Marathon Focus
Rock n Roll Washington DC Marathon

Rock n Roll Washington DC Marathon

Washington, D.C., District of Columbia, United States

Overview

The Rock 'n' Roll Washington DC Marathon draws approximately 5,476 finishers each March through the US capital's monument-lined streets. The course passes the US Capitol, the National Mall, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Georgetown waterfront with live music stages along the route. March cherry-blossom season makes it one of America's most scenic capital-city marathons.

Rock n Roll Washington DC Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.

Rock n Roll Washington DC Marathon 2027 race day

The next Rock n Roll Washington DC Marathon is scheduled for Saturday, 27 March 2027 with a 7:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 100 m of climbing on a mostly flat with gentle undulations layout.

Rock n Roll Washington DC Marathon course route

The Rock n Roll Washington DC Marathon is a historic urban road that starts near RFK Stadium or the Capitol area and finishes on Pennsylvania Avenue near the Capitol. The loop passes the National Mall, Lincoln Memorial, Georgetown, and the Tidal Basin cherry-blossom area. The flat profile keeps rhythm steady throughout, with only minor bridge ramps or short rises interrupting otherwise even pacing. Crowd support is strongest around the historic start-finish hub and along the landmark districts that define the city's character.

Rock n Roll Washington DC Marathon elevation profile

The Rock n Roll Washington DC Marathon course is mostly flat with gentle undulations over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 100 metres of climbing and 95 metres of descent, with a net climb of 5 metres from start to finish.

Entry requirements

For the Rock n Roll Washington DC Marathon, the race is typically held on a Saturday in late March. Registration is through https://www.runrocknroll.com/washington-dc.

Rock n Roll Washington DC Marathon course video

Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.

2024 Rock 'n' Roll DC Course Preview

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Rock n Roll Washington DC Marathon elevation profile?
The Rock n Roll Washington DC Marathon has 100 metres of total climbing and 95 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is mostly flat with gentle undulations, with 5 metres of net climb from start to finish.
How long is the Rock n Roll Washington DC Marathon?
The Rock n Roll Washington DC Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Historic course starts near RFK Stadium or the Capitol area and finishes on Pennsylvania Avenue near the Capitol.
What time does the Rock n Roll Washington DC Marathon start?
The 2027 Rock n Roll Washington DC Marathon starts at 7:00 am local time on Saturday, 27 March 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.runrocknroll.com/washington-dc confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
What monuments does the DC Rock 'n' Roll Marathon pass?
The course passes the US Capitol, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, and the National Mall. Cherry-blossom groves near the Tidal Basin are a highlight in late March.
When is the Rock 'n' Roll Washington DC Marathon?
The race is typically held on a Saturday in late March. Registration is through https://www.runrocknroll.com/washington-dc.
Is the DC marathon flat?
The National Mall and monument corridor are largely flat. Gentle undulations appear in Georgetown and near the Capitol, but overall elevation gain is modest.
Does the DC marathon coincide with cherry blossoms?
Late March timing often overlaps with the National Cherry Blossom Festival, though peak bloom varies year to year. The Tidal Basin section is especially scenic when blossoms are out.
Where does the DC Rock 'n' Roll Marathon finish?
The finish is on Pennsylvania Avenue near the US Capitol, providing a dramatic backdrop for finisher photos.

Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.

Nearby Marathons

Other races closest to Washington, D.C..

Marine Corps Marathon
Washington, D.C., District of Columbia, United States· 5 km away

Marine Corps Marathon

The Marine Corps Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 16k finishers on a point-to-point road in Washington, D.C., United States. The course runs from the Pentagon in Arlington to the Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima). The route crosses the Arlington Memorial Bridge into Washington, D.C., passing the Lincoln Memorial, National Mall monuments, and Hains Point before finishing in Arlington. Rolling terrain with climbs on Memorial Bridge and at Hains Point.

Next race: Sunday, 25 October 2026

Baltimore Running Festival Marathon
Baltimore, Maryland, United States· 57 km away

Baltimore Running Festival Marathon

The Baltimore Running Festival Marathon draws approximately 1,625 finishers each October through Charm City on the Chesapeake Bay. The course passes Fort McHenry (birthplace of the Star-Spangled Banner), the Inner Harbor, and Johns Hopkins University on rolling Mid-Atlantic terrain. October's crisp Baltimore autumn and the harbour-city scenery make it Maryland's premier marathon.

Next race: Saturday, 24 October 2026

Atlantic City Marathon
Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States· 231 km away

Atlantic City Marathon

The Atlantic City Marathon draws approximately 1,400 finishers each October on a boardwalk and coastal road in Atlantic City, United States. It is one of the oldest marathons in the United States and still leans into classic resort-city character. The course passes the boardwalk, marina districts, and long seaside stretches beside casinos and beaches. The course is very flat throughout.

Next race: Sunday, 4 October 2026

Related guides

View all marathon guides →