About
About the Frederick Summer Solstice 8K
The Frederick Summer Solstice 8K launched in 2016 as a unique evening alternative to the common morning 5K, immediately adding an exciting 8K distance to the Frederick running scene. Starting with 325 registered participants on the Thomas Johnson Drive/Opossumtown Pike course, the race quickly grew.
After a return to TJ Drive in 2017, the event moved to the Frederick Municipal Airport in 2018, enhancing the experience with live music and beer. When the airport venue became unavailable, the race found its beloved home: the Walkersville Volunteer Fire Department carnival grounds.
This current, fan-favorite course is certified and features a fun, winding route through Walkersville, including a loop in Heritage Farm Park. The carnival grounds host an engaging post-race party with the addition of food trucks and a stage for live music. Today, the Frederick Summer Solstice 8K is firmly established as one of the four Signature Races organized by the Frederick Steeplechasers Running Club.
The Frederick Summer Solstice 8K is directed by an RRCA Certified Race Director
About the Frederick Steeplechasers Running Club
The Frederick Steeplechasers Running Club has been supporting runners in the Frederick community since 1975. With a strong core commitment to the Frederick community, the Steeplechasers organize four Signature Races benefiting community causes, donating over $62,000 in 2025 to the Women’s Giving Circle of Frederick County, the Lincoln Elementary School Panther Running Club, Blessings in a Backpack, City Youth Matrix, and the FSRC Memorial Scholarship Fund.
In support of local non-profits, the Steeplechasers offer low-cost timing, course marking, and promotion services to local nonprofit races The club also provides free training programs to its members, fitness, and wellness educational programs, and events and opportunities to challenge runners of all abilities to improve fitness and performance.
Who We Help
Proceeds of the Frederick Summer Solstice 8K , minus essential expenses, are donated to the Frederick chapter of Blessings In A Backpack.
The Blessings in a Backpack Frederick Chapter works to raise awareness of childhood hunger and improve the lives of local children who depend on school meals as their primary source of nutrition, by providing food when school meals are not available.
In the 2024/2025 school year, BIAB distributed meals to over 3,500 children from 32 program locations.
In 2025, the Frederick Steeplechasers Running Club donated $12,791 in proceeds from the race to Blessings In A Backpack. Since 2016, our total donation amounts to $192,058.
More Information about the 2025 Race
2025 was another outstanding year for the Summer Solstice 8K!
