This is my second time running Rock n Roll DC Half Marathon. Aside from running 13.1 miles, I had a…read moreball and definitely would like to run this half next. Expo: Runners were to pick up their bibs and running materials from the Walter E. Johnson Convention Center in DC, which has plenty of space for a large race expo. I thought the expo was a bit meh, because there was not much merchandise. Ok, there was some RnR DC merchandise, but not what I wanted. However, I really wanted a magnet for the fridge, but there were none to be found at the expo. I think the limited amount of RnR-sponsored merchandise is probably due to folks not really having an interest in purchasing things at an expo...especially when you can get these items at a cheaper price from other vendors. Overall, I though the crowd flow at the expo was fine because bib and T-shirt pick up was a breeze even though it was a bit overcrowded during the post-work hours. The Half: I thought the RnR DC Half Marathon has very nice course that takes runners through many points of interest in DC. Some sights include the Washington Monument, Lincoln Museum, Arlington National Cemetery, Rock Creek Park, Howard University, and several historic DC neighborhoods. For the most part, the course is very chill with a huge EXCEPTION of an uphill climb around 7.75 miles. For this hill in Rock Creek park, runners will have to do a near 150ft climb, so you have been warned. While there is an intense uphill climb in Rock Creek Park, a good chunk of the last part of the half is downhill (from Mile 10 onward) with a couple of small climbs. I thought the folks at RnR and DC did a great job will street closures, course management, and bag drop/pick up. I just wish the folks at RnR could work with the city to open the metro a bit earlier on race day for folks who live in outskirts or outside of the city. On weekends, the metro opens around 7 am, but that does not provide enough time to use public transportation from my neck of the woods to the start by 8 am. Yes, Ubering is an option to get to the start, but due to the road closures near the start, traffic can be a little rough. While I drove myself to the race, I decided to park near DuPont Circle, which was about a 1.5-mile walk to the start. LOL, I learned from my mistakes of taking an Uber to last year's half. What happened last year? The traffic was so bad, that I ended up renting a city bike to bike the remaining 3 miles to the start. Upon arriving near the start area, there were no available docks to park the bike, so I had to ride another 1.5 miles away from the start area to dock the bike, THEN I had to jog/run to the starting area. I was really lucky bc I managed to drop off my bag with only seconds to spare. The post race festivities were fine. I did not stick around too long after I redeemed my free beer and Fit Vine wine. I thought the 90s tribute band was pretty awesome.

Fun point-to-point half marathon, but don't underestimate the hills in some DC neighborhoods! The…read morerace started on the National Mall near Constitution and 14th St, and ended at RFK stadium. You run by some landmarks such as the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial and Kennedy Center, but I wished you'd see more!! As with any other Rock n Roll race, everything went very smoothly. From pre-race communications to the Expo to the Start/Finish Lines, we were well informed as participants and knew exactly what to expect before showing up on race day. Since the race ends a few miles away, don't forget to bring a topped up Metro card or have a pre-planned ride home because the line at the Stadium Metro station was super long with people waiting to use the ticket vending machines!

For those of you who are wondering what am I doing in DC? well I bucket listed another Half…read moreMarathon with NIKE!!! My 6th half marathon with NWM. What can I say? It was the best out of all the half marathons I've ever done. What makes it spectacular? Hmmm 13.1 miles filled with historical scenery & beautiful weather but over all running with your BFF's beside you on your birthday weekend. Through the course, such a great support system and 15,000 runners right by your side. Mile 1-3 you run passed the US Capitol, the National Gallery of Art, National Archives, Freedom plaza and the White House. Mile 4-8 you run passed George Washington University, WaterGate, The Kennedy Center, Roosevelt Island, Arlington Cemetery, Vietnam Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, MLK Memorial, and 9-13 Washington Monument, The Holocaust Museum, Bureau of Engraving, Tidal Basin, Jefferson Memorial and George Mason Memorial. Such a memorable run, which I think I'll run all over again!! BTW I just love the little blue box See you next year DC!!!

Still a great race. I am lucky to have run it two years in a row. A little more crowded this year…read morebut still efficient with the start times, no bottlenecks on the course, and easy packet pick up.The best part of this years race, the supporters! Particularly, the three bros with the following signs: Bro 1 sign: swipe right Bro 2: one word TINDER. Bro 3: I'm here for the 14:1 ratio My regret is that I did not run back to take a picture! Until next year...

I am surprised that there is no page for the NAF half-marathon when it is such a fabulous event…read more I ran the race today under the perfect weather conditions - mid 50s at the start and steady mid 60s during the race. My friend and I just ran the 1.5 miles to the start (but apparently the metro started at 6 am instead of 7) and we were plenty warmed up at the start. The wheelchair competitors and wounded warriors started at 7:15 and the rest of the runners began at 7:25. The course itself is FLAT. If you want to PR, this is the race to run. It is also along the Potomac which adds to the breezy race conditions; tall trees provide plenty of shade throughout the course. There was a 1 mile stretch where the road was slanted, however. It wasn't too severe and I've run on a freeway once that was much worse but if you have knee problems, I would watch out for this part. There are water stops at every 2 miles, starting at mile 1, as well as gatorade at some of these stations. Also, it was so inspiring to see the wounded warriors on the course and gave me continuous motivation to push harder. Finally, the finish was awesome. There were bubbles to celebrate the runners as we were coming in. A wonderful goodie bag with bananas, apples (first time receiving apples), and cookies. There was also a kind volunteer who was offering hand sanitizer. The suggestions I have to improve for next year are: 1) Please have wave starts. I was running a 8:29 pace but still so many runners were passing me and I am sure the faster runners would appreciate not having to weave through so many people. 2) There seemed to be a lack of porta-johns on the course. I usually see a couple every 2 miles but I think I saw them only twice during the course. 3) Is there any way to have the pins come with lanyards? I know that some races have the option to add to your cart at check-out so perhaps this can be considered for next year. Big thank you to all the volunteers who have come out bright and early to make the race so smooth and fun!

One star goes to the course itself: relatively flat, even-keeled and wide enough for all…read moreparticipants. The other star goes to picking a wonderful time of year to host the event: perfect weather/clear blue sky and the inspiring service members competing in the race as well. Everything else was not worth the entry fee. - Packet pick-up was obnoxious: requiring participants to go to NATs stadium- completely out of the way for EVERYONE in the DMV area- the day before. Apparently lots of people had to wait in insane lines early in the day, and if you did show up after the lines died down, they were out of small shirts (even though they were pre-ordered). The biggest kicker was waking up the next morning to see the race organizers posted on facebook that you could still run if you didn't pick up your packet the day before... That would've been good info ahead of time. - The race started too early: The start line being at the Washington Monument required most people to metro. Race organizers announced metro was "open early" but that did impact train schedules. Just because the stations are open, that DOES NOT mean train are leaving frequently or at those early hours. Coming from Vienna my earliest train left at 6:20-ish, only 20 minutes before half-marathon runners were supposed to line up. Long story short, I got to the start line as the half was starting so I was not able to check my bag/use the porta potties (that were placed even further from the metro exit than the start line). -Not enough volunteers at water stations: It was dangerous when lots of runners were running up to the same volunteer to grab a cup of water. -Post race fail: After crossing the finish line, you had to walk wayyyyyyyyy passed the finish line and into the expo center to get water. At the very least there should have been volunteers passing water bottles at the finish line to runners immediately. Also a major promotion was chocolate milk would be at the finish and they ran out before runners who ran a 9 minute mile pace for the half were done. This run was organized, but not to accommodate runners in a way many other races seem to do just fine. I wont be running this race again in future years. Too much of a schlep into DC (two days in a row) for a tough start and finish that was hard to celebrate.

As a brain tumor survivor I go to the Dc Race every year. It's he best. Entertainment. Always a…read moreton of tables with food and activities. The kids get a medal The wall of hope is awesome and who wouldn't want to warm up with an America idol! Stay in a hotel near freedom plaza so you don't have to worry about parking! The tribute to survivors in the beginning of the walk is beautiful!

Every year, over 10,000 registered runners participate at Race for Hope. It is a well organized…read morefund raising event for brain tumor research. Wall of Hope and survivor's tent always makes me choked up. The weather in the early morning has been crisp and fm refreshing every year. The kind spirits and the will to go on are contagious. At the finish line, there is water table, banana, bagel, and cold drinks for everyone. The area is well guarded and secure. Until next year.

Representing 2nd quarter 2019 in scrapbook series is Nationals Park. I've been to Nationals Park…read moremultiple times over the past decade. My very 1st game was on Memorial Day 2013, which was a Beltway series against the O's. At the time, I was living in Alexandria; so I was geographically closer to DC than Baltimore. So naturally, I was rooting for the Nats. My friend who was a Phillies fan was rooting for the O's. In 2021, O's became my #1 team, and Nats moved from 2nd favorite to least favorite. Nats gained a bit back, maybe now 4th or 5th least favorite team. In spite of not liking the Nats now, it's still a solid ballpark. At some point, I'll give a 5-star review to Camden Yard in Baltimore. I like Nats Park better than Wrigley Field (Chicago Cubs)...see my 3-star of them from October 2025. Rate Field (Chicago White Sox) I gave 4-stars that same day in October. I think Nats Park is even a bit superior to Rate Field. The thing that is a winning factor for Nats Park is some good city views of US Capitol & various other buildings particularly in the nosebleed seats. The ballpark is spacious. You come in a grand entrance. Their mascot is Screech, an oversized bald eagle. But even more well known are the oversized Presidents. I've said hello to Lincoln (my favorite President) as well as Washington, Jefferson, & Teddy Roosevelt greeting fans. By far, Teddy is the most popular people root for when they race around the ballpark in the 4th inning. I'd be happy for Teddy as that's what the majority want, but I don't have a strong opinion. Regardless of who wins, it's entertaining to watch. In September 2015, I took pics of US Presidents in race greeting fans in the front. For a few years, they were honoring William Howard Taft, who was the 1st President to throw out a ceremonial pitch. It was in April 1910 in DC, the Washington Senators vs. Philadelphia Athletics. I'm pictured with Calvin Coolidge who they used for some of 2015 season in the race. Eating options are plentiful, but of course overpriced, but some good unique variety. In August 2024, I had Arepa, which was great. Fun fact: The last FIVE games I was rooting for the other teams (Rangers, White Sox, O's, Reds, & Brewers all lost when I saw them), and Nats won. My intention is good luck to the other team, but just my luck Nats win every time. Maybe I should go when Dodgers or Yankees visit; that's when I'd want to give Nats some luck! In July 2023, I was rooting for Texas Rangers. I had the starting pitcher in my Fantasy baseball league. My friend was running a bit behind. I waited by Metro for him, and I was checking on my phone Rangers didn't score in 1st inning. Then, it was Nats turn at bat, and all of sudden I heard loud cheering, it was a 3-run homer, then a 1-run homer. 4-0. My pitcher got lit up with 36 ERA in the 1st inning. I was annoyed with a rain delay that occurred. Almost the entire DC area wasn't experiencing rain but an isolated thunderstorm blew through Alexandria & Reagan National Airport and came right over Nats Park. The rain lasted maybe 15 minutes, but the game was delayed 1.5 hours, which I thought was ridiculous. I thought it might've been a ploy to get people to buy more drinks or food. But I wasn't going to do that. So instead of eating dinner after the game perhaps 6:30 or 7, it was after 8 PM. In September 2023, I had extra leave time for work I needed to use by end of month. I went to a Wednesday day game against White Sox. It was high scoring game for Nats 13 runs, and slightly below the median with only 3 for the White Sox. In May 2024, I was decked out in my O's shirt & hat for the Beltway series. Of course, my O's were bums...their final # of runs was a big fat O, while Nats got 3 or a sideways curly W for them. Then, Nats beat Cincinnati Reds when I was there in July 2024. Carly Rae Jepson performed that night, which was cool. Finally, in August 2024, I was rooting for my Milwaukee Brewers. But of course, they had to be total bums until 8th inning, where they caught up to only lose by 1 run. Conclusions: Nats Park is good solid ballpark. It's not the most architecturally appealing on the design like more the classic Camden Yard style, but it still does the job for good spectating.

Decent stadium, walked right in and was able to take photos with the four presidents (and the Geico…read moreguy), but couldn't find Screech! Spacious main team store; would love to see more Montana West and BaubleBar offerings. Friendly and helpful employees, decent variety of food ( crab cakes, crepes, Filipino/ Hawaiian, bbq, Mexican, Korean). Appreciate the military respect and historical information for the President's race. Dedicated fan base, spacious and clean bathrooms, good scoreboard. Relatively small and non memorable kids area, especially compared to other ball parks ( climbing wall/ hot dog launcher in Philly, Pirates theme in Pittsburgh, etc) Want more of Screech though!!! The Nats won too!!

I signed up for the upcoming Marathon but recently found out, upon checking their website, that the…read moreMarathon is no longer available and they only now offer the half marathon.  This happened to me twice now, and neither changes were communicated to customers. The company changed the product and did not communicate this change and refused to refund or offer any other resolution to customers of any kind, due to a waiver we signed absolving us of any right to a refund or the right to dispute. I understand with COVID a lot of businesses are going through hardships, but at the very least communication and compromise would have been nice, but no. Lesson learned, please be careful when signing up for future races as they may be altered and you will not be refunded even though the change was no fault of your own.

This was a very poorly organized event. My friend and I ran the 5k, and they made all runners pick…read moreup their packets at the expo (DC Armory) on Thursday or Friday before the event. Not a minor inconvenience, as having to drive to DC on a weeknight is no fun. From the organizer's stand point, I can understand the logistical reasons for it. However, if making people come out to pick up packets, they should have been more thorough at giving instructions. First of all, the expo parking was horrible. The lot we were supposed to park at was not labeled clearly and was very difficult to find.. Not to mention extremely hard to even get to! How can you tell us to go this way to the lot, only to have us cross 3 lanes of high speed traffic to get to the other side within like 30 feet or we'll miss the entrance completely? It was super dangerous and nerve-wracking. Also, the lot had no lights so it was hard to see. Were we the only ones that didn't realize the DC Armory was the national guard building? Maybe I need to go into DC more.. But we didn't know that we couldn't take any food or drinks into the building until the bag check at the door. Apparently we weren't the only ones. The poor man in front of us had a bag full of girl scout cookies. He had to leave his whole bag there and pick it up later, but it wasn't secure at all. It was placed under the table along with other people's bags, and anyone could get to them. The participants should have been notified of this beforehand. The expo itself was okay. We got our packets quickly enough and the staff were friendly. We didn't stay long though because nothing at the expo really called to us. For the day of the race, I kind of felt like they shunted the 5k runners to the crappier part of the track. There was nothing to see except side roads and bridges overhead, and the road we ran on was full of potholes and bumps. Yes, I know our 5k is pittance compared to the half or full marathon, but we still paid our fees and came out to have a good time running. We did enjoy the bands that were placed along the track. After the race, all the road closures made it extremely difficult to get an Uber. We had to walk over half an hour in the cold to get somewhere near enough for an Uber driver to get us. While we knew about the closures, it did not make for a pleasant end to the race, and I can imagine it caused a ton of inconvenience to the folks who live there. Overall, not something I'll go for again. At least the medals were cool.

This was a well-organized event for a great cause! Everyone was so nice and the energy was amazing…read more Before the official start, the DC mayor spoke and we had the Zumba pump-up dance class right in freedom plaza, the energy was contagious! I felt so pumped up for the 5k!

The DC Armory hosts various events, such as galas, expositions, conventions, concerts, sporting…read moreevents, trade shows, and so on - there's supposedly 70,000 square feet of exhibition space, a seating capacity of 10,000, and 3 lots for parking. I recently went there for a festival, and the set-up was great. There was some confusion in regards to parking, but that was more on the event organizers' fault. I was directed to park at another lot by the school, but I should have gone for one of the 2-hour parking on the streets that are of limited availability. Note that there's construction and blinking traffic lights, so be cautious of the traffic. It is a bit of a walk from the lots to the main entrance area. There is security at the front where you will have your items checked and yourself scanned. +large event space +lots available for parking

Formerly the HQ for the D.C. National Guard, the D.C. Armory is now an events space operated by…read moreEvents D.C. It still looks military and the inside main floor is totally gutted so it can be transformed into anything- a stage, a court, an art gallery, you name it. There are restrooms throughout the building, snack stands, and it's literally right next to the Stadium-Armory Metro on the Orange/Blue line.

Had the best time ever at my first nationals game at this stadium! Everyone, all the staff members…read morewere so nice, friendly and very helpful. Diamond club is the only way to go from now on!

I'll give this a four star review if you were able to get tickets for around $150 each on the…read moresecondary market for a midweek day game with a smaller crowd but I'd give it three stars if I was paying full price (around $250 each) for a game with a large crowd. We got there soon after the gates opened and had no trouble getting a table. It's wait staff service for seating, you don't just grab a table. There's a decent number of tables but it didn't seem like nearly enough for everyone if the section is anywhere near capacity so I'd say get there early. Service is friendly as they bring your beverages (free wine, beer, soft drinks and other alcohol at an additional charge per drink). You get the food yourself from various buffet stations around the club. Areas included hotdogs and half smokes (lamely didn't include Italian sausages or brats, they need to add those); tasty flank steak with sauce and rolls that were past peak freshness; a pizza station I didn't try; a brunch station (assuming for just 1pm games) with super tasty bacon and a hash brown casserole; and a station with chicken, grilled asparagus and a tasty cucumber salad. They also had lots of desserts including key lime tarts and red velvet cake. They also have items you can take to your seats including packaged ice cream bars, chips and of course roasted peanuts and cracker jacks. The seats themselves are of course great seats with extra wide seats and comfortable padding on the bottom of the seats. Pay attention for foul balls though! You also can order free beer, wine and certain free snack items such as ice cream sandwiches, peanuts, hot dogs, popcorn, and a few others and an usher brings them to your seat. You can also go back into the club to get something to eat or drink during the game or just to cool off for a few minutes. I do have to say I only saw one fairly small restroom for the entire club. There might be others I didn't notice but otherwise I could see there being a wait when the game is sold out and this place is packed. Overall a fun time that I enjoyed and it's worth to try once and maybe check out a game or two each season if you can get cheaper tickets on the secondary market for a less crowded hut I don't personally see it being worth the price at full price for a sold out game.