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 the toll of a funeral bell and continues through cemetery grounds onto the Anacostia Trail. The course is USATF certified, flat, and was updated in 2026. The start and finish are located within the cemetery and the route uses a short out-and-back on the adjoining trail.
The run takes place in the evening and includes thematic elements such as spooky music. Costumes are encouraged; prizes are awarded for best individual costume and best team costume. Teams may register and creative team names are noted by the organizers.
Water is provided at the start/finish area and at a water stop near the halfway point of the course. The event is rain or shine with no rain date. The organizers state they cannot offer refunds or race transfers. All proceeds from Congressional Cemetery races support the cemetery's nonprofit work and the preservation of the National Historic Landmark.
Registration for Dead Man's Run opens July 23. The event is described as a bare-bones, thematic 5K fundraiser run among the cemetery grounds. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
