Dead Man's Run 5K
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Dead Man's Run 5K
Dead Man's Run is Congressional Cemetery's annual fall 5K fundraiser. The event begins inside the cemetery with a toll of the funeral bell and continues through the grounds onto the Anacostia Trail for an out and back course. The run is presented as an evening event with themed music and a ghostly atmosphere.
The course is described as flat, fast, and USATF certified. It was updated in 2026 and uses the cemetery for both the start and the finish, with a quick out and back along the adjoining trail. Water is available at the start and finish area and at a water stop around the halfway point of the 5K route.
Costumes are encouraged and prizes are awarded for best individual costume and best team costume. Participants may form teams and are encouraged to use creative team names.
The race is a fundraiser for Congressional Cemetery, and proceeds support the nonprofit organization and the preservation of the historic site. The event is held rain or shine with no rain date, and the organizer does not offer refunds or race transfers. Registration for Dead Man's Run opens July 23. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
