Course & Elevation

The DC Half Marathon is a scenic loop course that showcases iconic Washington DC landmarks, featuring an urban route through downtown, along the Potomac River waterfront, and past the National Mall. The course has moderate rolling hills with two significant climbs on Capitol Hill and Embassy Row, offering runners a challenging yet manageable half-marathon experience through the nation's capital.

Surface: road Profile: Rolling

🌤️ Weather

Temperature 10°C

Humidity 55%

Rain Chance 35%

Early spring weather with cool temperatures and moderate chance of rain. Runners should expect variable conditions with possible wind from the Potomac River, making layering advisable for comfort during the race.

🏆 Course Record

01:02:47

Abdi Nageeye (2019)

Registration

Registration Opens October

Registration Closes February

Entry Cost $119-$149

Official Website →

🎯 Fun Facts

▸ The DC Half Marathon passes within sight of the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and Capitol Building, making it one of the most historically rich urban half-marathons in America.
▸ First held in 2008, the race has grown from approximately 3,000 participants to over 12,500 finishers, becoming one of the largest half-marathons on the East Coast.
▸ The course features two significant climbs: Capitol Hill (around mile 4-5) and Embassy Row, which provide the race's main climbing challenges despite overall modest elevation gain.
▸ Women comprise nearly 60% of finishers, reflecting the broader trend of female participation growth in running events and making DC Half a particularly inclusive racing community.

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