Abebe Bikila Marathon
Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.
Abebe Bikila Day International Peace Marathon & Half
The Abebe Bikila Day International Peace Marathon & Half is scheduled for Saturday, September 5, 2026, at Fletcher's Cove, 4940 Canal Road NW, Washington DC. The event offers two distances:
- Full marathon (26.2 miles)
- Half marathon (13.1 miles)
Both races use a 100% flat gravel course on the C&O Canal Towpath with an out-and-back layout. Aid stations with water, Gatorade, and CarbBoom! are located at Fletcher's Cove and at Locks 6, 7, and 10. On-site parking at Fletcher's Cove is about 325 spaces, with additional free on-street parking nearby.
The event is open to runners who can finish within six hours and is limited to the first 350 entrants. The full marathon is a qualifying race for the Boston Marathon; organizers pre-verify qualifying times and send results to the Boston Athletic Association after the race. Cash prizes are offered for the top three men and women in the full marathon: $250, $150, and $100 respectively, plus awards in 10-year age groups. All finishers receive a specially cast medal that depicts Abebe Bikila breaking the Olympic marathon finish-line tape.
Volunteers staff aid stations and timing at the start/finish. Spectator access is available at several locks and under Chain Bridge along the towpath. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
