When people think about the District of Columbia, they imagine government buildings (like Congress and the White House), famous monuments, and museums. And though Washington DC isn’t famous for its running events, it does host many great races.
We have chosen the best races in DC for you to choose and diversify your running experience.
Thematic Races in Washington DC
1. Cherry Blossom 10-Mile Run
Cherry Blossom is a mega-popular running event that celebrates spring and running. It takes place in April and attracts about 15,000 runners!
The race is dedicated to the amazing Washington DC cherry trees, which turn pink in April. It is a spectacle scene that you cannot miss.
You can run 5k or 10 mi in this race. Registration hasn’t opened yet, but you can find out the prices closer to the date of the event.
2. DC Front Runners Pride Run
This 5k race is an official Pride event. Each June, it hosts from 500 to 1,000 runners. It starts at the Historic Congressional Cemetery and finishes with a grand party with a lot of beer, a live Dj-set, and a great entertainment program.
The event is open to everyone regardless of race, pace, age, gender, sexual orientation, or athletic ability.
Registration is currently closed, so check back at the official website closer to the date.
3. George Washington Patriot Run
Come to Washington DC in September if you want to participate in this famous race which gathers more than 1,000 runners annually.
Here you can run 5k or 10 mi. Participation is $40 to $80, depending on when you register.
The Finish Festival will offer music, food and beverage concessions, and a free beer for each runner.
4. Veterans Day 10K
If you are an experienced runner, then you know that every state organizes running events on Veterans day. Washington, DC, is not an exception. The Veterans Day Race takes place in November and brings together about 500 runners looking to run a 10k on a comfortable and flat course.
This event is a day of remembrance and running! There is no better place to honor veterans than in the capital. The course passes near several of the city’s great war memorials, prompting remembrance, appreciation, and gratitude.
The price for participation is $50.
5. Jingle All the Way 5k and 15k
What about finishing the year with a great costumed race? If your answer is “yes, ” this event is perfect for you. It takes place in December and gathers 1,000 to 5,000 runners in holiday costumes.
The Jingle All the Way offers you a 5k for $45 or a 15k for $50. The run includes views of the city center, all the historical monuments, and the Potomac river.
Of course, there will be a big celebration after the finish – take your friends and family!
5k Races in DC
6. Freedom 5K at Lincoln’s Cottage
The DC running community loves its 5k races. So there are a lot of them throughout the calendar year. We will start with one which takes place in the middle of September and brings together about 1,000 runners each year.
The Freedom 5k offers views of scenic landscapes and historical buildings. The run finishes with the closing ceremony at President Lincoln’s Cottage.
You can join an annual festival with family entertainment after the run.
The price for participation is $40 for early entry and $50 on race day.
7. St. Jude Walk/Run
The St. Jude Walk/Run is a very popular run with a noble purpose – to help children to overcome cancer. It takes place in Childhood Cancer Month at the start of October. Each year more than 5,000 runners come to Washington to participate in the event and help to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
You can run a 5k alone or with a team – the price varies depending on your choice. But, registration is still closed, so you need to check the website for updates.
8. Race For Equal Justice
Race for Equal Justice is hosted by The George Washington University School of Law’s Equal Justice Foundation. It organizes the event each year to expand opportunities for GW law students to work in government and nonprofit organizations.
This race is distinguished by its low registration fees (only $5 for students and $10 for adults) and flat 5k course. All proceeds benefit the noble purpose of the race.
Join about 500 other runners who participate each year, help to achieve the goal, and have a great run!
9. Friends of the National Arboretum Fall 5K
Do you like fall running? If yes, we recommend this Washington DC 5k in the US National Arboretum. It takes place in November and gathers about 1,000 participants each season.
You will run a safe and scenic course, observing the beauty of nature. You can even take your dog with you. But don’t forget the 5-foot leash.
The price for participation is $40 and increases closer to the date. Hurry to be an early bird and get your free t-shirt!
10. Race for Hope DC 5k Run/Walk
Experienced runners know that Run for Hope DC is the nation’s largest brain cancer community event. The run/walk is a fun and inspiring way to join forces in the fight against brain tumors while raising funds for research.
Each year from 1,000 to 5,000 runners come to DC to run this 5k and join its noble cause.
The registration is currently closed, and the price information is unknown – follow the official site to check for updates!
11. Victory Lap 5k – Washington DC
This is another running event that was created to help people with cancer. All the proceeds benefit the V Foundation for Cancer Research.
Each April, the race gathers about 500 runners in East Potomac park. After running the 5k distance, you can have a good time at the auction and celebrate with tasty food and fun activities.
The registration process is still closed, so the price is yet unknown.
Trail Running and Obstacle DC Running Races
12. Nationals Park Spartan Stadion Event Weekend
Are you looking for challenging Washington DC races? Then come to DC in May and participate in this race, which gathers about 1,000 runners each year. The Stadion is part of the Spartan Honor Series.
Fans will love running where the professionals play ball in the heart of this world-class stadium. You might even grab a selfie with George Washington or Abraham Lincoln at the finish line!
The price for participation starts from $92 for adults and $26 for kids.
Don’t miss this world-class race! Take your family and friends – they don’t need to participate in the race, but you will need their support – the run is really hard!
Half-Marathons and Marathons in DC
13. Rock ‘n’ Roll Washington DC
The Rock’n’Roll running series is famous all over the US. The Rock’n’Roll DC half marathon is an excellent run for experienced runners and those who want to try something more professional. It takes place in March and brings together more than 10,000 runners!
You can choose between a 5k or half-marathon, observing the most famous monuments and regions of Washington. The additional benefit is that this half marathon in DC takes place in spring – so you’ll have an opportunity to see the famous Washington DC cherry trees blossom!
The price for participation is $30 for the 5k run and $79 for the half marathon.
14. Abebe Bikila Day International Peace Marathon
This Washington DC marathon and a half-marathon is a perfect running event for skilled runners aiming to qualify for the Boston marathon. It’s also great for newbies wanting to run their first marathon. It is open for all who can get to the finish line in 6 hours and is limited to the first 350 participants.
At the finish, you will be greeted by world-famous African singer and songwriter Anna Mwalagho.
Don’t forget about tasty food and drinks!
Washington, DC, cannot boast many marathons, so don’t miss this one.
15. DC Half – Race the District
This half-marathon in Washington DC takes place in September and brings together about 1,000 runners.
Challenge yourself with a half-marathon or half-marathon relay for two or three persons. The price is $95 for the half-marathon and $140 for the relay, but it increases closer to the race day, so hurry to be an early bird!
There will be a lot of tasty food and beer from local brands after the finish.
Wrap Up
The Washington, DC, running calendar is full of DC road races for every level of running experience. It doesn’t matter if you are a skilled runner or a beginner − you can find a good race. Use our list of top DC races to choose your favorite, then register and prepare for a fun and challenging time!
