Whether you’re planning to run a marathon in the nation’s capital, here are the top marathons that runners recommend for Washington D.C.
Rock ‘n’ Roll Washington DC Marathon
The Rock ‘n’ Roll Washington DC Marathon is just one of the races in the Rock ‘n’ Roll series with over 30 cities participating annually. The marathon offers live bands and a party like atmosphere from start to finish, with post-race festivities and a concert at the finish line.
The marathon is typically held in March so you can expect mild temperatures. Click here to read more about the Rock ‘n’ Roll Washington Marathon.
Image Source: USA Today
The Course
The course takes you around downtown Washington and offers amazing views of Capitol Hill, The White House, Lincoln Memorial, Boundary Channel, and the Anacostia River.
The course has some very steep and challenging inclines and declines, especially around miles 5 and 6. This marathon offers a unique sightseeing adventure although it’s not without its challenges. The full marathon course has a time limit of 5.5 hours.
Image Source: Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon
“The race was well organized. We received very informative emails prior to the race. The packet pickup on Thursday went very smoothly. The expo was fairly large with a good variety of running items being offered. The race started on time and the release of each wave was timely. There were plenty of water stations and the volunteers did a great job of serving us……The course is fairly scenic with several good glimpses of the nation’s Capitol. As others have written, it’s a rolling hills type of course with a long uphill climb in the Rock Creek area and a steep hill around mile 23 or 24 that many walked.” – R.H., Marathonguide.com Review
“Getting to and from the race on the metro was a breeze (if you use a smartrip card or purchased a ticket in advance). Despite the weather, I didn’t experience anything negative. I will be back!” – Cynthia Hammond, Rock ‘n’ Roll DC Facebook Page
C&O Canal Towpath Marathon
Put on by Altis Endurance Sports, the Canal Towpath Marathon is a relatively new event to Washington DC, only starting in 2014. However Altis Endurance Sports is well known for conducting its trail races in very scenic locations, so click here to read more!
The Course
The course is a loop based course, with the full marathon completing four loops of the C&O Canal Towpath.
The course is run on flat dirt and crushed stone pathway, which as the name suggests, runs parallel to a canal. The course is very scenic and overall has 528 ft of elevation gain and loss. The race has a participant limit of 100 runners, and a time limit of 7 hours.
Source: C&O Canal Towpath Marathon
Reviews
“Just completed my first half marathon with you all on Sunday and enjoyed it very much” – Jeanne Simpson Gurtler, C&O Canal Towpath Marathon & Half Marathon Facebook Page
“Run along the towpath and feed your soul. The Potomac on one side and the Canal on the other which is home to turtle families, ducks, geese and fish. Rabbits, squirrels and the occasional lizard and snake. Hiking trails are sprinkled along the way, inviting you to explore, but if you want to get in a long, uninterrupted run — on unpaved ground – or bike ride, there’s no better place” – M.C., Yelp Review
The North Face Endurance Challenge
The North Face: Endurance Challenge, has created trail races in six locations across North America. Luckily they’ve added another marathon to the Washington DC series.
Taking place in the scenic Algonkian Regional Park, Great Falls Park, and along the Potomac Heritage Trail, makes this marathon a challenging, ever changing environment unlike most other races in Washington DC. Click here to read more.
The Course
North Face, being the reputable brand they are, have produced excellent course guides describing the pre-race preparation, the course, and aid station information.
The race generally follows the course of the Potomac River on undulating trails and is a point to point course. Starting at Great Falls Park the course follows the full marathon course without the turnaround so you finish at the scenic Algonkian Regional Park.
The course has two major peaks with a change in elevation over 200 ft.
Image Source: The North Face
Reviews
“..if you really want to see how far you can push yourself, this race is for you. It is after all and ‘Endurance Challenge.’ Just dress like you would for a tough muddier race as opposed to a marathon” – Liam Frank, Marathonguide.com Review
“It was very well organized, started on time. Aid stations where well stocked and the volunteers were attentive and knowledgeable. The course, running along the Potomac, was beautiful. The hills were challenging and the course muddy but it was an unexpected gem in the urban landscape that Northern Virginia is becoming. The post race party had plenty of food for all finishers. They even had a water truck for cleaning the mud off our shoes. Great race and highly recommended” – S.H., Marathonguide.com Review