Founders Half Marathon 2026 — Potomac, MD

Date
December 13, 2026
Location
Potomac, MD
Venue
North Parking for Carderock Cliffs
Start Time
9:00 AM
Entry Fee
$10.00 – $15.00
Events
Half Marathon

Founders Half Marathon takes place December 13, 2026, in Potomac, Maryland, starting from North Parking at Carderock Cliffs at 9:00 AM. The race features a half marathon distance and offers an affordable entry point with registration costs between $10 and $15. The early morning start time allows for cooler running conditions typical of December in the DC area. With its modest price point and straightforward logistics, this event appeals to runners seeking a low-key local race without premium entry fees. Carderock Cliffs provides a natural setting for the start, though runners should plan accordingly for parking and early arrival given the venue's outdoor location.

From the Race Organizer
The lowest-priced half-marathon in America! Still a full 13.1 miles and full-service on quality and support! This is race #2 of the DCRR Snowball Series . In past years, it's been the Gar Williams Half Marathon; now it honors all the Club's founders. Course : Out-and-back along C&O Canal Towpath. Previously-USATF certified course, click here for map . We intend to recertify the course before race day, subject to completion of construction in the vicinity of Canal Lock 5. We'll make sure the course is accurately measured to account for the slightly-different path through the construction site if they're still digging. Water Stops : There will be two water stops: one at Lock 10 and one at Lock 6. These locations correspond to approximately mile 3, 5, 8, and 10 of the race. You will run by each water stop twice. Registration : Online registration only. Timing and Results : Timing and results will be compiled on a real-time basis and friends and family will be able to track runners throughout the race via social media. We will provide a link for live results in our final instructions to runners.. Fees : Online advance registration through 24 hours before the race (9:00 AM on 12/12). After that, late registration will be open until the moment the race begins, at a slightly higher price. ¶ Advance registration: $0 for DCRRC members, $10 for non-members. ¶ Late registration: $5 for DCRRC members, $15 for non-members. Refund policy for Snowball Series : In the event the race is canceled, pre-paid non-members will receive a credit to be applied to a future Snowball Series race. Location : Carderock Recreation Area (not Park), Carderock, MD. Raceday Timeline : 7:30 Packet Pickup opens 9:00 Race Start 11:00 Awards 12:00 Course Closes Amenities and extras : We will have a great breakfast spread post race, including bagels, cream cheese, Nutella, PB&J, hot chocolate, coffee, tea, Gatorade, bananas, and more. T-shirts and Medals : Come on people, it's a $10 race... No, there are no t-shirts or medals. Directions : Take the Capital Beltway (I-495), to the Clara Barton Parkway headed west, outside the beltway. Make a right on the first exit which is for both Carderock and the Naval Surface Warfare Center (Carderock Division). Turn left at the stop sign at the top of the ramp to cross the parkway. After passing under the canal, turn right and proceed to the last parking lot. If it's full, park in one of the other lots and walk back to our registration area. Volunteers : We need many volunteers to help coordinate the race events. Please "pay it forward" by helping if you're not running, or have a friend or relative volunteer. Remember, this counts as your Snowball Series volunteer requirement.

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.

RaceHotelFinder earns a small commission when you book through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Results are sorted by distance from the race venue.

Founders Half Marathon 2026 — Potomac, MD

Race day is approaching. Hotels fill up fast.

--Days
:
--Hours
:
--Mins
:
--Secs
Book a hotel for race weekend

Race weekend dates pre-loaded on Booking.com. RaceHotelFinder may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Race Travel Insurance

Don't forget travel insurance for December 13.

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
  • Emergency medical up to $250,000
  • Cancel For Any Reason add-on available
  • 24/7 real-time support

Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Coverage terms vary by state and plan. Review policy details before purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Founders Half Marathon 2026 — Potomac, MD?

Founders Half Marathon 2026 — Potomac, MD takes place on December 13, 2026. The race is held in Potomac, Maryland.

Where is Founders Half Marathon 2026 — Potomac, MD held?

Founders Half Marathon 2026 — Potomac, MD is held at North Parking for Carderock Cliffs in Potomac, Maryland.

Where can I find hotels near Founders Half Marathon 2026 — Potomac, MD?

RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Potomac. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.