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Potomac River Run Marathon (October)

Washington, DC
Saturday, October 17, 2026


  4 Stars from 2 Reviews

Course Description
With the typically cooler and less humid race day weather in this November edition of the Potomac River Run, it should be one of the best opportunities for PRs and BQs in the fall.

The Potomac River Run Marathon course is a narrow (12-foot) wide unpaved trail, entirely flat, past 150-year-old locks and gatehouses. The course is very flat course with the highest point is 116 feet and the lowest point is 35 feet.

October Other Marathons in October Other Marathons in District of Columbia Marathons near Washington, DC



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Race Information

Race Dates

2027: TBD
2026: Saturday, October 17, 2026

Course Information

Profile: Mostly Flat
Type: Multiple Out and Backs
Surface: Road/Pavement

Boston Qualifier?: Yes
World Marathon Major Qualifier?: No

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 63°F (17°C)
Average High: 73°F (22°C)
Average Low: 52° F (11°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 97.41
Course Score: 99.53

Race Size

2026: No Results
2025: 32 Finishers
2024: 107 Finishers
2023: 90 Finishers
2022: 118 Finishers
2021: 93 Finishers

BQ Percentages

2026: N/A
2025: 6.3%
2024: 6.5%
2023: 10%
2022: 4.2%
2021: 14%

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: No

Weather Averages for Last 14 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 64°F  (18°C)
Low: 45°F  (7°C)

Race Start Conditions

51°F  (11°C)
Humidity: 76%

Partly Cloudy
N 6 mph

PR Score

98.59

Course Score

99.35






Potomac River Run Marathon (October) Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Potomac River Run Marathon (October) was the 511th largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 346th largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2025, 6.3% of Potomac River Run Marathon (October) finishers achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2024, 6.5% of finishers qualified for Boston.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Potomac River Run Marathon (October) ranked 233rd among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and 247th in 2024. In Washington D.C., it ranked 3rd in 2025 and 3rd in 2024. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for runners comparing Boston Marathon qualifying potential across different races.

The Potomac River Run Marathon (October) has a Course Score of 99.53, ranking it as the 102nd fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 4th fastest marathon course in Washington D.C..

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are above the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Potomac River Run Marathon (October) a PR Score of 97.41. The PR Score ranks the Potomac River Run Marathon (October) as the 336th best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 4th best marathon for a PR in Washington D.C..

Together, these rankings provide a quick snapshot of how the Potomac River Run Marathon (October) compares with other marathons in the U.S. and Washington D.C. for speed, PR potential, Boston Marathon qualifying success, and overall participation.

Potomac River Run Marathon (October) Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed102nd fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 4th fastest marathon course in Washington D.C.
Top 22% Nationally#4 of 5 in Washington D.C.
PR Potential336th best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 4th best marathon for a PR in Washington D.C.
Top 72% Nationally#4 of 5 in Washington D.C.
Boston Qualifier Rate233rd highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 3rd highest BQ percentage in Washington D.C.
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 49% Nationally#3 of 5 in Washington D.C.
Race Size511th largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 4th largest marathon in Washington D.C.
Based on 2025 results
Top 86% Nationally#4 of 5 in Washington D.C.

Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.



Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 116 feet (35m)
Min Elevation: 35 feet (10m)

Elevation Gain: 219 feet (66m)
Elevation Loss: 219 feet (66m)


Potomac

Course updated 05/12/2026




Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the Potomac River Run Marathon (October)

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Compare the Potomac River Run Marathon (October) to other Marathons

Use tools below to compare races and convert times across courses.

Do you want to see how the Potomac River Run Marathon (October) stacks up against other marathons?

Compare the details of the Potomac River Run Marathon (October) side-by-side with other marathons with our Comparison Tool.


Comparison Tool

If you ran the Potomac River Run Marathon (October) in 3:54:00, what would your time in other marathons be?

See how your finish time would compare on other marathon courses with our Time Conversion Tool.


Time Converter Tool

Race Reviews


4.0
Based on 2 reviews
Write Your Own Review

Convenient location

Full Review:

Very few amenities compared to other races. Pizza after the race ran out before 3 hours

Race Tips:

Very few aid stations. Mile markers weren't accurate. No portapotties at aid stations. Trail course with gravel.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Bring your own paste and well padded shoes
Reviewed by Rj About 2022

Full Review:

Low key small number of runners. Excellent aid stations with paper cups and knowledgeable crews. Great race for a BQ time. You need to be self-motivated, or have a supporter that doesn't mind driving to access points to support you. I rolled up 10 mins before the start and Park bathroom was heated with a very short line. No chip timing and very beautiful trail on crushed gravel that can be pebbly in places so wear comfortable shoes!

Race Tips:

Race was two loops and the second half is uphill so pace accordingly. really helps to have a supporter to drive you to the start. Very picturesque and quiet but open to other users, cyclists, joggers and walkers, who were not a problem, just remember its not your trail!

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Race director provides great info and details on these points.
Reviewed by IW (BQ'd) About 2014