Now that summer is upon us in the District, you can finally put that gym membership on hold and head outside for your daily exercise. Picturesque running routes rooted in history can be found in just about every corner of the District. Here is a list of our teams’ top five favorite routes for getting in some summertime exercise outdoors.
Embassy Row
Most locals and tourists alike have done a lap around the mall, but this 5.5 mile loop takes you by some equally stunning, lesser known landmarks of DC. The sidewalks are fairly wide with typically little foot traffic, making this a great route to run with a friend. From Dupont Circle, head north up Massachusetts Avenue to admire the architecturally diverse mansions that make up Embassy Row. While climbing the hill to the National Cathedral, distract yourself by identifying the embassy flags along the way. Once you loop the Cathedral, head south on Wisconsin Avenue to cruise downhill through tree lined Glover Park and the cute shops in Upper Georgetown. Take a left on P Street to run past beautiful old Georgetown homes and over Rose Park, ending back at Dupont Circle.
National Mall and Tidal Basin
Our favorite time for a run around the mall is right at dusk when the tourists have moved on and the lighted monuments are shining majestically. We love this run because you can easily choose a route worthy of marathon training or squeeze in a quick 30 minute route on the flat terrain while enjoying great views. We recommend starting at the Lincoln Memorial, going around the Washington Monument to the Capitol and back. If you are looking for a shorter route or want to add in a few extra miles, take a trip around the Tidal Basin which is especially picturesque at sunset.
Rock Creek Park and Beach Drive
In the thick of summer, DC can sometimes feel as hot and humid as Florida in August. The 30 miles of mostly shaded trails in Rock Creek Park are perfect for those days that you can’t bear the idea of the hot sun beating down on you running through city streets. There are paved roads and hiking trails, some of which can be quite strenuous so make sure you map out your route ahead of time. On weekends, join many of DC’s running enthusiasts on Beach Drive which is blocked off from Park Road and Tilden all the way north to Bethesda.
Roosevelt Island
If you are looking for a diverse run through city streets and quiet nature, our Roosevelt Island 4.5 mile loop is right for you. After stopping for a stretch at the Georgetown Waterfront, head west over Key Bridge and take in the modern skyline of Rosslyn. Once you have made it to Virginia, go south on Mount Vernon Trail until you get to the bridge that connects Roosevelt Island. As you take a loop around the island on trails and boardwalks over marshy wetlands, you are sure to forget that you are sandwiched between two large cities. After exploring the island, head back out the way you came in and continue south to the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Bridge. Once you are back in the District, finish out your run along the Potomac, past the Kennedy Center and back to the Georgetown Waterfront.
C&O Canal
The C&O Canal Trail is another great place to customize your route to fit your exercise needs. The trail runs 184.5 miles along the Potomac from DC to Cumberland, MD so there is no shortage of land to conquer although some stretches are more picturesque than others. Start in Georgetown just south of M Street or drive up MacArthur Boulevard to jump on the trail further outside the city.
Whether you are starting a couch to 5K or training for a marathon, we hope you enjoy these trails as much as we do. Just make sure to try them out before August gets here and your workout is moved back indoors due to the heat!
