I had plans to visit DC with my parents this weekend and decided to do this race while I was there. Last year I did the half and that review … MORE
I had plans to visit DC with my parents this weekend and decided to do this race while I was there. Last year I did the half and that review has more details. This year I was initially signed up for the half but given what a disaster last weekend was I asked to drop down last Sunday and the RD quickly replied and let me drop down in distance. This is produced by Bishop’s Events who produce a lot of smaller events in the DC area. They changed their timing system for the better and this year it was chipped time at the start and finish. They had runners go off in waves by start time and it worked well. The course is a flat, non technical trail out and back along the canal path. It is quite pretty. There was an aid station at the turn around point for the 5K. On the way back a deer joined the race and ran with us for about 1/2 mile which was funny. At the end you get a medal and there are some chips and other snacks and coolers with water and gatorade. It wasn’t as hot as last week but it was still quite hot at around 80 to 85 degrees and very humid so I was slow but managed to run most of it. I was happy I dropped down as the half would have been rough but they do have no time limits. Swag for Bishop’s Events is always okay. I preferred this year’s medal but preferred last year’s shirt. I’d recommend this race if you are in the area or hoping to do a race in DC and prefer a smaller, more low-key race.
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Nice, low-key race
I had plans to visit DC with my parents this weekend and decided to do this race while I was there. Last year I did the half and that review … MORE
I had plans to visit DC with my parents this weekend and decided to do this race while I was there. Last year I did the half and that review has more details. This year I was initially signed up for the half but given what a disaster last weekend was I asked to drop down last Sunday and the RD quickly replied and let me drop down in distance. This is produced by Bishop’s Events who produce a lot of smaller events in the DC area. They changed their timing system for the better and this year it was chipped time at the start and finish. They had runners go off in waves by start time and it worked well. The course is a flat, non technical trail out and back along the canal path. It is quite pretty. There was an aid station at the turn around point for the 5K. On the way back a deer joined the race and ran with us for about 1/2 mile which was funny. At the end you get a medal and there are some chips and other snacks and coolers with water and gatorade. It wasn’t as hot as last week but it was still quite hot at around 80 to 85 degrees and very humid so I was slow but managed to run most of it. I was happy I dropped down as the half would have been rough but they do have no time limits. Swag for Bishop’s Events is always okay. I preferred this year’s medal but preferred last year’s shirt. I’d recommend this race if you are in the area or hoping to do a race in DC and prefer a smaller, more low-key race.
Convenient way to check off DC
This is another event I did with Bishop's Event. They produce low key races throughout the DC region and usually produce multiple races every weekend. This is the 5th race … MORE
This is another event I did with Bishop’s Event. They produce low key races throughout the DC region and usually produce multiple races every weekend. This is the 5th race I’ve done with them. They aren’t the most exciting races but are super convenient and production is always adequate. For the 50 state half marathon club, it is not required but you can as a bonus do 50 states + DC. Since DC is pretty close to me and I enjoy visiting there and the only local races I could find were all short, I thought this would be a good weekend to check off DC. I stayed in Arlington, VA which was about a 10 minute drive to the race and convenient. My probably biggest complaint is I had trouble finding the race in the morning. It is on the C&O towpath and is kind of “below” the city. I put in the address the suggested but my car got me above the race and I couldn’t figure out how to get down. I drove around a bit and did find free street parking right across from Georgetown cupcake. I then wondered around and eventually found my way down to the race. There seemed to be parking below in the canal area but I have no idea how to get there so I may just drive to Georgetown Cupcake next time. Packet pick-up was easy and included a nice royal blue tech shirt. The race went off in small waves of about 20 to 30 participants which spread things out well. There were about 100 half marathoners total. I was very worried about running a race in DC in the summer. I thought it would probably be 90+ degrees and super humid. Luckily these Bishop Event’s have no time limit so if that did happen, it wouldn’t be a big deal I would just walk a lot. However we really lucked out today. It was very rainy on my drive and at packet pick up but during the race itself it was just drizzly and in the 70s. Other than a little bit humid, it was as good of weather as you could ask for in DC in early August. The race is an out and pack on the towpath. This course was fine but not nearly as scenic as the course in Potomac, MD on the towpath they use which is why I rated it one less sneaker. Production was fine and similar to the Fallen Soldier Race. All the important production things such as accurate distance and timing, water stops, clearly marked turn arounds were there. But some of the other stuff you expect from a bigger race such as mile markers, nutrition on course, porta potties, medical were missing. There were 5 water stops and you passed by 4 twice so nine total. Half had gatorade, half just water. No gels or food. The scenery along the towpath was peaceful but a little boring and kind of swampy at the end. I saw a few turtles and some ducks but not as many animals as Maryland. The course is very flat. It is dirt trail and it was not particularly rocky. Luckily I managed to avoid injury. It’s a fast course. I was a little slow, since I am still taking it easy for my ankle and I felt my ankle a little at the end of the race but finished under 2:45 which is what I was aiming for. The medal is not the best but Bishop’s medals never are. It is on the better side for their medals. For post race snacks there were bags of chips and other snacks. I made the mistake of not taking anything since I was obviously going to Georgetown Cupcakes. And while the cupcakes were delicious (and they have a vegan option!), there was a large line so I was starving. I wish I ate a few chips before waiting in line. Overall this is a fine race. It’s not the most exciting race in the world, but if you are looking for a convenient way to check off DC I would look into these Bishop’s Events. They use this course quite frequently and I’m sure you can easily find a double weekend with a Virginia or Maryland race if you are a 50 state + DCer.