2026 20th Abebe Bikila Marathon & Half

2026 20th Abebe Bikila Marathon & Half

Date: 2026-09-05

Location: 4940 Canal Road NW, Washington, DC

More Information: Event Registration

Event Overview

• Entry Limit: We welcome 300 individual entries
• Sponsorship Opportunities: You may also enter as a sponsor (Bronze $250, Silver $500, Gold $1000, which includes a complimentary entry) - All donations are tax-deductible
• Promotional Materials: Sponsors may send or deliver to me 300 copies of your menu, advertising flyer, coupon, or business card in our souvenir bags
• Event Schedule: 8:00 AM FULL MARATHON ----- 9:00 AM HALF MARATHON

Course Details

• Course Description: Flat - scenic - beautiful views of the Potomac River - tree-lined - shaded - out'n'back
• Start/Finish: Start and finish at Fletcher's Cove | 4940 Canal Road NW, Washington DC
• Course Certification: USATF certified course DC09005RT
• Elevation Profile: Highest point is 44m above sea level, lowest point is 12m above sea level

Event Highlights

• Canal Towpath: Enjoy a lovely day on the C&O Canal Towpath!
• Historical Displays: See displays about the historic C&O Canal before & after race

Parking and Transportation

• Parking Information: Parking is limited at Fletcher's Cove, and we must leave spaces open for the general public, as it's a National Park and open to the public even during races
• Off-Site Parking Options: We want as many participants as possible to park off-site, so that we leave some parking spaces available at Fletcher's Cove for the general public.
• Suggested Locations:
  • The River School entrance on Reservoir Road
  • W Street, Bending Lane, or Hutchins Place off Reservoir Road
  • Palisades Library, 4901 V St NW, Washington, DC 20007
  • Our Lady of Victory School, 4755 Whitehaven Pkwy NW, Washington, DC 20007
  • CVS/pharmacy, 4859 MacArthur Boulevard NW, Washington, DC 20007

Transportation Services

• Cab Service: We offer round-trip Red Top Cab rides from our host hotel Le Meridien to Fletcher's Cove departing at 7:00 AM on race day for only $10.00 arriving about 7:20 AM
• Return Transportation: For the return trip after you finish, see the on-site Transportation Director. After you finish, as we get groups of four finishers, we call Red Top Cab for a ride back to our host hotel
• Advance Registration: Please register for the taxi service in advance here
• Drop-off Location: From westbound Canal Road, Red Top Cab drops you off at Reservoir Road, at the entrance to Fletcher's Cove

Please cross Canal Road CAREFULLY to get to Fletcher's Cove and walk down the ramp to packet pick-up or straight to the start line if you already picked up your packet.