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Running Races in DC

15 August 2013 by

Are you stationed in or around Washington DC?  Are you already a runner?  Are you looking to try a new idea and train for your first 5K?  Washington DC is full of races for beginner and advanced runners alike!

In January, I was tired of my old walking routine.  I couldn't think about getting on the elliptical again.  I was ready to try something new.  It seemed like everyone in DC was running and it was time I gave it a try.  I have never been a runner.  I couldn't run 1 block.  A fellow military spouse and I started training for a 5K.  In April, we ran our 5K, my first!  It was so much fun!  (Yes I can't believe I am saying this!) Just so you can get started, I've put together a list of short and long running races in DC.

Running Races in DC

There are so many patriotic military races!It's easy to get inspiration for running races in DC!

 

George Washington Parkway Classic 5k or 10 Miler

The 10 Miler begins at Mount Vernon, George and Martha Washington's home, and finishes in Old Town Alexandria. Follow along the scenic Potomac River.  Run the same paths that our 1st President traveled. There is also a 5K race. I ran this 5K!

Running Races in DC

12th Annual Arlington Police, Fire, & Sheriff 9/11 Memorial 5K

All proceeds will be donated to official charities that focus on the healing of military personnel and civilians directly affected by the war on terrorism and the attacks against America on September 11, 2001.

-September 7th at 6:00PM

Running Races in DC

The Navy 5 Miler and the Air Force Half Marathon

September 14th.

There is still space available!

Army 10 Miler

The Army 10 Miler is a hugely popular race for military members and their families!

The race starts at The Pentagon!  The course runs past the Jefferson Memorial on the Tidal Basin and past the monuments on the National Mall. How much more patriotic than this can you get?!

The Army 10 Miler is run every October.

TIP: This year's Army 10 Miler was sold out in 24 hours.  If you didn't make it into the run this year, get ready to sign up early next year.  People stay up until registration opens at midnight to get registered!

*10,000 spots are open early for military members. *

There are even 2 Kids Fun Runs!

Running Races in DC

Marine Corps Marathon

October 27th

Hardcore runners love the Marine Corps Marathon!

Join the ranks of other military runners for the 38th Marine Corps Marathon.

Begin the MCM near Arlington National Cemetery and cross the finish line by the Marine Corps War Memorial.

For those shorter distance runners who still want to be part of the running excitement, they can run the MCM 10K.  MCM10K begins in the nation's capital and treats runners to a tour of iconic landmarks before crossing the bridge to Arlington, VA and finishing at the Marine Corps War Memorial.

Running Races in DC
Cherry Blossom 10 Miler & Kids Fun Run

I hope you enjoy this list of running races in DC, I know I have! All of the running races above are favorites of military members stationed here.

Find more fun things to do near The Pentagon!

About the Author

Jill

Jill, Navy Wife

Jill Hanson is a US Navy wife, mother of 3 children, custom cake & cupcake maker, and now a Military Town Advisor blog writer. My husband and I have been married for almost 15 years. Our family has been stationed at Naval Station Mayport, Naval Air Station Pensacola, Naval Station Norfolk, and The Pentagon.

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