Schedule of Events
October 2023 Registration opens. $85 for the half, $40 for the 5K
December 1, 2023 Half Marathon registration fees increase to $90, 5K Registration fees increase to $45
January 1, 2024 Half Marathon registration fees increase to $95
February 1, 2024 5K Registration fees increase to $50
March 28, 2024 Last day to register and be guaranteed a race shirt
April 20, 2024 Half Marathon registration fees increase to $100
April 21, 2024 Online registration closes at 7:00 am. There will be no late/race day paper registration.
Saturday, April 20 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Early Packet Pickup - South Lakes High School
Sunday, April 21 6:00 am – 7:00 am Packet Pick-up - South Lakes High School
7:20 am Runner welcome and National Anthem - South Lakes High School
7:30 am Half Marathon start - South Lakes High School
7:45 am 5K start - South Lakes High School
~8:45 am 5K awards ceremony - South Lakes High School
~10:00 am Half Marathon awards ceremony - South Lakes High School
10:30 am Course closes
12:00 pm Post race activities complete.
Stick around after the races for door prizes!
General
What should I wear?
Temperatures can vary widely in the early spring in the DC area. We suggest you bring gloves, a hat and long sleeve shirt, but be ready to run in a singlet. Early in the race, you might have to shed some clothes so don’t wear anything too nice in case you want to throw them away. If you want to shed some clothes prior to the race start, you will be able to check them in at the Bag Drop station. Past morning temperatures on April 21 in Reston (https://www.timeanddate.com/weather/usa/reston):
2023- Hi 81 Lo 54
2022- Hi 66 Lo 46
2021- Hi 63 Lo 46
2020- Hi 66 Lo 46
2019 - Hi 63 Lo 46
Tell me about the Bag Drop Station
We will have numbered storage bags available for you to place all the stuff you don't want to run with. You can also just give us your own bag. The bag drop will be near packet pickup.
Are showers available on race day?
No.
Where do I pick up my Race Packet? Can someone pick my packet up for me?
See Schedule of Events above.
You or a friend may pickup your packet, no ID or signed letters are required. We encourage all runners to pick up their own race packet. It is important for runners to verify their data and make any necessary changes. If you discover an error and want to correct it three minutes before the race starts you will stress everyone out.
Will there be a Pre-Race Dinner?
No
Does the race benefit a charity?
Yes! Proceeds from this event benefit the Reston Runners Community Fund, a non-profit organization that provides scholarships to area high school students and provides funds to athletic departments of Reston/Herndon area elementary and middle schools.
Do you have a mailing list I can subscribe to?
Yes. When you register as a volunteer or runner you will be added to our Mailing List to receive periodic announcements and race updates. Or email info@runnersmarathon.com if you'd like more information.
Do you need volunteers?
Yes! We couldn't possibly put on an event like this without our volunteers, so please pass the word and invite your friends and family members to help out. You can sign up to volunteer link on the top of the page. Indoor and outdoor slots are available and all volunteers will receive long sleeved cotton tee shirts, free dinner, undying appreciation.
Registration
When does registration open and close?
See Schedule of Events above.
What are the entry fees?
See Schedule of Events above.
Can I register on the day of the race?
Probably, but the race may be filled. Sometimes late registrants don't get things like medals and shirts. We always recommend a little more advance planning to get the best goodies - but we don't tend to decline registrations for runners who are flexible about the color and type of bling they receive.
If I sign up for the half and I later decide that I want to run the 5K, can I switch events? Is there an additional cost? How can I change my status prior to race day?
You can transfer between the events, provided the other event you want to run in is not full. In order to do so on line you must contact info@runnersmarathon.com before March 25 requesting the change. The only fee is for a transfer from 5K to Half. There is no refund for a transfer from Half to 5K. There is no additional fee, but sometimes we run out of bling and medals for late registrants and late transfers.
Can a Race Entry be transferred to someone else?
You may transfer your entry to another participant until March 18th. The transferee must register and sign all of our waivers. In order to do so you must contact info@runnersmarathon.com requesting the transfer. Any unauthorized transfers will result in disqualification. Now here's where we want you to listen very carefully: DO NOT GIVE YOUR BIB TO SOMEONE ELSE. We allow for FREE TRANSFERS to another runner to avoid this, and then your friend can run the race officially under their own name. It causes race directors and other runners a LOT of heart ache when there are "bandits" because in small races, those bandits often win age group awards.
I was injured after registering for the race. Can I get a refund or defer until next year?
Sorry, no. We incur fixed costs for each runner based on registration numbers, and we spend the registration fees on shirts and other stuff long before you got injured. As a result, unfortunately, we are not able to allow any refunds.
Will you mail or email a confirmation to me?
If you register online, you will receive a confirmation email immediately from Enmotive. We will be posting participant lists to the web site starting in January.
Is there a minimum age requirement?
No.
How come races cost so much?
The cost of any road race is based on the services provided, which are often independent of the distance covered or number of participants. Examples of "fixed costs" typically include permits, police, timing, potties, use of the school, signs, and advertising. We also spend money on variable costs (somewhat dependent on the number of registrants) such as race shirts, medals, and food. Lucky for us (and you), there are many individuals and businesses donating money to keep the race fees manageable. And every one of those working to organize and manage the race volunteer their time. Race management is a labor of love and not usually a highly profitable business.
Our race has been lucky enough to attract enough sponsorship each year to allow us to donate generously to the Reston Runners Community Fund to support youth running and fitness activities in our community.
Our Course
The Half Marathon is on an updated single loop course. It is still primarily on Reston's extensive paved path system trails with some rolling hills.
Are the Courses Certified?
No.
What type of running surfaces are on the course?
The race is primarily on paved asphalt paths with a short distance on paved roads.
What is the time limit for the Half Marathon?
The course will remain open for 3 hours until 10:30 pm.
What type of drinks and food do you provide along the course?
There will be hydration stops approximately every 3.5 miles. We will offer water and Gatorade.
Can I wear headphones while racing on the course?
We highly discourage the use of MP3 players for your safety and for the safety your fellow runners. We have noticed that headphone-wearing runners are remarkably "tuned out" to the whereabouts of their fellow runners, cars, and to the volunteers attempting to get their attention as they go off-course. In fact, our unscientific sample of lost runners includes only those wearing headphones.
Are strollers or special vehicles permitted on the course?
The following items are not permitted on the course by race participants: skateboards, bicycles, roller blades, baby joggers, or any other types of vehicles (other than official Marathon vehicles). These regulations are for the participant’s safety, our insurance, and the safety of the other participants in the race.
Is the course closed?
No. The course runs on Reston Association paved pathways. These beautiful paths will not be closed to the local residents. We will do our best to keep you (and them) safe on the course, but you may encounter local dog walkers, bird watchers, or strollers from time to time.
Will there be mile markers along the route?
Yes. There will be signs marking every mile of both the half marathon and 5K courses.
Where can spectators watch the race?
The start and finish areas and the high school.
Is the course flat?
There are some rolling hills on the course.
Training
Will there be a training program?
Yes. A description and link to register for training can be found at Training
What online resources do you recommend?
Long distance running can be rewarding, fun, and certainly is a great way to stay in shape and balance out a healthy life style. But it is hard work. Fortunately, there are many resources to help you meet your goals. A good on-line place to start is the Road Runners Club of America, the oldest and largest national association of running clubs, running events, and runners dedicated to promoting running as a competitive sport and as healthy exercise – RRCA.ORG. Other good on-line places to look at are: runnersworld.com, active.com, marathonguide.com
Driving, Directions, Parking and Travel
Where is the Runners Marathon of Reston?
Reston Virginia is 22 miles outside (west) of Washington DC, and 7 miles from Dulles International Airport. The race starts and finishes at South Lakes High School: 11400 South Lakes Drive Reston, VA 20191.
How do I get to the start?
The race will start and end at South Lakes High School: 11400 South Lakes Drive Reston, VA 20191
Is there plenty of parking?
Yes! So much space and all for FREE! There are two main parking lots at South Lakes High School - the faculty lot located on the Seahawk Drive side of the building and the student lot located on the stadium side of the building. Please use these lots. There is NO PARKING on South lakes Drive or nearby Twin Branches Road. There is even more parking at Terraset Elementary very close by.
How do I get to Packet Pickup?
Packet pickup will be held at the South Lakes High School: 11400 South Lakes Drive Reston, VA 20191 from 10:00 AM through 2:00 PM. Packets can also be picked up race day between 6:00 AM and 7:00 AM
Awards and Results
The overall winners and age group awards will be determined by CHIP time.
Awards will be given to Half Marathon and 5K runners as follows:
Top 3 overall Male & Female winners
Top 3 male & female finishers in each of the following age groups: Under 15 (for 5K only), 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, and 80+.
If you place overall or in your age group and this is your first half marathon, you will be recognized during awards. You must be registered in the "First Half-Marathon" category to be eligible for this recognition, and it must be your first half-marathon ever!
Note: Runners are eligible for a single award. For the "First Timer" awards, those runners are also eligible for age group/overall awards.Results will be available 8:00 PM race day.