DC New Year's 10k
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Event overview
The 2026 DC New Year’s race takes place on January 1, 2026, in Georgetown at 3530 Water St NW, Washington, DC. The event offers the following distances:
- 5k
- 10k
Points from the races count towards the organizer’s Year-Long 5k, 10k, and Back of the Pack Series and the Winter Series. A virtual race option is available. Walkers and strollers are welcome. Registered participants receive a finisher’s medal, a technical (Dri-fit) event shirt, and chip timing. T-shirts are guaranteed for runners registered before December 17; additional shirts will be available after that on a first-come, first-served basis.
Course, services, and logistics
Both the 5k and 10k run along the C&O Canal on a light gravel dirt road with minimal elevation change as out-and-back routes. The 10k course will have three water stations at about miles 1.5, 3.1, and 4.6; the 5k course will have one water station at about mile 1.5. Gatorade will be available at some water stations. Restrooms are located in facilities around the peninsula.
Awards are given to the top three men and women overall and to first and second place male and female in age groups: 19 & under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70+. Top three overall finishers are not eligible for age-group awards. Packet pickup is available at the event; there is no on-site race registration. Parking is available along Water Street and in nearby garages; the Potomac Boat Club address and GPS pin are provided for locating the start/finish area. The race benefits City Dogs & City Kitties Rescue, a nonprofit that rescues animals from overcrowded shelters and places them in adoptive homes. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
