Potomac River Run Marathon & Half

medal

13th annual     POTOMAC RIVER RUN MARATHON & HALF  
Sunday, May 1, 2016
Non-competitive early start at 7:00 AM
Competitive start at 8:00 AM
Celebrating World Laughter Day
WorldLaughterDay

Read about Arlington Laughter Yoga
Thank you for entering Potomac River Run Marathon!

Complete OFFICIAL results are now up'n'running at https://safetyandhealthfoundation.org/20160501.html

Thanks to all who participated, and congratulations to all who finished!

Let me especially thank our volunteers from Buy A Brick Foundation, D.C. Capital Striders, and Ethio-American Athletics Association, our announcer "Showtime Mike" Mebreahtu ( http://mmebra2.wix.com/showtimemike ), and our performer Anna Mwalagho ( http://www.annamwalagho.com ) who served us despite all the rain!

Please report any remaining additions or corrections or send any comment via THIS FORM

If you want to share your comments via Facebook, we're at https://www.facebook.com/groups/PotomacRiverRun

We try to answer each comment.

Thank you, Jay Jacob Wind, director
Safety And Health Foundation

  • Read our April 27, 2016, Welcome Message
  • Read our April 15, 2016, Welcome Message
  • Read our photo report as of May 5, 2015
  • Read our final report as of May 4, 2015
  • Read our post-race report as of May 3, 2015
  • Read our 2015 Welcome Letter | DOC
  • View our VIDEO on May 3, 2015
  • View past years' results
    • On the historic C&O Canal Towpath  
    Start & finish at Fletcher's Cove, 4940 Canal Road, Washington DC

    The Easiest Full Marathon & Half in America -- Come see why!

    www.safetyandhealthfoundation.org/marathon

    • Questions?      
    Write the race director or call 703-927-4833
    • Sponsored by
    AC-Carb-Boom!   BP-Carb-Boom!   GP-Carb-Boom!
    Carb Boom!®

    • Race-Day Announcer
    ShowtimeMike
    "Showtime Mike" Mebreahtu

  • Watch Showtime Mike here on YouTube | and here
    • Logistics
    Assisted by
    DCCS
    DC Capital Striders
    TeamAfrica
    BABF
    Gib Leonard, Buy A Brick Foundation / TeamAfrica.com
    StompOutMalaria
    Stomp Out Malaria Campaign
    Recent news:
    The quick update on The Buy a Brick Foundation. All eight phases are now complete at the Leonah Clinic. The last step, the roof goes on next week. That project has been a major success. The clinic will be able to treat thousands of people in the bush village that wouldn't get treatment otherwise.
    Last Monday, we broke ground on a High School in the bush Village of Chidobe. This High school will consist of three school blocks and a teacher living quarters. We need to raise $125,000 for this project and hope to have it completed within one year.
    -- Gib Leonard
    ArlingtonLaughterYoga
    Arlington Laughter Yoga
    • Benefits
    • Safety And Health Foundation and its charitable partners
    • When you register, you may include a donation to American Red Cross International Response Fund in Haiti
    • On April 22, 2015, we donated $225, and we gratefully acknowledge contributions from Jim Amrhein, Holly Dubbeling, Elisabeth Mueller, Mary Beth Owens, Ann Marie Terzaken, Scott S. Thomas, Phoebe Uricchio, and John Wood
    • On December 27, 2014, we donated $150, and we gratefully acknowledge contributions from Albert Avila, Mary H. Ester, Craig Odell, Tim Rooney, and Lynn Stapp
    • On May 5, 2014, we donated $145, and we gratefully acknowledge contributions from Mehdi S. Cherqaoui, Jeff Duyn, Annie Lowrey, Zachary Maxcey, Mark John Rolincik, and Ginger Elaine Zarse
    • On May 6, 2013, we donated $100, and we gratefully acknowledge contributions from Roberto Sidoti, Paula C. Bamford, Audrey Fincher, and Luke Mitchell
    • On May 5, 2013, we donated $1,000 to One Fund Boston in memory of the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing and in support of the many who were injured
    • On May 7, 2012, we donated $225, and we gratefully acknowledge contributions from Madeline A. Blobe, Elizabeth Clor, Kevin Foley, Laura Huffman, Stephen Roberts, Joanne B. Sechrest, Ryan Earl Schmidt, and Oskar Tiger
    • On May 2, 2011, we donated $100, and we gratefully acknowledge contributions from John Batley, Katherine Anne Gergen Barnett, Hannah Kojm, and Robert Ian McDonald
    • Photos
    • 2017 Boston Marathon Qualifier
    • Open to
    • Runners of all levels of ability who can cover the course in less than 6 hours
    • Limited to the first 350 entrants
    • Read our messages to entrants:
          • 2015 Welcome Letter
          • 2014 Welcome Letter
          • 2013 Welcome Letter
          • May 1, 2013
          • April 30, 2013
          • April 26, 2013 (for Maryland Starters ONLY)
          • April 24, 2013
          • April 17, 2013
          • April 11, 2013
          • April 1, 2013

    • FAQ:
          • Q. Will the water and athletic drinks be passed out in paper cups or in botles?
          • A. At the aid stations, both water and Gatorade will be in paper cups.
          • Q. Do you recycle / re-use?
          • A. Yes. Please dispose of cups and bottles in our marked recycling boxes. Please deposit banana peels and other food waste in our marked composting boxes.
          • Q. Where will drinks be passed out?
          • A. At the start / midpoint / finish at Fletcher's Cove and at each aid station at Lock 5, Lock 7, and Lock 10.
          • Q. What time is the regular start time for the race and what time do you suggest arriving?
          • A. The non-competitive start (6-hour time limit) is at 7 AM. The competitive start (5-hour time limit) is at 8 AM. Both start are Boston Marathon qualifiers Cash prize and age-group award winners must start at 8 AM. (Exception: if all entrants 70 & over start at 7 AM as happened last year, then we'll use the 7 AM start for their awards.)
          • Q. When should I arrive?
          • A. Please arrive a half hour before your start. If you pick up your packet on Thursday or Saturday, then you don't have to stand in line on Sunday. If you don't, please allow 10 extra minutes to get your packet.
          • Q. Do you use timing chips?
          • A. No, we use the old-fashioned method of clicking your bib number into a Time Machine electronic time recorder, wired to a computer for instantaneous results.
          • Q. What about parking?
          • A. We only have about 300 spaces at Fletcher's Cove, and we want to leave some spaces for other park users. Fletcher's Cove has two parking areas. After you enter the driveway toward Fletcher's Cove, look to your left. The upper lot has about 15 parking spaces. Those spaces fill quickly. Now look to your right. You see a tunnel that goes under C&O Canal and C&O Towpath. Carefully enter the tunnel and drive through it to a lower lot with about 300 parking spaces. Once we fill all the parking at Fletcher's Cove (maybe 7:15 AM), we direct cars to turn right on Reservoir Road towards free on-street parking, 0.3 to 0.7 miles away.
          • Alternatively, please take our Red Top Cab from Key Bridge Marriott or car-pool to minimize parking delays.
    • Course
    • Flat - scenic - beautiful views of the Potomac River - tree-lined - shaded - out'n'back
    • Almost totally flat course | Course Map
    • Aid stations with water, Gatorade, friendly volunteers, and toilets at
            • The start / midpoint / finish at Fletcher's Cove - Mile 0.0, 13.1, and 26.2 (permanent and portable toilets)
            • Lock 5 - Mile 2.0, 11.1, 15.1, 24.2 (portable toilet across C&O Canal)
            • Lock 7 - Mile 4.0, 9.1, 17.1, 22.2
            • Lock 10 - Mile 6.0, 7.1, 19.1, 20.2
    • Spectator access at the stations and also at
            • Chain Bridge - Mile 1.0, 12.1, 14.1, 25.2
            • Lock 6 - Mile 2.2, 10.9, 15.3, 24.0
            • Lock 8 - Mile 5.0, 8.1, 18.1, 21.2
            • Lock 9 - Mile 5.5, 7.6, 18.6, 24.7
            • Turnaround point - Mile 6.6 and 19.7
    • The locks are accessible from EASTBOUND Clara Barton Parkway only
    • You pass 4 aid stations a total of 15 times. | MAPS
    • Off-Site Parking Options
    • Full & Half Marathon
    • Your choice -- 26.2 miles or 13.1 miles
    • Both are USATF-certified
    • The full marathon is a qualifier for 2017 Boston + Chicago, Houston, New York
    • The half marathon is a qualifier for Chicago, Houston, New York
    • When you register, you can select which distance you want to run, same price
    • You may change later between half and full or between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM start
    • Registration 
    • We accept the first 300 entrants
    • Entry fees: $60 by August 31, $70 by November 30, $80 by December 31, $90 by January 31, $95 by April 28, $100 by April 30
    • Registration is SOLD OUT
    • Enter by mail
    • No race-day registration, please
    • Keepers:
    • Pre-Race
    • Book your flight with JET BLUE, our official airline

    • PACKET PICK-UPS:
            • Help us assemble bib numbers and goodie bags and get your bib number, goodie bag, and t-shirt early on Thursday, April 28, 7:00-9:00 PM, at Whole Foods Market, 2700 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington VA 22201 (703-527-6596) -- upstairs conference room
            • Pick up your bib number, goodie bag, and t-shirt on Saturday, April 30, from 3:00 PM to 5:45 PM, at Pacers Running Store, 3100 Clarendon Boulevard, Arlington VA 22201

    • PRE-RACE DINNER:
    • Join us for pre-race dinner on Saturday, April 30, 6:30 PM, at Cosi Restaurant, 1801 North Lynn Street, Arlington VA, and featuring guest speaker Gib Leonard, BuyABrickFoundation www.teamafrica.com
    • Dinner tickets are $10 all you can eat ($20 at the door)
    • Register for the dinner by April 24

    • Join our Facebook page -- share rides, thoughts, and photos!
    • Host Hotels
    • Race-Day
    • Civil Twilight at 5:35 AM | Sunrise at 6:04 AM
    • Late packet pick-up: 6:15 AM to 7:45 AM -- Race-day packet pick-up and bag check at the picnic tables next to the restrooms in the parking lot straight ahead
    • You may park anywhere in Rosslyn (on-street parking is free on Sunday)
        Then go to Key Bridge Marriott, 1401 Lee Highway, Arlington, and take our Red Top Cab ($5 pre-paid only) 6:00 AM taxi service either to Fletcher's Cove
        Taxi rides are $5.00 pre-paid only
    • Please register for the taxi by April 24 | Route map
    • Parking is limited to 150 cars at Fletcher's Cove (see below).
        Once parking at Fletcher's is filled, cars must turn right onto Reservoir Road and park free on-street.
        Your best choice is to have a friend drop you off at the entrance to Fletcher's Cove or Lock 5,
        then have your friend go to one of the locks to watch you
        Parking is free at Locks 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10, all accessible from EASTBOUND Clara Barton Parkway.
    • You may pick up your bib number, t-shirt, and goodie bag
        on race-day, Sunday, May 3, 6:15 AM to 7:45 AM, at Fletcher's Cove at the picnic tables
    • Restrooms are also in the westmost parking lot
    • Note: No race-day registration
    • 6:45 AM -- Announcements begin by Michael "Showtime Mike" Mebrahtu | See his video 7:00 AM -- Early Bird Start -- if you need more than 5 hours to finish
        or you want to watch the sun rise over the Potomac River
        or you want an extra hour of cool weather
            • Sign up for Early Bird Start
    • 7:30 AM -- Laughing Warm-up led by Diane Cohen, Arlington Laughter Yoga/A>
    • 7:50 AM -- The National Anthem
    • 7:55 AM -- Official welcome
    • 8:00 AM -- Competitive start
    • Spectator access | MAPS
            • Chain Bridge
            • Lock 5
            • Lock 6
            • Lock 7
            • Lock 8
            • Lock 9
            • Lock 10
    • The course is out'n'back twice 
    • Directions
    • To drive to Fletcher's Cove from Georgetown, head west on M Street.
    • Cross Foxhall Road. M Street becomes Canal Road.
    • Continue west for 1.5 miles on Canal Road to the sign for Fletcher's Cove on the left.
    • CAREFULLY cross the westbound lane to turn onto the driveway.
    • Stay right and follow the tunnel under the C&O Canal to free parking.
    • Alternatively, turn right onto Reservoir Road and park free on any neighborhood street.
    • Please carpool or use our Facebook page to share a ride.
    • Drop-off instructions
    • Parking is limited at Fletcher's Cove
    • If someone can drop you off, the best place is the intersection of Canal Road and Reservoir Road
    • Please be careful when you cross Canal Road.
    • Post-race
    • Refreshments courtesy of sponsors, medals by Dan Kain Trophies, presentation of awards immediately after you finish
    • Awards: $250 to 1st, $150 to 2nd, $100 to 3rd overall M/F; gift certificates to 1st, 2nd, 3rd by 10-year age-group M/F in the 8:00 competitive start
    • Finisher certificates by e-mail
    • Sponsors:
    • 2015 Sponsors:
    Big Wheel
    		Big Wheel Bikes
  • 3119 Lee Highway, Arlington VA (703-522-1110)
  • 6917 Arlington Road, Bethesda MD (301-652-0192)
  • 2 Prince Street, Old Town, Alexandria VA (703-739-2300)
  • 1034 33rd Street NW, Georgetown, Washington DC (202-337-0254)
  • 9931 Falls Road, Potomac MD (301-299-1660)
    • Honest Tea
    		Honest Tea • Honest Ade
    Available at stores everywhere
    Dr. Myles Schneider

    Dr. Myles Schneider
    Annandale Foot and Ankle Center (703-750-1124)

    GRC

    Georgetown Running Company
    3401 M Street NW, Washington DC (202-337-8626)
    4461 Willard Avenue, Chevy Chase MD (301-215-6355)

    RBC Wealth Management

    RBC Wealth Management
    Mr. Nick Ruffin, Personal Investing
    2010 Corporate Ridge Road, Suite 250
    McLean VA 22102
    703-556-9490

    Mario's Pizza House 
    		 Mario's Pizza House
    3322 Wilson Boulevard
    Arlington VA 22201
    703-524-0800
    Simone Super Energy™
    		Simone Super Energy™ • www.simonesuperenergy.com
    Technical documentation:
    Metro 29 Diner
    		Metro 29 Diner Restaurant
    4711 Lee Hwy
    Arlington VA (703-528-2464)
    Glory Days Grill
    		Glory Days Grill
    3059 Nutley St.
    Fairfax VA 22031-1931
    703-204-0900
    and many other locations
    Whole Foods of Arlington
    		Whole Foods Market
    2700 Wilson Blvd
    Arlington VA 22201
    703-527-6596
    and many other locations
    Falls Road
    		Falls Road Running Store
    6247 Falls Road
    Baltimore, MD 21209
    410-296-5050
    Great American Restaurants
    		Great American Restaurants
    Many locations around the DC area
    • Press Room
    • Headphones and water belts
      Re personal listening devices, we follow USATF rule 144.3.b (Assistance to Athletes):
      The visible possession or use by athletes of video, audio, or communications devices in the competition area. The Games Committee for an LDR event may allow the use of portable listening devices not capable of receiving communication; however, those competing in championships for awards, medals, or prize money may not use such devices.

      Because we must be able to communicate instructions to you at certain points in our races, we specifically allow wearing headphones during the race, but we specifically prohibit wearing headphones at these points:
    • Start line
    • Aid stations
    • Turnaround 1
    • Midpoint
    • Turnaround 2
    • Finish line
      • Since we offer prize money ($250, $150, $100 for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd M/F), we ask you to follow this rule: if you expect to finish in the money, please don't wear headphones. Because of the specificity of Rule 144.3.b, we must disqualify potential money-winners whom we see wearing headphones or other two-way devices such as cell phones and the new talking wristbands. Sorry about that.

      You may carry water or wear a hydration vest, but won't it slow you down? We have aid stations with water and Gatorade roughly every two miles.