Rock n Roll Washington DC Marathon
Washington, D.C.District of ColumbiaUnited States
Next race
Saturday, 20 March 2027
7:00 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Historic urban road
Elevation
Rolling · 100 m gain
100 m climbing
Race profile
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.
- Typical participants
Approximately 5,476 finishers
- Weather
- Course records
- Men: 2:20:45 — Tyler Andrews (2018)Women: 2:43:00 — Nuța Olaru (2014)
Course & terrain
Rock n Roll Washington DC Marathon course
Course route details and elevation profile for race-week planning.
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.
The Rock n Roll Washington DC Marathon course is rolling 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.
- Elevation
Rolling · 100 m gain — approx. 7 m above sea level
↑ 100 m · ↓ 95 m · net +5 m
Registration
Rock n Roll Washington DC Marathon 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/events/washington-dc.
Getting there
Rock n Roll Washington DC Marathon travel
Airports closest to Washington, D.C. for flight planning and race-week travel.
- Closest airport
Washington (DCA)
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
5 km / 3 mi
Race footage
Rock n Roll Washington DC Marathon videos
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
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Rock n Roll Washington DC Marathon a Boston Qualifier?
- The Rock n Roll Washington DC Marathon is a Boston Qualifier. The Rock n Roll Washington DC Marathon holds a certified 42.195 km course that can be used for Boston Marathon qualifying times, subject to current Boston Athletic Association standards and the race's USATF (or equivalent) certification status in the registration year.
- 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 rolling, 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, 20 March 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications 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.
- 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.
Official resources
Rock n Roll Washington DC Marathon links
Websites
Social Media
Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
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