Potomac River Run Marathon
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Potomac River Run Marathon & Half, Washington DC 2026
The Potomac River Run is a road trail marathon and half marathon held on the C&O Canal Towpath with start and finish at Fletcher's Cove, 4940 Canal Road NW, Washington DC. The course runs alongside the Potomac River on a mostly crushed stone and packed dirt trail. It is largely flat and straight, arranged as an out and back route, with highest and lowest points about 44 m and 12 m above sea level respectively. The route is USATF certified.
Aid stations provide water, Gatorade, friendly volunteers, and toilets at Fletcher's Cove and at several canal locks. Spectator access is available at the start area, Chain Bridge, and at multiple locks with varying parking availability. The trail is in a national park and remains open to other users during the event, so bicycles and other visitors may be encountered on course.
Field size is limited and entries are restricted to a fixed number of participants. Runners should expect mostly unpaved surface with two short paved or wooden sections to prevent erosion. Chip timing is used and finishers receive a medallion and post race refreshments. Packet pick up occurs on the days before the event at local partner locations, and limited on site pickup is available race morning. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
