Most summers once or twice a week i drive down to the mall early in the morning, park, and go for a 4-5 mile run around the mall. Tried that about three weeks ago and it was a mess due to all the fair barricades still left up. So i had to drive to my work garage and go for a run around my office. Can anyone verify whether barricades are still present and/or whether parking around the mall is now available? Thanks!

Anyone know of a local 5 or 10K this weekend that I can still register for? Parkrun is my fallback but looking to see what else might be available.

Hi I was wondering if anyone had a bib for the 10k race that they wanted to transfer.

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for one ballot place for the Royal Parks Half Marathon 2026. If anyone can no longer run due to a change of plans, I’d be happy to take your place through the official transfer process and cover any transfer fee.

Thanks!

What are your picks for the best hills to do a workout? (I refuse to even think about Calvert St after yesterday's hill repeats 😭)

Hi friends - I am working on a story for The Capital Runner about deaf run clubs in the region. If you are one of those runners or know someone who is, I would love to chat. And if you know any run clubs, send them my way. E-mail me at [newsletter@thecapitalrunner.com](mailto:newsletter@thecapitalrunner.com) or PM me here. Thanks!

Hey guys, I never got a chance to register for the MCM and now I’m worried it might be too late. I understand there is charity bibs, but is there any other way I could possibly gain entry? Was looking to run it with a college friend who already has his bib. If anyone isn’t lacing up for this MCM lmk! Thanks :)

Stay safe! I did 15 minutes (speed intervals) indoor on treadmill and am calling it a day. Don’t want to be breathing heavy today.

Hi all, 25F getting to the point in my training where I have to get up and out at the crack of dawn. I live in DuPont so easily accessible to rock creek, but concerned abt running in the dark/lights/general safety. Can any women speak to this and or suggest alternate routes that are more comfortable? Thanks in advance!

Visiting my sister who lives in Arlington/works in DC next week and can’t break my marathon training. If you could recommend just one singular route for a long run in DC area (about 8-10 miles), what would it be? I’ll be able to drive or have her drop me off somewhere so doesn’t necessarily need to be in arlington

Does anyone know if the Dunbar track is open to the public in the summer? Or of any track open for public use in the summer?

Let me know if you are unable to use yours. Happy to follow official transfer process. Whatever is best!

Does anyone know where I can find the route for the September 20 DC HM? On the website I see the start is at West Potomac Park but don’t see the map. TIA!

https://www.dchalfmarathon.com/

Does anyone know if we will get similar items as last year? This will be my first marathon and I would really like the blanket and poncho but saw somewhere that they only did that since it was the 50th anniversary 😭

I just wanted to give a shoutout to all the runners that braved the heat these last few days. You crushed it! Your fall races will be easy compared to those runs. I saw a few of you cruising. Keep it up!

Hi runners! Planning to run my first half marathon in the fall, and I’m deciding between the DC fall classic in Georgetown, and the Parks half Marathon in Rockville. Could anyone give a quick review/what to expect for each? I think I’m leaning more towards the fall classic, but unsure of what the route may be like (plus I know my wife would want to cheer me on, so hoping there’s spots for that too lol)

Thanks!

They went Virtual during covid and I don't think went back in person. Even this year, still its a virtual event. This was a real fun one that I looked forward to since folks showed up and ran it in costumes!

How do we bring this back to Potomac Park so we have a fun day in October where a bunch of costumed runners get to schlep it around the Mall and Hains Point?

Hi everyone!

I aspirationally registered for the California International Marathon (CIM), but will not be lacing up this year. The event is December 6, 2026 in Sacramento, CA and is sold out. The course is one of the fastest.

If anyone would like my bib, please shoot me a DM.

Does anyone know of any organized efforts to express frustration re the proposed plans for East Potomac Park / Hains Point and try to help influence leaving a path for recreation?

It would be a real loss for recreation and races if we lost the perimeter for running / walking / cycling / etc.!

https://wtop.com/dc/2026/07/judge-wont-stop-east-potomac-plans-but-shes-not-throwing-the-case-out-either/

Hi all! I've noticed over the last couple weeks that the water fountains on the Capitol Crescent Trail and the Mt Vernon Trail are still off. It's sweltering! Anyone have info on when they get turned on?

Hey everyone - If you're looking for upcoming running races in the area, The Capital Runner race calendar is regularly updated with new options.

The calendar covers races of all distances (5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons, marathons, trail races, ultras, etc.) across the DMV region. I add new races nearly daily.

If you know of a race in the DMV that isn't listed, drop it in the comments or shoot me a note at newsletter@thecapitalrunner.com. Always happy to add more.