2025 Cancellation

Late on Friday, October 3, 2025, the National Park Service informed DC Road Runners that we could not proceed with the 2025 National Capital 20 Miler and Janet Braunstein 5 Miler, due to the government shutdown.

At the present time, we are working on a refund process. While we customarily do not offer refunds, we are making an exception in this case, given that the circumstances were unforeseen and out of everyone’s control.

The race directors will send a follow-up email to all registered runners with the refund process and available options, which likely will include giving runners the option of (1) a refund less the RunSignUp processing fees; or (2) participating in a mid-November race with a shorter race distance (5 or 10 miles). Runners choosing option 2 would not receive a refund, but they would be able to run the November race for free, receive this year’s race hoodie, and a discount to next year’s race. We’re still working on the specifics.

We are incredibly disappointed in the outcome. We worked very hard to find an alternative location, but the other jurisdiction informed us that although they tried, which we greatly appreciate, they did not have time to process the permit.

For all of our runners, we would also like to invite you to join the DC Road Runners weekly Saturday long run tomorrow morning (October 4) at North Meade Street Park in Rosslyn, Virginia. Twenty milers can join our marathoners at 7 am for 16-19 miles (feel free to add on if you want to get to 20), and 5 milers are welcome to join our half marathon group at 8 am for a 7 or 12 mile route. Both of these runs are free. Participating in the Saturday runs would not affect your ability to get a refund. So, come out, run, and commiserate with us.

Since we are offering refunds despite our policy, consider taking a picture on your long run this weekend and tagging DC Road Runners on social media as a thank you for the refunds.

Any donations made to Friends of the Mount Vernon Trail will still go to them.

Please give us a few days to send out the refund process, options, and instructions.

Sincerely,

The Race Directors