Run to Arlington National Cemetery & Marine Corps Memorial
Aerial view of Arlington National Cemetery showing the Memorial Amphitheater (background), and the Mast of the US Maine Corps Memorial visible in the foreground.
The run to Arlington National Cemetery and the Iwo Jima Memorial is memorable. It can be done as a standalone route, or in combination with other D.C. routes along the National Mall, Tidal Basin, or paths along the Potomac. Arlington National Cemetery is the 639-acre grounds over rolling hills that honor those who served. It’s the final resting place for over 14,000 veterans. Walking on paths through the cemetery is an important Washington experience. While one cannot run at the cemetery itself, the run to the cemetery and over to the US Marine Corps War Memorial is a scenic route on paved, well-signed multi-use trails. CEMETERY INFO & MAP
Marine Corps Memorial. Picryl.
Start at the Lincoln Memorial, and follow the paths behind it over the Arlington Bridge, admiring the Arts of War Sculptures. Continue on the wide Memorial Ave. to the cemetery entrance (option to enter the grounds and walk here). Continue on the path alongside Highway 110, with views of the cemetery’s markers on your left. You’ll pass the Netherlands Carillon, donated by the Netherlands After WWII and featuring 50 bells (daily concerts). This section is a bit of a climb. At the 2-mile mark, you’ll reach the US Marine Corps Memorial, a large sculpture that depicts a scene at Iwo Jima during WWII. There are great views to the Jefferson Memorial & the Washington Monument.
For the return, two options: retrace your steps to make this a 4-mile out & back. For a loop/longer run (6 miles), head back toward the Arlington Bridge, and at Potomac Park, take the path that leads to Columbia Island. Run on the nice path along the Potomac, paralleling GW Memorial Parkway to the 14th St. Bridge, which leads to the Tidal Basin. Pass the FDR & MLK Memorials, and cross Independence Ave. back to the National Mall.
The run to Arlington National Cemetery and the Iwo Jima Memorial is memorable. It can be done as a standalone route, or in combination with other D.C. routes along the National Mall, Tidal Basin, or paths along the Potomac. Arlington National Cemetery is the 639-acre grounds over rolling hills that honor those who served. It’s the final resting place for over 14,000 veterans. Walking on paths through the cemetery is an important Washington experience. While one cannot run at the cemetery itself, the run to the cemetery and over to the US Marine Corps War Memorial is a scenic route on paved, well-signed multi-use trails. CEMETERY INFO & MAP
Marine Corps Memorial. Picryl.
Start at the Lincoln Memorial, and follow the paths behind it over the Arlington Bridge, admiring the Arts of War Sculptures. Continue on the wide Memorial Ave. to the cemetery entrance (option to enter the grounds and walk here). Continue on the path alongside Highway 110, with views of the cemetery’s markers on your left. You’ll pass the Netherlands Carillon, donated by the Netherlands After WWII and featuring 50 bells (daily concerts). This section is a bit of a climb. At the 2-mile mark, you’ll reach the US Marine Corps Memorial, a large sculpture that depicts a scene at Iwo Jima during WWII. There are great views to the Jefferson Memorial & the Washington Monument.
For the return, two options: retrace your steps to make this a 4-mile out & back. For a loop/longer run (6 miles), head back toward the Arlington Bridge, and at Potomac Park, take the path that leads to Columbia Island. Run on the nice path along the Potomac, paralleling GW Memorial Parkway to the 14th St. Bridge, which leads to the Tidal Basin. Pass the FDR & MLK Memorials, and cross Independence Ave. back to the National Mall.
Scroll Down For Route Maps
Essentials
4 miles out & back or 6 miles (9.5 km) loop
211 feet (64m)
Lincoln Memorial or other chosen start point on the National Mall
The signature run in Washington, D.C. and one of the most memorable runs in the world. Run on a packed dirt surface between the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial. Add on with the Memorials Run to the Jefferson, FDR, and MLK memorials.
A truly inspiring run, incorporating scenery, history, and beauty. The core “Memorial Run” incorporates the Washington Monument, and the Jefferson, FDR Memorial, and MLK Memorials. Catch during Cherry Blossoms!
Scenic loop options on this man-made island, adjacent to the Jefferson Memorial. Great views of the water, Reagan Airport & D.C. landmarks. Can be run standalone or combined with Mall/Memorials tour. Ohio Dr. now has a dedicated cycle/pedestrian lane.
Island dedicated as a memorial to President Theodore Roosevelt. A couple of miles of trails on a natural surface. Location of a weekly 5k Parkrun, Saturdays 9am.
Wonderful running options in this historic neighborhood that can be mix & matched: waterfront running on the Capital Crescent/C&O Canal Trail, or east along the Potomac to the National Mall; our Gerorgetown 'runseeing' tour; Glover Archibold Trail.
Wonderful option to enjoy shade and Washington’s lush foliage. Mainly wooded terrain with both paved multi-use paths & more rugged trails. Three 'sections', from Memorial Bridge to Rockville, MD. ~4 mile section of Beach Dr. closed to traffic.
Part of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail. A 17 miles paved hiking/cycling path in Northern Virginia that travels between Rosslyn and George Washington’s home at Mount Vernon.
This run along the wide sidewalks of Massachusetts Ave. takes you by 150+ embassies, the Naval Observatory home of the Vice President), and ending at the National Cathedral. Posh neighborhood with lovely homes also nice for running.
A recent addition to the D.C. running scene. 20 miles of trail, 12 of which is mainly complete. We've mapped a great 8-mile loop between South Capitol St. and Benning Rd. on both sides of the River. Site of weekly Parkrun. Can add Kenilworth Park & track.
Gorgeous spot for a run in NE Washington. The 451-acre grounds feature 9 miles of roads and several miles of off-road paths, passing by important themed gardens and collections. A particular treat in spring and cherry blossom season!
Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!
Subscribe
1 Comment
Oldest
Newest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Essentials
4 miles out & back or 6 miles (9.5 km) loop
211 feet (64m)
Lincoln Memorial or other chosen start point on the National Mall
Review or Comment on This Route/Share a Photo!
Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!