

Founders Half Marathon
Founders Half Marathon: America's lowest-priced half on the C&O Canal Towpath.
Race Date
Dec 13, 2026
Location
Potomac, MD
Quick facts
- Date
- Sunday, December 13, 2026
- Location
- Potomac, Maryland
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi)
- Course
- Out & Back
- Terrain
- Trail
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 315
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
Founders Half Marathon, part of the DCRR Snowball Series, lives up to its billing as the lowest-priced half-marathon in the country. With entry fees starting at just $10 for non-members (free for club members), this race draws a modest field of about 163 runners from 13 states. Roughly 9% of participants return each year, a testament to the understated appeal of this club-run event. The DC Road Runners Club, founded in 1961, hosts the race on a flat, out-and-back course along the C&O Canal Towpath near Potomac, MD.
The course is a straightforward out-and-back on the packed dirt of the towpath, with negligible elevation gain—perfect for runners chasing a PR. Two water stops at Lock 10 and Lock 6, encountered twice each, keep the field hydrated. Typical race-day temperatures hover between 31–47°F, ideal for a winter half. While the course lacks dramatic scenery, the canal and surrounding parkland offer a quiet, natural backdrop.
The atmosphere is low-key and community-focused. Online registration, live results, and social media tracking provide modern convenience, but the vibe is strictly no-frills. After crossing the finish line, runners enjoy the satisfaction of a fast, affordable race. For anyone seeking a bargain PR or a low-pressure half, Founders Half Marathon is a hidden gem.
Race-provided description
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.
Logistics
Race Day
Sunday, December 13, 2026
Start Time
9:00 AM
Start Location
North Parking for Carderock Cliffs, Potomac, MD, 20854
Course Info
Course Type
Out & Back
Terrain
trail
Scenery
Park
Surface
Dirt Trail
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Quality Score
Solid Pick512 years running
~157.5 finishers a year
growing or steady
9% returning runners
6 timing sources
runners from 13 states
winner 1:05:59
typical high 47°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
31°
Afternoon (High)
47°
Cool conditions — dress in layers, perfect for fast times
0.2"
Precipitation
11 mph
Wind
70%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 315 finishers actually crossed the line across 2 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
315
Median time
1:58:25
Latest turnout
163
States
14
Turnout by year
2024–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Frequently asked
When is the Founders Half Marathon?
The Founders Half Marathon is held on Sunday, December 13, 2026, starting at 9:00 AM.
Where does the Founders Half Marathon take place?
It takes place in Potomac, Maryland.
What distances does the Founders Half Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles).
Is the Founders Half Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The Founders Half Marathon is a ultra-flat, out & back course.
How many people run the Founders Half Marathon?
HalfRuns has finish records for 315 runners who have completed the Founders Half Marathon.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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