The Hains Point route is flat as a pancake, as it traverses south along the the Potomac, into East Potomac Park. This is a good run from which to see National Airport, The Awakening and Jefferson Memorial. The middle four miles are miles 18-22 of the Marine Corps Marathon. Thus this is a good run if you are prepping for that race. This route can be run on both weekdays and weekends.

Be aware that when the river is running high, Haines Point will flood. Also (for reasons unknown) Haines Point is very popular with motorists on Friday afternoon. Thus, you will want to avoid after 3:00 p.m. Friday. Usually, however, the traffic is so light that running is not a problem.

 Directions

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

2)    Cross Wisconsin Avenue

3)     Branch right onto Pennsylvania Avenue (The Four Season Hotel is on your right)

4)    Turn right on exit ramp for Rock Creek Parkway. This is just beyond the Four Seasons Hotel

5)    Turn right on Rock Creek bike path, heading south

6)    Continue on bike path to 400 yards beyond Kennedy Center and bridge underpass

7)    Cross road, and bear left on path as it goes by volley ball courts. Do not stay straight and ascend ramp to Lincoln Memorial!

8)    Follow path thru second bridge underpass, keeping the Potomac River on your right. You will see steps leading to the Lincoln Memorial on your left.

9)    Follow path as it parallels Potomac River, past Roosevelt Memorial.

10)    Cross Bridge over Tidal Basin. Bear right.

11)    You are in East Potomac Park/Hains Point. You will be sharing a road with cars, so be aware. When you reach Hains Point, you will see "The Awakening". Note the face in contorted in agony. Not coincidentally, this is mile 20 of the Marine Corps Marathon.

12)    As you exit Hains Point, after crossing back under 14th Street bridge (two miles after The Awakening), bear left and cross road.

13)    Head west across field, keeping Jefferson Memorial to your right and the 14th Street Bridge to your left

14)    Cross Tidal Basin Bridge. You will recognize the path from your journey south.

15)    Retrace your route to Pennsylvania Avenue

16)    Turn left on M St., and proceed .6 miles west to the finish.

Georgetown has numerous places to quench your thirst and sate your appetite.

Last updated: September 10th, 1999. Back to WRC home page