FAQs
Is the DC Half & Relay a USATF certified course?
Yes. The route is certified under the id DC18002RT as our event-route 'The National Women's Half Marathon' and the certification document can be viewed on the USATF web page - https://certifiedroadraces.com/certificate/?type=l&id=DC18002RT
How does the start of the race work?
The 2024 DCH start for all runners is 7:00 A.M. Plan to be in the start corral area and ready to run by no later than 6:45 AM. Self-seeding, placing yourself in the start area by your predicted pacer per mile, will ensure that all runners can confidently begin their race. Pace teams will be visible at benchmark times within the runner field for reference. Any final announcements and our National Anthem will be presented. It will require approximately seven minutes for all runners to be able to cross the start area and be on their way. The timing area will have a hard close at 7:15 AM for start data capture. Any runners who do not cross the start mat by then will not be able to receive a finish time for their race.
How do I get there?
Metro
Metro will NOT open early for this event.
The nearest metro station for after the race is Smithsonian Station (Orange, Blue & Silver lines).
Parking
There is no onsite parking for the DC Half. Limited street parking is available around and near the National Mall. You can visit this site for more information on parking in DC. If you are driving, please plan on allowing ample time to find parking and walk to the start line.
Suggested Drop Off Locations
If you plan on being dropped off at the start line, we suggest two locations: Please remember you will need to allow for time to walk to the start line.
- 15th Street NW in front of the Washington Monument
- Constitution Ave NW & 23rd St NW near the Lincoln Memorial
Bike
While we don't provide racks or bike valet, there are many spots close-in to the race site for bike parking.
https://www.bikearlington.com/the-ultimate-crowdsourced-bike-parking-map/
What if I can’t make packet pickup?
If you have not purchased the add-on Pre-Mail Packet or Race Day PPU options and are not able to pick up your own packet, Pacers allows for someone else to pick up for a runner. Please make sure that all runners involved know their packets are being collected as duplicates cannot be issued. Please do not randomly 'help' a friend and collect their packet for them without making plans first. For courtesy reasons we limit pick up to one plus five – your own packet plus 5 for family and friends. For GROUPS, the same limits apply, your own plus 5.
*** PreMail packet has reached its capacity and is no longer available for purchase. Please be sure to make alternative plans to collect your race packet.
For any other request/plan contact our customer service team at events@runpacers.com to make advance accommodations.
Where is the start line?
The Start Line is located on Ohio Drive SW near West Potomac Park
Will there be Pace teams on the course?
The DC Half & Relay will have 13 pace teams comprised of two members each for each pace per mile time. The women pacers will be wearing Pink Adidas singlets while the men pacers will be wearing Grey (but you can run with any pacer!!). All of the pacers’ singlets will be emblazoned with "DC Half Race The District." Each pacer will run while holding a pace stick sign overhead indicating their specific planned pace time.
If you want to run with a pace group, there is no need to sign up or declare in advance. Just select the pace per mile that you want to maintain from the following: 1:30; 1:35; 1:40; 1:45; 1:50; 1:55; 2:00; 2:10; 2:20; 2:30; 2:45; 3:00; 3:15
On race morning look for that team’s pace signs in the start corrals and line up to start your race with the group!
What is the race time limit?
The Half and Relay Race distance course cutoff is roughly based on a 15 minute per mile pace. This roughly equates to a 3:30 half marathon. Depending on where in the race you fall behind, there may be options to be moved up on the course or finish with a slower average pace.
Can I run with my dog?
Dogs on 5 foot, non-retractable leashes are permitted at the Pacers races. Dogs must be friendly, be up to date with shots, and have no history of fighting or biting. Pet owners take full responsibility for the behavior of their pet, must start towards the back, may not weave through packs of runners, must yield the right of way to other runners and must clean up after their pet.
Can I run with a stroller?
Pacers Running believes a fit family is a happy family and allows strollers on the race course if the course and/or municipality allow it. Safety requirements include that strollers must start in the back, may not weave through packs of runners, and must always yield the right of way to other runners. For registration for stroller youngsters the guideline is that if they will remain in the stroller for 100% of the duration of the 'race' then no registration or bib number is required for them. If you anticipate that at any point that they might be moving on the course out of the stroller under their own power, then they do need to register (waiver etc ...) They also need a registration if you'd want them to be eligible for any race gift/finisher items (depending on the race).
Have a question about managing your race?
Need to update your registration choices and responses?
Your first-ever registration in RunSignup creates a PROFILE. This profile will auto-populate your Race entries as you register. If you need to change basic bio info in your Profile—like address, preferred Gender identification, best email contact, giveaway size—you need to do this for yourself through your RunSignup profile. Click here for instructions on making profile updates.
Once a race entry is complete, you can make changes in your race-specific choices and responses through the dates available for the race.
After that date is passed, email events@runpacers.com to make important updates.
Here are the most common questions with direct links to RunSignup tutorials:
* I need to have my Confirmation Email resent
* I need to change my Give-away T-Shirt size or make another swag choice
* I need to switch/transfer my race distance choice?
* I need to transfer my registration to another person
* I need to reset my RunSignUp password
