA 20111

How do I get from the parking garage to Blooms Park?

A free shuttle is required to get to Blooms Park.

Shuttles will run approximately every 15 minutes between City Hall and Blooms Park. The ride is approximately 5 minutes.

Please allow plenty of time to park, take the shuttle, and check in before the race.

Is there parking at Blooms Park?

No. Race participants and spectators should not park at Blooms Park on Race Day.

Please use the free VRE Parking Garage and take the event shuttle.

Where is Flannel Fest?

Flannel Fest will take place at the City Hall Parking Lot:

100 Park Central Plaza
Manassas Park, VA 20111

Flannel Fest and the Manassas Park Farmers Market will run from 9:00 AM–1:30 PM.

What can I expect at Flannel Fest?

After the race, head downtown for an afternoon of fall fun!

Flannel Fest will feature live music, food trucks, drinks, family activities, and flannel de! Flannel Fest will be in collaboration with the Manassas Park Farmers Market, so participants can also enjoy fresh produce and treats.

Grab your flannel, celebrate your finish, and enjoy the rest of the morning with the community!

Is packet pickup available before Race Day?

Yes! Packet pickup will be available at two convenient times:

Friday, November 13
3:00–7:00 PM
Manassas Park Community Center, Front Lobby
99 Adams St.
Manassas Park, VA 20111

Saturday, November 14
7:00–8:30 AM
City Hall Parking Lot, Info Table
100 Park Central Plaza
Manassas Park, VA 20111

Will there be water on the course?

Yes. There will be two water stations within the race course and water bottles at the finish line.

Are bathrooms available?

Yes. Portable restrooms will be available at the start/finish area.

Additional single-stall restroom facilities are available throughout the race course.

Restrooms are available inside City Hall for Flannel Fest attendees.

Will there be awards?

Yes! Awards will be presented to the top three overall male and female finishers.

Does every participant receive a medal?

Yes! Every race participant will receive a race medal.

What should I wear?

Flannel is highly encouraged! Athletic clothing and footwear are recommended. This is an outdoor event, so be sure to dress for the weather. A rain jacket, hat, or other weather-appropriate clothing may be helpful.

What should I know before race day?

Blooms Park is beautiful, but the course has some natural challenges. Please be prepared for:

• Hills and elevation changes
• Uneven or bumpy sections
• Narrow sections
• Potentially slippery conditions when wet
• Staggered participant releases

Please follow course signage and instructions from race staff and volunteers throughout the event.

Is this event a fundraiser?

Yes! Event participants can donate the following canned goods that will benefit Operation Turkey. Organized by the Manassas Park City Staff and Councilmembers, Operation Turkey provides holiday meals to families in need this holiday season.

Canned food donations can be dropped off at Packet Pickup and during Flannel Fest.

Accepted Items Include:

• Sugar
• Flour
• Cornbread Mix
• Muffin Mix
• Gravy
• Rice
• Boxed Stuffing
• Applesauce
• Canned Green Beans
• Canned Corn
• Canned Carrots
• Canned Cranberry Sauce
• Canned Sweet Potatoes
• Canned Fruit
• Canned or Dry Beans
• Instant Mashed Potatoes

Only the items listed above will be accepted.

Thank you for helping support families in our community this holiday season!

Who can I contact with questions?

For questions about registration or the Fall for the Park 5.5K & Flannel Fest, please contact:

City of Manassas Park
customerservice@manassasparkva.gov

Race Day Quick Facts

📅 Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026
⏰ Race Start: 9:00 AM
📍 Race: Blooms Park, 9701 Manassas Dr.
🅿️ Parking: VRE Parking Garage, 120 Park Central Plaza
🚌 Shuttle: Free shuttle required; approximately every 15 minutes
🎽 Packet Pickup: Friday, November 13, 3:00–7:00 PM at MPCC or Saturday, November 14, 7:00–8:30 AM at City Hall
🏅 Medal: Every race participant
👕 Race Shirt: Guaranteed for participants registered by November 1
🍂 Flannel Fest: City Hall Parking Lot, 9:00 AM–1:30 PM
🐕 Dogs: Allowed on leash
👶 Strollers: Allowed; hills and uneven sections
💧 Water: Two course water stations
🏆 Awards: Top 3 overall male and female finishers

❓Questions? Contact: customerservice@manassasparkva.gov