GW Parkway Closes at 6 A.M. Sunday for George Washington Patriot Run

UPDATE SEPT. 12 — DRIVERS TAKE NOTE: U.S. Park Police will close the George Washington Memorial Parkway at 6 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, for the George Washington Patriot Run at Mount Vernon. The race uses both lanes of a five-mile stretch of the Parkway between the GW Parkway Circle and West Boulevard Drive. Drivers heading to Mount Vernon can use Mount Vernon Memorial Highway/Route 235. The 10-mile race begins at 7:15 a.m., followed by the 5K at 7:30 a.m.

ALEXANDRIA, VA — What better way to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary than by running a course along the Potomac River with George Washington’s Mansion waiting at the finish line?

The 11th annual George Washington Patriot Run returns to Mount Vernon on Sunday, Sept. 13, offering runners the choice of a 10-mile race or 5K.

The race offers a unique combination of fitness, community and American history as participants run along a closed section of the George Washington Memorial Parkway before finishing with Washington’s iconic Mount Vernon estate in view.

Choose a 10-Miler or 5K

The 10-mile race begins at 7:15 a.m., followed by the 5K at 7:30 a.m.

The course includes both lanes of a five-mile stretch of the George Washington Memorial Parkway, running from the GW Parkway Circle to West Boulevard Drive.

Participants can review the 10-mile course map and 5K course map before race morning.

Celebrate at the Finish Festival

The race continues after the finish line with a Finish Festival featuring music, food and beverages. Each runner will receive a free post-race beer, while additional food and drinks will be available for purchase from the Mount Vernon Food Truck.

Every participant also receives a commemorative George Washington Patriot Run technical T-shirt and a finisher medal featuring a bust of George Washington.

Awards will be presented to overall winners, age-division winners and participants in the Military/First Responder categories.

Parking Information

Runners should use the parking arrangements provided with registration. Drivers not participating in the race should expect the Parkway closure beginning at 6 a.m. and use Route 235 as an alternate route to Mount Vernon.

Event Details

What: George Washington Patriot Run 10-Miler and 5K
When: Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, 7–11 a.m.
Parkway closure begins: 6 a.m.
10-Miler Start: 7:15 a.m.
5K Start: 7:30 a.m.
Where: George Washington’s Mount Vernon