A Runner’s Guide to Races and Marathons in the DC Area

October

The Waterfront Tour

District 19 Miler/19K

A perfect training run for those doing the Marine Corps Marathon, the race this year starts and ends in Anacostia Park and runs parallel to the Anacostia and Potomac rivers. The 19-mile length is an homage to the race’s origin: It started as consolation for runners whose other fall races had been canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Spooky Sprint

Dead Man’s Run

Given the setting—Congressional Cemetery, where notables such as J. Edgar Hoover and Marion Barry are buried—this 5K doesn’t need to try too hard to be Halloween-themed. For further effect, the starting gun is replaced with the sound of a funeral bell, spooky music abounds, and costumes are encouraged.

The Awe-Inspirer

Army Ten-Miler

Watching wounded veterans and families of fallen soldiers kick off this 40-year-old race may make you misty-eyed, but it’ll also put the challenge into perspective. Much like the Marine Corps Marathon, you’ll see plenty of soldiers, both participating and cheering from the sidelines.

“The People’s Marathon”

Marine Corps Marathon

As the world’s largest 26.2-mile competition that doesn’t offer prize money, DC’s marquee race has earned the moniker “the People’s Marathon.” It’s DC’s biggest race of the year.

Fall/Winter

The Fear Factor

Bay Bridge Run

If an extra jolt of adrenaline is what you need to complete a race, this 10K that crosses the Chesapeake Bay Bridge—which will have you running, at times, 184 feet above the water—delivers. Walkers are welcome, too, but we have a feeling those afraid of heights might sprint to the finish.

The Major Achievement

JFK 50 Mile

First held in 1963, months before John F. Kennedy was assassinated, this multi-surface ultramarathon that starts in Boonsboro, Maryland, is an achievement for those who complete it. Al­though open to the public, it’s favored by armed-forces members who battle for the military-team competition.

The Community Builder

America’s Trot for Hunger

For some, Thanksgiving Day is the one time a year they run. For others, it’s just another Thursday. Either way, don’t skip this 5K, the area’s largest Turkey Day race. Or sign up for a neighborhood race—Arlington and Alexandria both have stellar events.

The Bargain Run

Gar Williams Half Marathon

Marketing itself as the “lowest-priced half marathon in America,” this budget-friendly run is a steal at just $10. You won’t get a medal or swag at the finish line, but the out-and-back competition on the C&O Canal is definitely worth an Alexander Hamilton.

The Hangover Cure

Predictions and Resolutions 5K

Held at a very gracious noon start time, this Arlington race is a chance for hung-over New Year’s Eve revelers to outrun their self-imposed misery. If 3.1 miles isn’t the cure to your day-after headache, maybe a freshly baked Brooklyn Bagel at the end will do the trick.

Spring / The Party Atmosphere

Rock ’N’ Roll Running Series

Where other DC races are steeped in reverence and tradition, this is 13.1 miles of party vibes. Every few miles, a different band or DJ is set up to entertain as you do a loop from Constitution Avenue, north to Rock Creek, and back down to Constitution. Or opt for the 5K, which is no less festive than the full race.

The Laid-Back Trail Run

Sheetz-to-Sheetz

Instead of national monuments, this 14-mile untimed run is bookended by two Sheetz convenience stores in King George, Virginia. In between, you’ll run on the rails-to-trails Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail and stop at plenty of aid stations stocked with unconventional refueling options. (Peeps and s’mores, anyone?)

The DC Bucket-List Race

Credit Union Cherry Blossom

Cherry blossoms. Need we say more? Visitors flock here for this 10-miler (April 6) and 5K (April 5) from the Washington Monument along the Potomac and Tidal Basin. Keep your eyes peeled for recognizable DC figures—Interior Secretary Deb Haaland ran last year.

The Aptly Named Classic

Parkway Classic

After 40 years, this 10-mile point-to-point along the GW Parkway has earned its title. Elite runners to tottering kids’-dash participants all show up each spring for the gorgeous views of Old Town and the Potomac. Runners can also consider the shorter 5K race.

The Hidden Maryland Gem

Frederick Running Festival

Runners take over Frederick during the annual weekend-long gathering. The big event is the half marathon, which offers a quick tour around the historic town, but there’s also a 5K, team relay, and kids’ run.

The Girl-Power Promoter

National Women’s Half

This 13.1-mile race is fueled by female power and a lot of pink. Each year, thousands of racers take on the challenge—which starts and ends at West Potomac Park and loops past familiar monuments. There’s also an 8K that loops just around West Potomac Park.

The Family-Friendly Run

Capitol Hill Classic

A fundraiser for the Capitol Hill Cluster School, this 10K, 3K, and fun run attracts a lot of families—but serious runners love the course, too. The route passes the Capitol, Supreme Court, and Library of Congress, which you can point out to restless toddlers.

Summer

The Commemorative Route

Juneteenth Half Marathon and 10K

Held since 2020, this challenging half marathon commemorates the day on which all slaves in America learned they were free. The course runs along the Civil War Defenses of Washington Trail, featuring more than 1,000 feet of elevation, and concludes with a Juneteenth party.

The Test of Endurance

Endless Summer Six-Hour Run

Hosted by Annapolis Striders run club and held at Greenbury Point on the Chesapeake Bay, this gauntlet challenges runners to cover as much distance as they can in six hours. Or they can avoid the heat and sign up for its sister run on January 19, the Eternal Winter Six-Hour Run.

The Behind-the-Scenes Race

Quantico 12K

The Marine Corps Marathon offers views of DC, but this competition—hosted by the Marine Corps Marathon Organization—takes runners onto the grounds on which future Marines train.

The Belly Buster

The BREW Mile

This mile-long race is a test of your stomach as much as your lungs: Between each of four laps around Ashburn’s Lost Rhino Brewing Company, teams chug one of the brewery’s beers. The penalty for a “lost” (read: vomited) drink is an extra lap, so tread carefully. (In June, the same organizers do a Red White ’n Brew 5K and “Hot Dog Mile” that involves eating hot dogs between laps.)

September 2025

The One to Run With Friends

DC Half

In 2021, this Pacers-sponsored race added a relay option, so you don’t have to endure the 13.1 miles alone. Or opt for the classic 13.1-miler or the new-in-2024 5K. / The Tour of Rock Creek Park

The Tour of Rock Creek Park

Parks Half Marathon

All those training runs in Rock Creek Park will come in handy during this point-to-point journey through Montgomery County parkland, hosted by the Montgomery County Road Runners Club.

The Aerophile’s Dream

Dulles Plane Pull and Dulles 5K/10K

Airplane lovers can take part in this challenge hosted by Dulles Airport and Special Olympics Virginia. The fast-and-flat 10K course spans the entire length of a runway. Athletes can also opt for a 5K event.

The Historic Excursion

George Washington Patriot Run

During this 10-miler and 5K, your goal should be to move along the GW Parkway faster than traffic on a weekday at 5 pm. The out-and-back course starts and ends around Mount Vernon. After the race, check out the treats made in a replica 18th-century oven.

This article appears in the October 2024 issue of Washingtonian.