Abebe Bikila Marathon
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Abebe Bikila Day International Peace Marathon & Half
The event takes place on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at Fletcher's Cove, 4940 Canal Road NW, Washington DC. The course runs entirely on the C&O Canal Towpath and is described as a 100% flat gravel trail that starts and finishes at Fletcher's Cove. The event is the last Saturday to qualify for the 2027 Boston Marathon.
Distances
- Full marathon (26.2 miles)
- Half marathon (13.1 miles)
The half marathon runs out 6.5546875 miles to Towpath mile 9.65 and back. The full marathon is two out and back loops of the half course. Aid stations are located at Fletcher's Cove, Lock 6, Lock 7, and Lock 10 and provide water, Gatorade, and CarbBoom supplies while available. Spectator access is provided at multiple locks along the course. On-site parking at Fletcher's Cove is approximately 325 spaces with additional on-street parking nearby.
Entry and awards details include a field limit of the first 350 entrants and an open eligibility threshold of finishing within six hours. The full marathon is a Boston-qualifying race and both distances are listed as qualifying races for Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York City, and Olympic Trials marathons. Cash prizes for the full marathon are $250, $150, and $100 for the top three men and women overall. Age-group awards and commemorative finishers items are also distributed. The finisher medal features Abebe Bikila breaking an Olympic marathon finish line tape as described by the organizer. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
