The Best Running Routes in Washington, D.C.
We love to show our crew new ways to connect parts of our city on foot. Below are a few of NETC’s signature routes across a range of distances. If you’re new to the city, or looking to change it up, here’s some of our faves:
5K (3.1 miles) - Haines Point Loop
Start: Haines Point - 1090 Ohio Dr SW
https://www.strava.com/routes/2911958016000257326
Why we love this route: Tried and true for tempo and fartlek efforts. Accessible for folks looking to drive, bike, or jog over to Haines Point with ample parking.
Fartlek directly translated means ‘speed play’, and is often used by runners to practice running at faster paces. We suggest starting with intervals of 30/60/90 seconds of ‘uptempo pace’ with the same amount of time as rest in between each interval. Try repeating this set for 5 rounds. This should feel hard but attainable. As your body becomes more conditioned to run at harder paces, try dropping the first 30 seconds and adding a 2-minute segment on the end.
Another option for a harder effort is a tempo run. A tempo is a sustained effort run that builds up your body's ability to run faster for longer periods of time. We suggest trying to hold a pace about a minute faster than your ‘easy’ effort for a duration of about 20-40 minutes depending on your current fitness level and goals. This should feel like a hard but controlled effort.
5 miles - Kingman Island Loop
Start: The Roost - 1401 Pennsylvania Ave SE
https://www.strava.com/routes/2864685616733521140
Starting from the Roost in Northeast Washington D.C., this loop highlights the Heritage Trail providing picturesque views of the the Kingman Island Lake, wetlands, and the surrounding wooded areas. The Kingman Islands were first established 100 years ago after a dredging project along the Anacostia River and is now home to important and rare ecosystems, including tidal freshwater wetlands, vernal pools, wildflower meadows, and tidal swamp forests. The islands are home to more than 100 different species of birds, mammals, and other wildlife.
For more information, visit: https://www.kingmanisland.com
The loop starts and ends at The Roost’s food hall, bringing together a handful of the District’s best chefs along with a lively & diverse collection of the area’s most unique food and drinks. You'll find everything from coffee by local roasters to pizza, burgers, and sushi. A great place to meet up with friends after the run!
The Washington Post provides a great in-depth review here.
10K (6.2 miles) - Metropolitan Branch Trail
Start: Dew Drop Inn - 2801 8th St NE
https://www.strava.com/routes/2900254831047851512
This trail is unique in that it runs right through industrial, commercial, and residential parts of the city (NoMa, Brookland, etc.). The trail includes plenty of painted art, green space, a dog park, a unique DC-like feel, and a view of the capital.
Mixed Scene, Rodrigo Pradel, Sarah Jane Jamison, and Tracie Ching are among the local artists that have painted murals along the trail.
7 miles - Wednesday Run Crew Lincoln to Lincoln
Start: Lincoln Park/Wine & Butter - 1023 E Capitol St SE
https://www.strava.com/routes/2911955510713477422
A small group of runners meet on Wednesday mornings (7 am) at Lincoln Park across from Wine and Butter Cafe, to seize the day for a 7-mile loop around the mall. The pace is easy to moderate and it’s a great time to get to know some of the NETC members in a smaller group setting. Join us to kick off Hump Day with an easy and energizing run.
8 miles - National Arboretum
Start: Village Café - 1272 5th St. NE
https://www.strava.com/routes/2773283352240274272
Enjoy a hilly run through the National Arboretum! The run will be a mix of road and trails, so plan your footwear accordingly.
Established in 1927 by an act of Congress, the Arboretum aims to increase the aesthetic, environmental, and economic importance of landscape and ornamental plants. The Arboretum features gardens and exhibits, and long-term botanical research and conservation of resources. The gorgeous, 446-acre property makes for an inspiring and visually captivating visit at any time of the year.
The Arboretum grounds are located approximately 10 minutes from the U.S. Capitol Building, easily accessible for a midday or morning run. Please note that the hours are 8 am-5 pm daily.
Visit https://washington.org/visit-dc/guide-us-national-arboretum for more information.
10 miles - Georgetown -> Roosevelt Island -> Mount Vernon
Start: Grace Street Coffee - 3210 Grace St NW Ste 100
https://www.strava.com/routes/2869701000755725332
If you are looking for a trail that offers a scenic variety, this one’s for you. Start off in the bustling center of Georgetown, cross the bridge into Virginia while taking in views of the river, do a loop, and experience the trails of Roosevelt Island. Continue on to the Mount Vernon Trail and run the mini-Jurassic-Park-like wooden bridge, down by the water where you get a full view of the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial superimposed, and finally turn around at Gravelly Point. Here, take a moment to feel the breeze of the airplanes that are touching down. Turn around and experience that magic all over again on this out and back route.
10+ miles - Rock Creek Park Out & Back
Start: Pizza Policy - 1335 14th St NW
https://www.strava.com/routes/2911963740372631854
Rock Creek Park is an excellent place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy nature. Offering terrains from trail to road, there is an opportunity to rack up some serious distance. By heading through Rock Creek, runners can hop on to Beach Drive which is currently closed to cars and offers up to 10 miles of beautiful landscape lined by trees and the infamous Rock Creek. Make it and out back for a longer effort or hop on a trail to practice running on rocky terrain.
The route provided is approximately 20 miles but feel free to make it your own! Out and back routes are great because you decide how far you’d like to run, split the distance and flip back the way you came. For runs of 10 miles or more - this is a great route!
We also love Pizza Policy for a great post-run breakfast burrito but there are plenty of options for starting points. Pierce Mill is a meeting spot in RCP with a large parking area if you are looking to avoid city running! If you want to start your run further north in the park, biking part way is also a great option.
This guide provides all the info you will need to get started on running through rock creek: https://medium.com/@philzelnar/quick-start-guide-to-trail-running-in-rock-creek-park-washington-d-c-27b1c7658108.
13.1 miles - NETC Signature HALF MARATHON
Start: Ebenezer's Coffeehouse - 201 F St NE
The route is all road and highlights a few spots that have marked NETC's history: KIPP, Banneker, Meridian Hill, the National Mall, and Lincoln Park. This is an unsanctioned course, and we encourage you to study and be familiar with the route if you plan to 'race it.'
HIT US UP IF YOU NEED A BUDDY!