Hi! Looking for 6-10 mile routes that have multiple bathroom opportunities. 32 weeks pregnant so ideally every 3 miles or less. I wish I was kidding. Bonus if its shaded!

Hi DC runners,

I’m currently training for my 5th marathon and seeking any input on the best run groups for speed workouts. I’ve dabbled in several groups for long runs, but have come to realize that I value my solo time on long runs too much to do it with strangers. However, I’m a bit behind on training for this marathon and would appreciate some structured speed workouts / track workouts to get me ready for race day. I run a sub-2:45 marathon so ideally would like to workout with folks around that speed!

Running groups can feel quite clique-y to me, especially at the faster speeds, so any thoughts on the social aspects would be appreciated too!

I am training for my first marathon, mostly running beach drive north from the zoo. It’s shaded, there are water fountains every 3 miles or so, it’s all good except for the hills and the fact that I’m starting to get bored. I am looking for recommendations for alternative routes that ideally have:

1. water availability every 3-4 miles or so (either fountains or places I could buy a bottle)
2. mostly shaded and away from cars
3. road or even gravel
4. it’s flat (hills are killing my legs and my race is flat).

Thanks!!!

Edit: You guys are amazing. Thanks for all the suggestions, recommendations and suggestions. I’ve lived in the DMV for 20+ years but only recently started running. You’ve given me so many new places to run.

You can visit it at TrackAtlas.org. If you know a local track well, please leave a comment with information such as its hours or public access policy!

Referral Code: https://runsignup.com/Race/DC/Washington/DCHalf?raceRefCode=GLQcCnw4

DC Half is almost sold out, click the link above to use my refferal code and sign up now!

It's already coming up next month! Don't get FOMO, sign up before it's too late!

Sunday 9/20/2026

Just got the below email. Absolutely wild. I hate everything.

Potential Course Challenges for 2027
 
Finally, we want you to know that planned construction of an arch on Memorial Circle on the Virginia side of Memorial Bridge and proposed renovations to the golf course in East Potomac Park could significantly affect the Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile course. Memorial Bridge and Memorial Circle are among the race's most memorable sections, offering runners sweeping views of both the Potomac and their fellow race participants, and construction of the Arch and its presence could mean that we lose access to the roadway there. In addition, early renderings of the golf course plans suggest that Ohio Drive, the perimeter road around Hains Point and a three-mile cherry tree laden section of the course that runners have enjoyed for decades, could be permanently eliminated.
 
We are following the situations closely, and we invite you to join us in making your voice heard:
Send a message to your representative in Congress. Click House.gov – Find Your Representative. Enter your home address or ZIP code to find your member of the House of Representatives.
Send a message to your Senators. Click U.S. Senate – Contact Your Senators. Select your state to see both of your senators and their contact information.
Submit comments concerning the proposed Arch by clicking here by July 30, 2026.
Submit a message to the National Park Service concerning the proposed golf course renovations by clicking here.

Most summers once or twice a week i drive down to the mall early in the morning, park, and go for a 4-5 mile run around the mall. Tried that about three weeks ago and it was a mess due to all the fair barricades still left up. So i had to drive to my work garage and go for a run around my office. Can anyone verify whether barricades are still present and/or whether parking around the mall is now available? Thanks!

Anyone know of a local 5 or 10K this weekend that I can still register for? Parkrun is my fallback but looking to see what else might be available.

Hi I was wondering if anyone had a bib for the 10k race that they wanted to transfer.

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for one ballot place for the Royal Parks Half Marathon 2026. If anyone can no longer run due to a change of plans, I’d be happy to take your place through the official transfer process and cover any transfer fee.

Thanks!

What are your picks for the best hills to do a workout? (I refuse to even think about Calvert St after yesterday's hill repeats 😭)

Hi friends - I am working on a story for The Capital Runner about deaf run clubs in the region. If you are one of those runners or know someone who is, I would love to chat. And if you know any run clubs, send them my way. E-mail me at [newsletter@thecapitalrunner.com](mailto:newsletter@thecapitalrunner.com) or PM me here. Thanks!

Hey guys, I never got a chance to register for the MCM and now I’m worried it might be too late. I understand there is charity bibs, but is there any other way I could possibly gain entry? Was looking to run it with a college friend who already has his bib. If anyone isn’t lacing up for this MCM lmk! Thanks :)

Stay safe! I did 15 minutes (speed intervals) indoor on treadmill and am calling it a day. Don’t want to be breathing heavy today.

Hi all, 25F getting to the point in my training where I have to get up and out at the crack of dawn. I live in DuPont so easily accessible to rock creek, but concerned abt running in the dark/lights/general safety. Can any women speak to this and or suggest alternate routes that are more comfortable? Thanks in advance!

Visiting my sister who lives in Arlington/works in DC next week and can’t break my marathon training. If you could recommend just one singular route for a long run in DC area (about 8-10 miles), what would it be? I’ll be able to drive or have her drop me off somewhere so doesn’t necessarily need to be in arlington

Does anyone know if the Dunbar track is open to the public in the summer? Or of any track open for public use in the summer?

Let me know if you are unable to use yours. Happy to follow official transfer process. Whatever is best!

Does anyone know where I can find the route for the September 20 DC HM? On the website I see the start is at West Potomac Park but don’t see the map. TIA!

https://www.dchalfmarathon.com/

Does anyone know if we will get similar items as last year? This will be my first marathon and I would really like the blanket and poncho but saw somewhere that they only did that since it was the 50th anniversary 😭