Founders Half Marathon

Founders Half Marathon (Potomac, MD)

The Founders Half Marathon is a 13.1 miles out and back race on the C&O Canal Towpath, held at Carderock Recreation Area near Carderock Cliffs in Potomac, Maryland. The event serves as race number two of the DCRR Snowball Series and replaces the former Gar Williams Half Marathon; it now honors the club’s founders.

The course was previously USATF certified and organizers intend to recertify it before the event, subject to nearby construction at Canal Lock 5. The course measurement will be adjusted if the path through the construction area differs from the certified route.

There are two water stops located at Lock 10 and Lock 6. These correspond approximately to miles 3, 5, 8, and 10 of the race; each water stop is passed twice during the out and back.

Registration is online only. Online advance registration is free for DCRRC members and $10 for non-members; late registration increases to $5 for members and $15 for non-members. Registration opens 7/6/2026 and closes 12/12/2026; late registration remains available up to race day at the higher fee. If the race is canceled, pre-paid non-members receive a credit toward a future Snowball Series race.

Timing and results are compiled in real time and will be shareable via social media; organizers will provide a link for live results in final instructions. Post-race food includes bagels, cream cheese, Nutella, peanut butter and jelly, hot chocolate, coffee, tea, Gatorade, and bananas. No t-shirts or medals are offered. Volunteers are requested and volunteer service counts toward the Snowball Series requirement. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.