Rock Creek Conservancy invites you to join park neighbors to celebrate the unparalleled experience of running in Rock Creek Park at our inaugural 5K/10K race on Saturday, May 2, starting at 8:00 AM near the Tennis Center.
Whether you’re training for a marathon or enjoying a leisurely jog on a cool evening, the roads, trails, and sidewalks of Rock Creek are essential to thousands of local runners. Join the race and make your voice heard for the future of running in our park!
With Rock Creek Park being America’s premier urban national park, this isn’t just another race. It’s a chance to run through forest, along water, and inside one of the most beautiful landscapes in the city… while supporting and improving the park that makes it all possible.
Run Rock Creek is more than a race—it’s a reinvestment.
- PROTECT: Funds support vital restoration and park care.
- IMPROVE: The feedback you provide during your registration guides future park upgrades.
- SUSTAIN: Help Rock Creek Conservancy and the National Park Service keep our trails beautiful and safe for everyone to enjoy.
Registration fees
Prices are inclusive of mandatory charges, items, and fees
5K Run/Walk
Price changes in 14 days 6 hours-
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Register for 5K Run/Walk$55.82Now registering Mar 6 – Apr 15
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$61.18Apr 16 – May 2
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10K Run
Price changes in 14 days 6 hours-
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Register for 10K Run$66.56Now registering Mar 6 – Apr 15
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$71.93Apr 16 – May 2
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Race Grounds Entrance and Parking: 4850 Colorado Ave NW, Washington, DC 20011 (close to the Rock Creek Tennis Center and Carter Barron Amphitheater)
Starting Line: Near Picnic Grove 24 (on the west side of the Rock Creek Tennis Center)
First Start Time: 8:00 AM
Last Start Time: 8:30 AM
Course Cleared By: 9:30 AM
Note: The course will only be open for a total of 90 minutes - please ensure that you're able to complete whichever race you register for within this timeframe.
This event is built to feel like a celebration and a day designed for everyone! Before, during, and after the race, you’ll find games and hands-on learning and community activities hosted by Rock Creek Conservancy and National Park Service staff. Bring your crew and make a morning of it!
Pre-race warmups: Start strong with instructor-led yoga and stretching.
Walking tours: Follow our park rangers on a guided trail tour to learn more about the Rock Creek you know and love.
Awards ceremony: Help celebrate the race’s top performers in different categories.
Post-race community forum: After the race, join us for a community discussion about ways we can continue to improve the running experience at Rock Creek Park.
For the safety of all participants: no pets, strollers, baby joggers, rollerblades, skateboards, or bicycles are allowed on the race course. We love our Rock Creek families and our furry friends, so please know that the start/finish area will be a great place for families to hang out (there is a playground adjacent to the start/finish area), as well as dogs (on a leash)!
Awards will be presented during our post-race awards ceremony. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards will be given to the top 3 overall men, women, and non-binary individuals in both the 5K and 10K races, as well as 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards in each of the following age categories for both the 5K and 10K races:
- 19 & Under
- 20-29
- 30-39
- 40-49
- 50-59
- 60-69
- 70+
Note: Runners who place top 3 overall in their race are not eligible to also win their age groups.
Participants may collect their race materials on Friday, May 1, or on the morning of the race. Specific times and location details will be announced soon.
Water stations will be located at the 1 and 2 mile markers (for 5K runners), and the 1,2,3, and 4 mile markers (for 10K runners).
Restrooms
Restrooms are located at the starting line at Picnic Grove 24.
Interested in volunteering? Please contact Rock Creek Conservancy at volunteer@rockcreekconservancy.org
This event will take place rain or shine.
We will email registered runners and post on social media if the race is cancelled, but this is quite rare, otherwise assume the race is taking place as scheduled.
For more information, please see our FAQ sheet below or feel free to reach out!
Volunteer inquiries: volunteer@rockcreekconservancy.org
General inquiries: runrockcreek@rockcreekconservancy.org
Contact information
- Event contact
- Casey Robinson
- Website
- Visit website
