Potomac River Run Marathon
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Event overview
The Safety And Health Foundation hosts the 23rd annual Potomac River Run Marathon & Half on Saturday, May 2, 2026. The event includes two distances:
- 26.2 miles
- 13.1 miles
Both distances are qualifiers for Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York City, and the 2028 Olympic Trials marathons. The full marathon is a 2027 Boston Marathon qualifier. Entry is limited to the first 350 entrants and is open to runners able to complete the course in under six hours. Registration allows selection of either distance, with the option to change later.
Course and logistics
The course runs on the historic C&O Canal Towpath with start and finish at Fletcher's Cove, 4940 Canal Road NW, Washington DC. The route is out-and-back (half once, full twice), mostly flat with a highest point of 44 m and a lowest of 12 m above sea level. The surface is crushed stone and packed dirt for nearly the entire course, with about 50 m across a wooden footbridge and about 50 m of concrete under I-495.
Aid stations with water, Gatorade, volunteers, and toilets are located at Fletcher's Cove and Locks 6, 7, and 10. Several spectator access points are listed along the towpath and Clara Barton Parkway. Parking at Fletcher's Cove is free but limited; additional off-site parking options are suggested.
Timing, awards, and post-race
Chip timing uses an RFID chip attached to the back of the bib; chips are collected after the race. Finishers receive a medallion and post-race refreshments under a recovery tent, followed by a picnic. Full marathon prize money is $250, $150, and $100 for 1st to 3rd overall M/F; both races offer age-group commemoratives and finisher certificates by e-mail on request. Packet pick-up occurs on the Thursday and Friday before the race and on race day at Fletcher's Cove. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
