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Potomac River Run Marathon (October)

Washington, DC
Saturday, October 18, 2025

  4 Stars from 2 Reviews

Description

With the typically cooler and less humid race day weather in this November edition of the Potomac River Run, it should be one of the best opportunities for PRs and BQs in the fall.

The Potomac River Run Marathon course is a narrow (12-foot) wide unpaved trail, entirely flat, past 150-year-old locks and gatehouses. The course is very flat course with the highest point is 116 feet and the lowest point is 35 feet.



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Marathon Pace Bands

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Race Information

Race Dates

2025: Saturday, October 18, 2025
2024: Saturday, October 19, 2024


Course Information

Profile: Mostly Flat
Type: Multiple Out and Backs
Surface: Road/Pavement

Boston Qualifier?: Yes
World Marathon Major Qualifier?: No


Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 63°F (17°C)
Average High: 73°F (22°C)
Average Low: 52° F (11°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 97.41
Course Score: 99.53


Race Size

2024: 107 Finishers
2023: 90 Finishers
2022: 118 Finishers
2021: 93 Finishers
2020: No Results
2019: 79 Finishers


BQ Percentages

2024: 6.5%
2023: 10%
2022: 4.2%
2021: 14%
2020: N/A
2019: 11.4%

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: No


Weather Averages for Last 12 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 64°F  (18°C)
Low: 44°F  (7°C)

Race Start Conditions

50°F  (10°C)
Humidity: 75%

Partly Cloudy
S 6 mph

PR Score

590.83

Course Score

99.32





How does the Potomac River Run Marathon (October) Rank?


The Potomac River Run Marathon (October) was the 370th largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 284th largest in 2022.

This year 6.5% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 10% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.

This gives the Potomac River Run Marathon (October) the 183rd highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 227th highest percentage so far in 2024.


Its Course Score of 99.53 ranks it as the 92nd fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 4th fastest course in Washington D.C..

The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are above the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the Potomac River Run Marathon (October) a PR Score of 97.41. This PR Score ranks it as the 306th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 4th fastest in Washington D.C..

Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.


Potomac River Run Marathon (October) Elevation Chart

Max Elevation: 116 feet (35m)
Min Elevation: 35 feet (10m)

Elevation Gain: 219 feet (66m)
Elevation Loss: 219 feet (66m)


Potomac
Course updated 01/25/2024



Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the
Potomac River Run Marathon (October)

View available accomodations around the Potomac River Run Marathon (October) Finish Line and Course. Book your Reservation now before the best places are sold out.


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How Fast Can You Go?


If you ran the Potomac River Run Marathon (October) in 4:35:00, what would your time in other marathons be?

See how your race times would compare on other marathon courses with our time conversion tool.




Recent Potomac River Run Marathon (October) Reviews

4 Stars from 2 Reviews
View all Reviews





Rj's review of 2022 Potomac River Run Marathon (October).   

3 / 5 Stars

Review

Very few amenities compared to other races. Pizza after the race ran out before 3 hours


Race Tips

Very few aid stations. Mile markers weren't accurate. No portapotties at aid stations. Trail course with gravel.


Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Bring your own paste and well padded shoes


IW (BQ'd)'s review of 2014 Potomac River Run Marathon (October).   

5 / 5 Stars

Review

Low key small number of runners. Excellent aid stations with paper cups and knowledgeable crews. Great race for a BQ time. You need to be self-motivated, or have a supporter that doesn't mind driving to access points to support you. I rolled up 10 mins before the start and Park bathroom was heated with a very short line. No chip timing and very beautiful trail on crushed gravel that can be pebbly in places so wear comfortable shoes!


Race Tips

Race was two loops and the second half is uphill so pace accordingly. really helps to have a supporter to drive you to the start. Very picturesque and quiet but open to other users, cyclists, joggers and walkers, who were not a problem, just remember its not your trail!


Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Race director provides great info and details on these points.