This story was last updated at 12:10 p.m. on Aug. 19.
For runners looking forward to big races in the District this fall, the options aren’t looking so great—unless you’re hoping for a virtual race where you devise your own course.
The Marine Corps Marathon on Oct. 25, which winds its 26.2 miles through Virginia and D.C., became the latest large marathon in the region to move to a virtual-only format, organizers announced July 20, citing ongoing public health concerns and local guidance. Its affiliated 50K also moved to virtual-only. Organizers previously had moved the MCM10K, which occurred along the course, and Semper Fun kids mile to an all-virtual format, and reduced the time limits in an effort to shrink the field for an in-person event.
The move comes as the coronavirus pandemic continues to surge across the country, and after other big-name marathons—including the venerable Boston Marathon and the Chicago Marathon—have moved to virtual-only formats this year.
The first wave of race cancelations and postponements came in March, as the coronavirus pandemic set in around the region, including the popular Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run and the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon. Many runners and running groups pivoted to virtual races, which can take a variety of formats. Some require runners to run the requisite distance at the same time, wherever they are, as they would an in-person race. In others, runners race on their own schedule and record their times by a certain date.
As various jurisdictions reopen, some races have moved ahead with in-person events. Fredericksburg-based Bishop’s Events, which hosts a number of smaller events around the region, resumed some races at the end of June. Races start in waves that are limited to 50 people, and runners are encouraged to wear face masks during the check-in process, though masks aren’t required for running.
Curious to see where your race stands? We’ll update this page as race organizers make announcements.
Fort Hunt 5K & 10K (Sept. 12): The Alexandria races are scheduled to continue as planned, and virtual options are available.
DC Half Marathon (Sept. 13): This Pacers event has been canceled. Runners registered for the half marathon or the relay have the opportunity to defer to the 2021 race or switch registrations to a later event in this year’s schedule.
Clarendon Day Run (Sept. 26): This popular event in Arlington, which has offers 5K, 10K, or both, as well as a kids run option, has been canceled.
Army Ten Miler (Oct. 11): The race and its 400-meter run for kids 4-10 has been moved to virtual-only. Participants must run the race between Oct. 11-Oct. 18. Registration is open.
Wait, How Far Is That 13K & 4-Miler (Oct. 18): The quirkily named event (it’s about eight miles) is scheduled to proceed as planned in Georgetown. Virtual options are available.
Marine Corps Marathon (Oct. 25): All running events—the MCM Semper Fun mile, MCM 10K, MCM, and MCM 50K—held on this year’s Marine Corps Marathon weekend have now been moved to a virtual format. Virtual participants must complete their race between Oct. 1-Nov. 10.
Rock ‘n’ Roll Washington D.C. (Nov. 7): These events, which were postponed from their original date of March 28 and switched from the usual marathon and half marathon to a half marathon and a 5K, have been cancelled. Registered participants have a number of deferral and virtual options. The race returns next year as a half marathon only, and is scheduled for March 27.
PNC Parkway Classic (Nov. 7-8): Usually held in April in Alexandria, Pacers pushed its Parkway Classic races (5K and 10 miles) to November. The 5K is Nov. 7, the 10-miler Nov. 8. Organizers made the decision in late July to cancel the kids race. Registration for the 5K and 10-mile run is open. Virtual participants must complete their race in November.
Veterans Day 10K (Nov. 8): This 10K and 2-mile walk in D.C. is still going as planned. Registration is open.
Operation Turbo 5K, 10K, and 1M (Nov. 14): All the races at Bluemont Park in Arlington are scheduled to go as planned, and virtual options are available.
