What is changing in 2027?

Registration opening soon!

Race Start Timing

• 7:30 AM – Marathon
• 8:30 AM – Half Marathon

Course

• Race on the scenic C&O Towpath, Fletcher’s Cove,  4940 Canal Road, Washington DC. Directions to Parking can be found using Google Maps
• USATF certified course DC21001RT
• PDF | GMAP

Premiums

• Colorful, technical shirt
• Medals to all marathon and half marathon finishers

Awards

• Cash:
  • Marathon runners: $250 to 1st M/F, $150 to 2nd M/F, $100 to 3rd M/F overall. To win cash awards, Runners must start at 7:30 AM
  • Half Marathon runners: $125 to 1st M/F, $75 to 2nd M/F, $50 to 3rd M/F overall. To win cash awards, Runners must start at 8:30 AM

Packet Pickup

• Friday, April 30, 12:00 noon to 6:00 PM, Pacers Running Store, 3100 Clarendon Boulevard, Arlington VA, across street from Clarendon Metro
• Marathon runners: Saturday, May 1, 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM, on site at C&O Canal Tow Path, Fletcher’s Cove, 4940 Canal Road, Washington DC
• Half Marathon runners: Saturday, May 1, 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM, on site at C&O Canal Tow Path, Fletcher’s Cove,  4940 Canal Road, Washington DC

Start/Finish & Parking

• The race starts and ends at C&O Canal Tow Path, Fletcher’s Cove, 4940 Canal Road, Washington DC. Directions to Parking can be found using Google Maps
• Parking is available in the parking area near the start/finish line

Aid Stations

• Four aid stations along the course
• Marathon runners pass aid stations fifteen times, miles 0, 2.3, 3.8, 5.8, 7.3, 9.3, 10.8, 13.1, 15.4, 16.9, 18.9, 20.4, 22.4, 23.9 & 26.2 (approximately every two miles)
• Half Marathon runner pass aid stations eight times, miles 0, 2.3, 3.8, 5.8, 7.3, 9.3, 10.8 & 13.1 (approximately every two miles)
• Each aid station has water and Gatorade
• Portables are deployed at each station and start/finish
• First aid, course marshals, and bike support on the course as well
• If you require medical assistance, or if you cannot finish the race, please contact the closest aid station or course marshal

Deferrals and Refunds

• Deferrals policy will be updated soon, No Refunds

Beneficiaries

• Race proceeds benefit MCC Charity Partners who volunteer at our events

Post-Race

• After the race, enjoy our post-race food and entertainment

Additional Information

• This unique out-and-back course runs through one of the area’s first environmentally-protected zones, dating back to the 1830’s
• Watch for deer and other wildlife at dawn
• The C&O Canal for its entire 184.5-mile length is a swath of green amidst urban development
• The race course is a narrow (12-foot) wide unpaved trail, entirely flat, and runs past 150-year-old locks and gatehouses
• We offer water and aid stations at the locks roughly every two miles
• We share the course with other users and bicyclists, so stay to the right
• Assisted by Marathon Charity Cooperation’s partner charities and affiliated running clubs

Need More Information

Race Director