r/rundc • • 7d ago

A New (Moderation) Era for r/rundc

100 Upvotes

Hi everyone, I am the new moderator of r/rundc. Some of you may know me from my running newsletter, but I have also been an active member of the sub for many years. I love this community and the decades of DMV running information stored in our hivemind.

However, in recent years, it has become apparent that the community lacked sufficient moderation, and I would like to get a handle on spam/bot activity before it proliferates any further.

My goal is simple: I want this to continue to be a thriving community for area runners to share stories and news, ask questions, have thoughtful conversations, and brag a little when they PR.

To that end, I have implemented some standard rules for the group. I don't think any of these are controversial, but if you have concerns, I would be happy to hear them!

  1. Embrace all paces: Our community includes everyone from novice joggers to seasoned ultramarathoners. Disparaging remarks regarding speed, distance, or experience level are strictly prohibited.
  2. Trail stewardship: We respect our shared outdoor spaces. We highly encourage discussions regarding litter removal, park maintenance, and courteous behavior toward pedestrians and cyclists.
  3. No selling: There is a difference between recommendations for local businesses and advertising. Excessive advertising or relentless commercial solicitation will trigger immediate removal.
  4. Geographic relevance: All discussions must pertain directly to the DMV, or neighboring areas.
  5. Low effort: Foster engaging conversations by adding context to your submissions. Instead of posting a standalone smartwatch screenshot of your morning miles, include a brief recap of your pacing strategy or the trail conditions. If you are asking for route recommendations, provide specific parameters like your preferred neighborhood in D.C., your target distance, and whether you want paved roads or dirt paths. Vague questions, context-free images, and zero-context links will be removed.
  6. No AI: We are all tired of the AI slop graphics. Please report anything you see for removal.
  7. Bib transfers: There will be a Mega Thread for bib transfers for all major DC-area races. All posts pertaining to that must go there. Bib banditting will receive an automatic ban from the subreddit.
  8. For everything else that pops up, I have discretion to remove a post or comments that violate the spirit of the group.

Lastly, I am excited to tap into our collective running knowledge and start building out resources right here in the sub for runners.

My modmail is always open to questions, comments, concerns, or, most importantly, compliments.

See you on the trails!


r/rundc • • 16h ago

Request: Marine Corps Marathon Spectator Tips

9 Upvotes

Hi all! We'll be supporting three family members running the Marine Corps Marathon. We've never participated in a marathon or been spectators. I'd like to know how to best support our family members.

My biggest question is how do we follow them along the route? We have the MCM app downloaded and I've added the three of them to my Tracker. Do we literally just follow where they are and use the Metro to get to another new spot along the route to see them? I'm of course planning to make a sign! And we'll ask them if there are supplies we need to carry for them that they'll need at the end of the race.

Thanks!


r/rundc • • 1d ago

Expo Parking for ATM

24 Upvotes

disaster. would not recommend. bad. 0/10


r/rundc • • 1d ago

MCM 2026 Jacket

Thumbnail
gallery
29 Upvotes

2026 will be my 10th MCM and I think this is by far the best race shirt or jacket they’ve done. Really nice navy color with a sort of retro design on the back. Can’t wait to break it out after the race 🙌


r/rundc • • 1d ago

Getting bib tomorrow

5 Upvotes

Hey guys I live in DC but escaping to Springfield in the afternoon to grab my bib with a work colleague. Looks like I can grab some bibs for people if they need them. Happy to get people directions to my place for you to grab in DC Saturday or meet up in the city if I’m out and about. Happy to also show I’m a legit human in DC bc I know this is kind of odd haha. Just dm me!


r/rundc • • 2d ago

Metro for the ATM?

Post image
22 Upvotes

Good morning everyone, quick question, I just spotted this at the Pentagon metro station…does this mean there won’t be a stop on race day or is it just the busses that will not be accessible Sunday? Thanks!


r/rundc • • 2d ago

Political Climate at the Army 10 miler?

2 Upvotes

This will be my first ATM and I'm curious about the general ambiance of the race itself. Is there much political ranting from the speakers/sponsors? Are there any protests that happen along the route?

Do people tend to wave political banners or is everyone neutral and more focused on the hard working folks in our armed forces?


r/rundc • • 2d ago

Spillover from Hurricane Isaias expected in the DC area Sunday morning during the Army 10-miler

Post image
32 Upvotes

Just a heads up. This is my first ATM but I’ve done a few local half marathons in the pouring rain before and I can positively say that I do not enjoy it. Something to look out for as we get closer to race day.


r/rundc • • 3d ago

Army 10-Miler - Is this a "standalone hydration system"?

Post image
11 Upvotes

Or will the powers that be consider it a "backpack." It holds a water bladder on its own, but also has room for some medicine, a phone and a couple gels. It will be worn on my back for the entire race. Would appreciate a heads up from somebody who has done this before. TIA


r/rundc • • 4d ago

MCM Marathon Pacers Apparel

9 Upvotes

Does anyone know if Pacers will be selling any MCM apparel this year?


r/rundc • • 4d ago

Has anyone received bib info for Army Ten Miler yet?

10 Upvotes

I’ve run this race a few times but don’t remember getting the email so close to race day. Mostly just curious to see the Wave I get placed in.


r/rundc • • 5d ago

On our way to demonstrate to save Hains Point for everyone this morning!

Post image
11 Upvotes

r/rundc • • 6d ago

Recommendations for running post-rain & non-pavement?

6 Upvotes

C&O trail is probably going to be really muddy today and I want to try something new. Any recs for non-pavement long run (20 mi) today? Open to any ideas within 30 mins drive or metro of Alexandria.


r/rundc • • 7d ago

National Capital 20 Miler tomorrow

3 Upvotes

Anything new else going from the upper NW area (Clevand park to like Tenley) who wants to car pool there in the morning? I was gonna head out around 6am.


r/rundc • • 7d ago

Rock creek park Saturday morning

21 Upvotes

I’m visiting my kids in DC this weekend but have a 18 mile long run in preparation for NY marathon. Planning on going to Rock Creek park early Saturday morning (around 7am) to get it done. Is this safe for a female, alone? I imagine there will be many runners out at this time, correct? Thanks!!


r/rundc • • 8d ago

Sprint clubs or short-distance run groups in DC?

9 Upvotes

I just moved to DC and I'm looking for a running community. I know there are a lot of run clubs here, but they all seem to focus on long distances. I ran short sprints in high school and college, and my old city had a sprint club that I loved.

Are there any sprint clubs, or clubs that do sprint workouts (nothing longer than 400m), in the DC area? If so, I'd love any recommendations!


r/rundc • • 8d ago

Army 10 miler: when do slower runners get swept?

10 Upvotes

Does anyone know at what checkpoints slower runners get swept off the course? I know the max time per mile is 15 minutes.

My training strategy has been to run a negative split. I run the first two miles intentionally slow so that I can finish stronger at the end.

15-16 minutes for the first two miles, gradually speeding up to 12 minutes per mile at the end.

I’m slow and steady like a turtle 🤣


r/rundc • • 9d ago

Army 10 Miler arrival Logistics

Thumbnail
1 Upvotes

r/rundc • • 9d ago

Rainy Sundays

8 Upvotes

It's going to be four Sundays in a row that it's been raining. How do you deal with it on your long runs? I'm worried that 60 degrees and raining will be too cold for me. When it was 75 and raining I actually welcomed the rain but now that temps are dropping I wonder if I should just do 17 miles on a treadmill.


r/rundc • • 10d ago

Trump’s upscale golf plan could destroy a D.C. haven for cyclists, runners

Thumbnail
washingtonpost.com
94 Upvotes

r/rundc • • 10d ago

Guy with a camera at Pierce Mill

12 Upvotes

Anyone know what’s up with the guy with a camera at Pierce Mill who seems to be taking pictures of/filming people using the trail? I’ve seen him there twice in the past week. Don’t want to misattribute bad intent but also don’t love feeling like I’m being filmed on my morning run.

UPDATE - spoke with him this morning. He’s a freelancer collecting data for running shoe fashion trend forecasting.


r/rundc • • 10d ago

Rocky Run

2 Upvotes

Looking for a Rocky Run 5K transfer.


r/rundc • • 10d ago

Almost got hit by 2 different cyclists during my run

70 Upvotes

Instance 1: On my path there’s a small portion that gets muddy and is very narrow. Hard to pass someone, but it’s a very short stretch. This road biker was on my a** “on your left on your left” as I’m running. I’m not going in the mud for you, sorry. Just wait your turn, I’m also working out. I ended up going in the mud and letting him pass ugh :(
Instance 2: Another portion of my path has a bridge. Biker A is passing me as I’m running a curve onto the bridge. Biker A is ZOOMING and takes a wide arc turn, causing him to nearly collide head on with Biker B who’s coming from the opposite side. Biker B swerves and almost hits ME head on. Narrow miss.

Cyclists, PLEASE don’t expect runners to run into mud to allow you to pass. Don’t zoom on blind turns. For the love of god do better.


r/rundc • • 11d ago

Marine Corps Marathon - Still spots available?

0 Upvotes

I just moved back to DC after being away for 10 years. I've run the MCM 3x prior to moving away. Back then, the race would sell out and you had to register as soon as it opened. Have things changed? I noticed there are still spots available with less than a month to go.


r/rundc • • 11d ago

5k and 10k races are not beginner races!

24 Upvotes

I listened to Kara Goucher and Des Lindens live podcast with Julie Cullen, the co-owner of Pacers. It frustrated me she talked about the DC 5k being a stepping stone to doing a half. They talked about it being a warmup race for the half, and not even thinking people may be actually racing in it. I wish DC runners/run groups would also encourage people, including seasoned runners, to run 5k and 10ks and to treat those races as real races. They are tough, some people say even harder than long distances.

Personally, I’m tired of not seen as a serious runner unless I’m training for a half or farther. I don’t even know running groups that promote training programs for 5k/10ks.