The National Capital 20 Miler is Washington, DC’s premier fall marathon tune-up race. Taking place on the C&O Towpath, the race offers runners a flat, fast out-and-back course with water and nutrition support at regular intervals. Runners may choose the 20 Miler or 5 Miler option. All runners receive race swag. Members of DC Road Runners receive $15 off the price of the 20 Miler and $5 off the price of the 5 Miler. Make sure you are logged into the same RunSignUp account that you used for your membership to receive the discount. Janet Braunstein 5 Miler Awards Overall Male and Female: 1st Place: $15, 2nd Place: $10, 3rd Place: $5 National Capital 20 Miler Awards Overall Male and Female: 1st Place: $150, 2nd Place: $75, 3rd Place: $50 Masters, Overall Male and Overall Female: $50 each We will have age group awards three deep. (19 and under, 20–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69, and 70 and over)
Hotels Near This Race
Find accommodation close to the start line in Potomac, MD. Sorted by distance from the race venue. Book early — race weekend hotels fill fast.
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National Capital 20 Miler and Janet Braunstein 5 Miler 2026 — Potomac, MD
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for October 3.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Potomac, MD.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
