Dash Through the Dirt Half

Event overview

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

• 5k
• 10k
• Half marathon

Points from the event count toward the Year-Long 5k, 10k, Endurance and Back of the Pack Series and toward the Spring Series. A virtual race option is available. The event partners with the EOD Warrior Foundation.

Course and logistics

All three routes follow the C&O Canal path on a light gravel dirt trail. Each route is an out-and-back and has minimal elevation gains. The event is chip timed. Registered runners receive a finisher’s coin and a technical (drifit) event shirt.

Water stations: the half marathon has 10 stations at approximate mile markers 1.55, 2.7, 4.9, 5.3, 6.15, 6.95, 7.8, 8.2, 10.4 and 11.55; the 10k has four stations at about 1.55, 2.7, 3.5 and 4.65 miles; the 5k has two stations at about 1.1 and 2 miles. Gatorade will be available at some stations.

Packet pickup is available at the event. There will be no on-site race registration. There is parking inside the recreation area across four parking lots; the organizer provides a GPS pin for the event location (38.972563, -77.198738). T-shirts are guaranteed for runners registered before May 6.

Registration and awards

Current registration fees listed by distance include early pricing and an increase on race morning. The top three men and top three women overall are awarded at the post-race ceremony. Age-group awards are given 1st and 2nd in these categories: 19 & under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70+. Runners who place top three overall are not eligible for age-group awards. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.