The George Washington Patriot Run returns to Mount Vernon this Sunday with a 5K and 10-mile race along the George Washington Memorial Parkway.
The annual event gives runners a chance to race on a section of the historic parkway before finishing at George Washington’s Mount Vernon.
Participants will also receive a commemorative race shirt and finisher medal, with free admission to Mount Vernon included with registration.
Here is everything runners need to know before heading to the starting line this weekend.
When and where is the Patriot Run taking place?
The 11th annual George Washington Patriot Run is taking place on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at George Washington’s Mount Vernon in Mount Vernon, Virginia. The 10-mile race begins at 7:15 am, followed by the 5K at 7:30 am.
The starting line is at the southern end of the George Washington Memorial Parkway, on the east side of Parkway Circle near the entrance to George Washington’s Mount Vernon. The course uses both lanes of a five-mile stretch of the parkway between the GW Parkway Circle and W. Boulevard Drive.
The races finish inside the Mount Vernon property in the Historic Area near the Mansion. After completing the race, participants can also use their race bib to enter the line for a tour of the Mansion.
The event’s Finish Festival will feature music, food and beverage concessions, along with complimentary snacks, bottled water and a beer for each runner who is 21 or older. Runners also receive free admission to George Washington’s Mount Vernon.
There are two race options:
- 5K: Starts at 7:30 am
- 10-Miler: Starts at 7:15 am
The George Washington Memorial Parkway will close at 6:00 am on race morning, so runners should plan their arrival accordingly. The event also offers a free round-trip shuttle from Alexandria, with the first shuttles leaving at 5:30 am.
How to register for the Patriot Run
Registration remains available online until 7:00 am on race day, so runners who have not signed up yet can still register before heading to Mount Vernon.
There will be no in-person registration or payment at packet pickup.
The current registration prices are:
- 5K: $62
- 10-Miler: $82
- Active-duty public safety personnel and military members, including veterans: $5 discount
The registration fee includes the race itself, access to the Finish Festival, free bottled water and bananas at the finish line, free admission to George Washington’s Mount Vernon and a commemorative Patriot Run technical T-shirt and finisher medal.
Runners also have the opportunity to tour the interior of George Washington’s Mansion after finishing the race. Registration fees are nonrefundable, and person-to-person bib transfers are not permitted.
Register online before 7:00 am Sunday.
How to pick up your packet ahead of the race
Runners who want to avoid picking up their packet on race morning have several opportunities to get their bib and race materials ahead of the event. Advance packet pickup is taking place at Potomac River Running in Reston Town Center on Wednesday, September 9, from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm, followed by two opportunities near The Shops at Mount Vernon.
The Mount Vernon-area pickup times are Friday, September 11, from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm, and Saturday, September 12, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Both take place near The Shops at Mount Vernon at 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy.
If you cannot make one of the advance pickup windows, a friend or family member can pick up your packet for you.
There is also race-day packet pickup beginning at 5:15 am near The Shops at Mount Vernon. However, runners should keep in mind that parking passes will not be available that morning, and there is no on-site parking or waiting area unless a VIP parking pass was purchased in advance.
Advance packet pickup locations and times:
- Wednesday, September 9: Potomac River Running, Reston Town Center, 1:00–7:00 pm
- Friday, September 11: Near The Shops at Mount Vernon, 1:00–7:00 pm
- Saturday, September 12: Near The Shops at Mount Vernon, 10:00 am–4:00 pm
- Sunday, September 13: Near The Shops at Mount Vernon starting at 5:15 am
With registration still open through race morning, runners can make a last-minute decision to participate in the George Washington Patriot Run and take part in one of the area’s more distinctive fall races — including a finish inside the grounds of George Washington’s Mount Vernon.
