3,700 Volunteers. 8,523 Hours. The Mount Vernon Trail Is the Country's Trail of the Year.
The Mount Vernon Trail has been named the inaugural Trail of the Year by the Public Lands Alliance, the organization announced at its annual conference in Daytona Beach on February 23rd.
The Taco Bell DC 50K Returns in 2026
The Taco Bell DC 50K is back. The free ultramarathon, one of the most unique running events in the Washington, D.C. area, returns on November 27, 2026, sending runners to eight Taco Bell locations across Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C.
Run Club Spotlight: Every Person Run Club
For this week’s Run Club Spotlight, we chatted with the folks over at Every Person Run Club, a Navy Yard-based group that welcomes all runners, regardless of pace, experience level, or ability.
With a Mission, Vision, and Values that would make even the most successful non-profit blush, this group means it when they say they are for “Every Person”.
The Marathoner’s Library: Five Books to Anchor Your Training
Training for a marathon is less about a single race and more about a complete shift in how you spend your time and energy. Easy miles become mandatory, weekends revolve around long runs, and patience becomes your most important skill. Having a reliable guide makes that transition much smoother.
Virginia Pro Mike Wardian Dominates Ultramarathon Challenge on Seven Continents in Seven Days
While many of us struggled to log miles amidst the crippling ice storm that hit the DC region in January, Arlington ultramarathoner Mike Wardian set out to run a 50K ultramarathon on every continent in seven days.
The 6 Best Running Books to Read When You Need Motivation, Perspective, or a Reset
Whether you’re deep in marathon prep, grinding through winter base miles, or trying to fall back in love with the sport, these six books deserve a spot on your shelf. They are the ultimate reminders of why we lace up in the first place.
Run Club Spotlight: Northeast Track Club
In the bustling running scene of Washington, D.C., few groups have managed to cultivate a sense of "team" quite like the Northeast Track Club (NETC). Known for their high energy and inclusive atmosphere, NETC has become a staple for those looking to push their limits while building genuine friendships.
We sat down with the team behind NETC to learn more about what happens at the track and why this community is about so much more than just a lap time.
Where to Run Fast: DC's Best Flat Routes for Speed Work
There's something primal about speed work. No scenic distractions, no conquering elevation—just you, the pavement, and the clock. DC's topography might be famous for its hills (looking at you, Rock Creek Park), but the city delivers when you need pancake-flat terrain to hammer out tempo runs, intervals, or those soul-crushing 400-meter repeats.
Here's where to find your speed in the District and beyond.
Registration Open for 2026 Marine Corps 17.75K
Runners interested in racing the 2026 Marine Corps 17.75K on March 21 can register for the race now. The event, which takes place at Prince William Forest Park, gives finishers “Access Granted” passes guaranteeing access to the 51st Marine Corps Marathon on October 25.
Mile Zero: The 3,700-Mile Trail That Starts at the Capitol
The Capitol Reflecting Pool sits quiet most mornings, a shallow mirror catching the first light beneath the dome. Runners loop the perimeter on their usual routes—three miles, maybe five if they're extending down to the monuments. Tourists arrive later with their cameras. Commuters cut through on autopilot. Nobody stops to consider that this particular spot, this pool at the base of Capitol Hill, marks Mile Zero of the longest car-free trail in America.
Make Your Winter Running Suck Less
The cold weather is here—we even got an early December snow. But running doesn't have to be miserable just because temperatures are dropping below freezing. Here's how to stay comfortable when winter hits the D.C. area.
The 2025 Capital Runner Gift Guide: Stuff Runners Actually Want
Whether you're shopping for someone training for their first race, a veteran chasing another PR, or treating yourself after a solid training block, these recommendations cut through the noise of running retail to focus on what actually matters.
Theodore Roosevelt Bridge Pedestrian Path Closure December 11-22
Beginning Thursday, December 11, the pedestrian path on the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge will be temporarily closed as part of the ongoing rehabilitation work on the bridge connecting Arlington, VA to Washington, D.C., according to the District Department of Transportation. The December closure will allow crews to install the foundations for new overhead sign structures.
No Regrets: Inside the Taco Bell DC 50K
“This is the stupidest thing I have ever done!” The cry was heard as hundreds of chilly runners—fueled by ambition and their first Taco Bell meal of the day—set off down King Street in Alexandria, Virginia.
The Ultimate Guide to Running in Washington, D.C.
Step onto the Mall at sunrise, and you'll get it immediately. Runners are already circling the monuments, headlamps cutting through the pre-dawn darkness. By 7:00 AM, the trails are buzzing. And by evening? The paths are still packed with people chasing miles between their day jobs and whatever comes next.
Run Club Spotlight: GOOD GRiEF
Meet the GOOD GRiEF, an Austin, TX- and Washington, DC-based running club that focuses on mental health alongside their passion for running. Their mission is to help people find the good in grief, fostering a joyful and kind community where people can be themselves. We spoke with the GOOD GRiEF DC team to get the low-down on the group and learn how people can get involved.
Running 31 Miles on Taco Bell: DC's Most Unconventional Ultra
Nearly 1,000 runners from 25 states and Washington, D.C. will spend their post-Thanksgiving Saturday attempting something ambitious and unconventional: running 31 miles through Northern Virginia and DC while eating at nine different Taco Bell locations.
DC MBT Trail Expands to Takoma
DC's Metropolitan Branch Trail just gained 1.7 miles of car-free running real estate. The Fort Totten–Takoma segment opened, closing one of the last gaps in the 8-mile corridor from Union Station to Silver Spring.
Off the beaten path: Hidden Gems Throughout the DMV
Once you’ve mastered the DC classics (Rock Creek Park, National Mall, MBT, Anacostia, and the Capital Crescent), you may be looking for somewhere new to run. Fortunately, for DC runners willing to travel a little further from home, the area is chock full of interesting routes to test your fitness. Some of these are metro accessible, and some will require four wheels, but they’re all worth the trip.
Run Club Spotlight: DC Capital Striders
If you've been running in DC for any length of time, you've probably crossed paths with DC Capital Striders. With group runs across DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland, they're one of the most established and welcoming running communities in the area. We sat down with the group to learn what makes them tick.