Potomac River Run Marathon
Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.
Potomac River Marathon & Half
The Potomac River Run offers a marathon and a half marathon on the C&O Canal Towpath, starting and finishing at Fletcher's Cove, 4940 Canal Road NW, Washington DC. The course is USATF certified (DC21001RT) and is run as an out and back along the historic towpath.
The trail is primarily unpaved crushed stone and packed dirt with a few short paved or wooden sections. The route is described as nearly flat and runs past historic locks and gatehouses; runners share the towpath with other park users and bicyclists. Aid is provided at four stations along the course with water and Gatorade, portable toilets, first aid, course marshals, and bike support. Marathon participants pass aid stations about fifteen times; half marathon participants pass them about eight times.
Entrants receive a colorful technical shirt and finisher medals. Cash prizes are offered for top overall finishers in the marathon and half marathon, and age-group merchandise awards are also distributed. Packet pickup is available at a local running store and at the race site, with an earlier packet assembly location noted. The event benefits charitable partners including local foundations and running clubs, and post-race refreshments and entertainment are provided. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
