Easy Runs
When & Where
On Tuesday and Thursday evenings, PR meets at 5:45 PM for easy runs on the National Mall in Washington, DC. The training runs start from the US Capitol reflecting pool at 6:00 PM, rain or shine. Several times a year, PR will meet at an alternate location due to mandatory street closures. During winter months, PR may cancel training due to weather and/or road conditions.
What to Expect
The course follows the National Mall past the Washington Monument, World War II Memorial, Viet Nam Veterans Memorial, and Lincoln Memorial. Some runners add extra miles by going over the Memorial Bridge into Arlington, past the Arlington National Cemetery, and around the US Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima). Total distance about 5 to 8 miles. When running at night in Washington, DC, please wear reflective clothing, follow all traffic signals, be considerate of all other visitors, and watch out for cyclists and distracted drivers.
How to Get There
The US Capitol reflecting pool parking lot is at the intersection of 3rd Street NW and Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, DC. The closest Metro is the Judiciary Square Station 0.5 miles away.
Speed Work
When & Where
On Wednesday evenings, local runners meet at 6:00 PM for interval training at the Washington-Liberty High School outdoor track in Arlington, Virginia. Intervals start at the far corner of the track – near North Stafford Street and Washington Boulevard. Several times a year, the W-L high school track is closed to the public for high school events or maintenance. During the winter months, the track may be closed due to the weather, maintenance, or other unforeseen events.
What to Expect
The 400-meter outdoor track has eight lanes: faster runners use inside lanes, and slower runners use outside lanes. Bathrooms are located inside the track entrance on North Stafford Street. The best parking area is behind the school.
How to Get There
Washington-Liberty High School is located at 1300 North Quincy Street, Arlington, Virginia. The closest Metro is the Ballston Common Mall – Marymount University Station 0.5 miles away.
Long Runs
When & Where
On Saturday mornings during the summer months, PR meets at 7:00 AM for long runs on the Mount Vernon Trail in Alexandria, Virginia. The training run starts from Belle Haven Park at 7:15 AM, rain or shine. PR may meet at alternate locations due to trail closures. During the fall and winter months, PR meets at 8:00 AM and starts at 8:15 AM. PR may not be able to meet on some days due to extreme weather or dangerous road conditions.
What to Expect
The Mount Vernon Trail runs alongside the Potomac River and extends from George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate in Alexandria, Virginia to Theodore Roosevelt Island in Arlington, Virginia. When running on the Mount Vernon Trail, please stay in the right lane, watch out for cyclists, and be considerate of all other visitors.
How to Get There
Belle Haven Park is one mile south of Old Town, Alexandria on the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Turn left into Belle Haven Marina entrance, take the next left onto the access road, and park in the last parking lot. The closest Metro is Huntington Station 3.0 miles away.