This route represents a challenging marathon training run. It was first made possible in 1997, with the opening of the Georgetown Branch extension of the Capital Crescent Trail. The first eight miles is a gradual ascent into Maryland. Two miles east of Bethesda, the route intersects Rock Creek Park. Runners then head south along Rock Creek, towards Georgetown, in a gradual descent. The last nine miles are on Beach Drive/Rock Creek Parkway.

Two important notes:

  • This route should be RUN ONLY ON WEEKENDS when the upper NW DC portions of Beach Drive are closed to traffic.
  • Once you meet Rock Creek, ignore henceforth all signs for the Georgetown Branch Trail. If in doubt, follow whatever trail/road most closely parallels Rock Creek as it wends south.

Click on on larger map, to get greater resolution and detail.

 Directions

1)    Begin at the 3300 Block of M Street NW proceeding west

2)    Take left at Francis Scott Key Park (just before Key Bridge)

3)     Drop onto C&O Canal and Water street, which is below the C&O.

4)    Head west on K Street. After passing under the Key Bridge, K Street becomes the Capital Crescent Trail.

5)    Continue on trail for about seven miles into Bethesda.

6)    You will cross over both Massachusetts Avenue and River Road before reaching Bethesda. When you see Barnes and Noble, you are 2 blocks west of Wisconsin Ave

7)    Cross street. Pass through the Wisconsin Avenue Tunnel continuing east.

8)   You are now on the Georgetown Branch Trail. Continue across Connecticut Aveue.

9)   Two-thirds of a mile beyond Connecticut Avenue is the intersection with Jones Mill Road.

10)  Cross Jones Mill Road.

11)  Turn left on Jones Mill Road.

12)    Turn right in 30 yards onto Susanna Lane.

13)    At the end of Susanna Lane a bike path begins. In about 1/10 mile the path joins the Beach Drive trail.

14)    Turn right on trail to return to DC.

15)    At this point, ignore all signs for the Georgetown Branch trail. In approximately .75 miles you will meet East-West Highway.

16)    Turn right. Run 300 yards to Beach Drive.

17)    Turn left on Beach Drive. This portion of Beach Drive is open to traffic, so proceed carefully!

18)    Proceed one mile to DC line and thru traffic gate. Continue south.

19)    Follow Beach Drive 4.3 miles until reaching Broad Branch Road.

20)    At Broad Branch, exit roadway and begin running on bike path.

21)    Follow bike path past the National Zoo

22)    Continue on path under the Duke Ellington and Connecticut Avenue Bridges

23)    Cross over Calvert Street.

24)    Follow Bike path 1.7 miles beyond Calvert Street to Pennsylvania Avenue. Get off here and turn left on M Street

25)    Proceed West. Follow M Street .6 miles back to start at 3300 Block. Drink refreshments, revel in your accomplishment 

Last updated: October 31st, 2000. Back to WRC home page