Potomac River Run Marathon
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Event overview
The Potomac River Run Marathon & Half is scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2026, with start and finish at Fletcher's Cove, 4940 Canal Road NW, Washington DC. Distances offered:
- 26.2 miles
- 13.1 miles
The course runs on the historic C&O Canal Towpath along the Potomac River. It is almost entirely flat and unpaved gravel, with about 50 meters across a wooden footbridge and about 50 meters of concrete under I-495. The half marathon is an out-and-back once; the full marathon is an out-and-back twice. Highest point is 44 m above sea level and lowest is 12 m. The full marathon is a Boston Marathon qualifier. The course is USATF-certified (DC21001RT) and results are posted via WebScorer.
Course logistics and services
Aid stations with water, Gatorade, volunteers, and toilets are located at the start/midpoint/finish (Fletcher's Cove) and at Locks 6, 7, and 10. Spectator access is available at Chain Bridge and several locks accessible from eastbound Clara Barton Parkway. Packet pickup is offered in advance at ACE Physical Therapy in Falls Church and at Pacers Running Store in Clarendon, plus on-site race-day pickup at Fletcher's Cove. RFID chip timing is used and live results are published online. Prize money for the full marathon overall places is $250, $150, and $100 for 1st to 3rd (male and female); age-group commemoratives and finisher certificates are also provided. Charitable beneficiaries include the Safety And Health Foundation and partner charities. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.