Dash Through the Dirt Half

Event details

The Dash Through the Dirt takes place on May 16, 2026 at Carderock Recreation Area on the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath in Potomac, MD. Distances offered:

• 5k
• 10k
• Half marathon

The event counts points toward the organizer’s Year-Long 5k, 10k, Endurance and Back of the Pack Series, and toward a Spring Series. A virtual race option is available. Registered runners receive a finisher’s coin, a technical (drifit) event shirt, and chip timing. The half marathon has a completion time limit of 3:15. The event partners with the EOD Warrior Foundation, which provides financial assistance and support to wounded, injured or ill EOD personnel and their families and helps maintain the EOD Memorial.

Registration fees listed by the organizer (through April 30; higher after): 5k $30, 10k $45, half $65. T-shirts are guaranteed for runners registered before May 6. Packet pickup is available at the event; there is no on-site race registration.

Course and race logistics

All three routes run along the C&O Canal path on a light gravel dirt trail. Each route is an out-and-back course with minimal elevation gain. Water and aid provision: the half marathon has ten water stations at approximate mile markers; the 10k has four stations; the 5k has two stations. Gatorade is available at some stations and station locations may change.

Live race results will be posted on Athlinks and via a race QR code. Final results with series points are posted the Monday after the race. Awards are given to the top three men and women overall and to 1st and 2nd place in standard age categories; top three overall are not eligible for age-group awards. Volunteers are asked to arrive about 60 minutes before the first race. Photos taken by staff are posted after the event. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.