Founders Half Marathon

Race Overview

The lowest-priced half-marathon in America! Still a full 13.1 miles and full-service on quality and support!

Event Details

• Date: 2025-12-14
• Location: North Parking for Carderock Cliffs, Potomac, MD
• Series: This is race #2 of the DCRR Snowball Series.
• Previous Name: In past years, it's been the Gar Williams Half Marathon: now it honors all the Club's founders.

Course

• Path: Out-and-back along C&O Canal Towpath.
• Certification: Previously-USATF certified course, click here for map.
• Construction: Ongoing construction in the vicinity of Canal Lock 5 is preventing recertification.
• Adjustment: The course will be measured to account for the slightly-different path through the construction site.

Water Stops

• Locations: Two water stops: one at Lock 10 and one at Lock 6.
• Timing: Stops correspond to approximately mile 3, 5, 8, and 10 of the race.
• Double Access: Runners will pass each water stop twice.

Registration

• Method: Online registration only.
• Deadline: Online advance registration through 8 PM the evening before the race (12/13).
• Limitations: Late registrations are not accepted: no walk-up, day-of-race registrations.
• Fees: $0 for club members, $10 for non-members.

Refund Policy

• Cancellation: In the event the race is canceled, pre-paid non-members will receive a credit for a future Snowball Series race.

Event Schedule

• 7:30: Packet Pickup opens
• 9:00: Race Start
• 11:00: Awards
• 12:00: Course Closes

Amenities

• Post-Race Food: A great breakfast spread will be provided post race.
• Items Included: Bagels, cream cheese, Nutella, PB&J, hot chocolate, coffee, tea, Gatorade, bananas, and more.
• T-shirts and Medals: No, there are no t-shirts or medals for this $10 race.

Directions

• Route: Take the Capital Beltway (I-495) to the Clara Barton Parkway headed west, outside the beltway.
• Exits: Make a right on the first exit for Carderock and Naval Surface Warfare Center (Carderock Division).
• Parking: If the last parking lot is full, park in another lot and walk back to the registration area.

Volunteers

• Assistance Needed: Help coordinate race events if you’re not running or have a friend/relative volunteer.
• Requirement: This counts as your Snowball Series volunteer requirement.

For More Information

For further details, visit the race page at Founders Half Marathon.