Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon Washington DC Recap

All About Rock ‘n’ Roll Washing DC Half Marathon. Lots of pictures and information about the course and where to stay.

I made it to Washington DC Friday evening, dropped my bags the Omni Shoreham, hopped on the Metro, and headed straight to the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon expo.  I got my bib with 5 minutes to spare! Phew…that was cutting it a little too close for me.  I got back on the Metro and went back to my hotel.  BIG TIP: I recommend getting a Metro SmartCard the day before for race morning.  The lines of people needing to get their tickets was really long, but if you already have it then you just go right through the turnstiles.  Avoid those lines!I got room service for dinner at the Omni Shoreham.  I was too tired from traveling to venture out.  I unpacked and got organized for the race in the morning.  The weather was suppose to be overcast and in the 50’s.  PERFECT running weather!  

When I walked out of the Omni Shoreham Saturday morning there was the most amazing sunrise I had ever seen.  This picture has no filter on it.I left my room about 6:00am on Saturday morning to head to the race.  The Metro is conveniently across the street from the Omni Shoreham.  Be prepared because the Metro gets crowded race morning, but it is hands down the best way to get to a DC race.  I took the Metro to Federal Triangle, the stop that puts you out right at the race start.  You walk out of the station and the corrals are right there.

The race started right by the National Mall, the Smithsonian Museums, and the Washington Monument. There is so much to see in DC, which is what makes this race so awesome.  It is like a running sightseeing tour.  Not many cities can say that.  I took this picture with the Washington Monument in the first mile of the race.Here is the backside of the Lincoln Memorial.  We ran over the Arlington Memorial Bridge, turn around and run back to towards the Lincoln Memorial.  Then we run towards the Kennedy Center.  The spectators at the race are AWESOME!  They lined the streets, offered up water, gatorade, booze, oranges, and candy.  Mile 6 brings you to a beast of a hill, but the crowd support makes it not nearly as tough.  I love the signs that Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series put up along the course.  Around mile 10 I spotted the Capital Building!Mile 10.5 was rockin!  The bands were fantastic along the course!The finish line is near the stadium and DC Armory.  I had a GREAT time!  I love running in DC and Rock ‘n’ Roll put on an incredible race.  I definitely recommend you adding this race to your running bucket list.  If you want to register for a Rock ‘n’ Roll race use code HalfCrazyMama to save $15!I hopped on the Metro after the race and headed back to the Omni Shoreham. I stopped at the CVS across the street and got a pack of Cadbury Mini Eggs, because they are one of the most delicious things on the planet and I earned it.I showered and headed out to enjoy the rest of my day in Washington DC. I walked all over starting near the White House.I visited both sides of the White House.The Washington Monument and Reflecting Pool
Lincoln MemorialWhere Martin Luther King Jr. looked out over the crowd and gave his “I have a dream” speech.Martin Luther King Jr. MemorialThe cherry blossoms were just days away from opening at the Tidal Basin.It was a very quick trip for me, but I managed to do a lot.  I can’t wait for my next Rock ‘n’ Roll race in San Francisco!  Remember, if you want to run use code HalfCrazyMama to save $15 on your Rock ‘n’ Roll registration!

Did you run Rock ‘n’ Roll DC?