Running Races in Washington, D.C.
Washington D.C. is one of the best running cities in America. The National Mall, Rock Creek Park, and the Mount Vernon Trail give runners world class routes with zero entry fee. The race calendar is packed with events that take you past the Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, and along the Potomac. The running community is huge, driven, and takes full advantage of the flat, scenic landscape.
Best Months
March to May, September to November
State
District of Columbia
Top Race
Marine Corps Marathon
Total Races
5+ featured
Major Races in Washington, D.C.
Marine Corps Marathon
MarathonThe People Marathon. No prize money, pure grit. Past monuments and the Pentagon.
Cherry Blossom Ten Mile
10 MileRun under the cherry blossoms along the Tidal Basin. Gorgeous and iconic.
Rock n Roll DC
Half/5KSpring half marathon through the monuments district.
Army Ten Miler
10 MileMilitary themed ten miler around the Pentagon and monuments.
Parks Half Marathon
Half MarathonDownhill course through Rock Creek Park. Fast and shady.
Course Terrain
Mostly flat along the Mall and waterfront. Rock Creek Park adds hills and trails. The Capital Crescent Trail is paved and flat.
Race Day Tips for Washington, D.C.
Cherry Blossom Ten Mile is a lottery and extremely competitive to get into. Apply early.
DC humidity in summer is oppressive. Avoid July and August races if possible.
Metro is the best way to get to race starts on the Mall. Check for weekend service changes.
The monuments look incredible during early morning race starts. Soak it in.
Running Clubs in Washington, D.C.
Pacers Running
Running store with a massive community program and multiple DC locations.
DC Road Runners
One of the most active running clubs in the capital with weekly group runs.
Georgetown Running Club
Social running group based in Georgetown with runs along the C&O Canal.
Turn Your Washington, D.C. Runs Into a Game
Capture the National Mall, Rock Creek Park, and Georgetown on your Motera map. DC is compact enough to claim serious territory on a single long run.
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MoteraExplore Washington, D.C. Running Routes
Looking for where to train between races? Check out our full running guide for Washington, D.C. with top routes, terrain info, and local tips.
Running in Washington, D.C. GuideFrequently Asked Questions
How do I get into the Marine Corps Marathon?
The Marine Corps Marathon uses a lottery system. Registration opens in the spring for the October race. Active duty military get guaranteed entry. It is known as The People Marathon because there is no prize money.
When are the cherry blossoms in DC?
Peak cherry blossom season is usually late March to mid April. The Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run is held in early April to coincide with the bloom.
Is DC flat for running?
The National Mall and waterfront trails are flat. Georgetown and upper Northwest have hills. Rock Creek Park has rolling terrain. Overall, DC is great for fast road races.
What is the Army Ten Miler?
The Army Ten Miler is a 10 mile race around the Pentagon and DC monuments held in October. With 35,000 runners, it is one of the largest 10 mile races in the country.
What is the best running trail in DC?
The Capital Crescent Trail (11 miles from Georgetown to Bethesda) and the Mount Vernon Trail (18 miles along the Potomac) are the two most popular running trails in the DC area.
