Dulles 5K/10K on the Runway

This is your opportunity for the flattest, fastest course in the area! The runway will be closed off for runners to experience a unique look at the airport grounds, something you do not get to do every day! Run past planes and along the actual landing strip on this certified looped course.

Race Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026. The event will feature both a 5K starting at 7:30 a.m. and a 10K starting at 7:40 a.m. The 10k will run the entire length of the runway.

Free parking for the race at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. The Museum parking lot opens at 5:30 a.m. and will close promptly at 8:00 a.m.
Please allow time to park, pass through security,  walk through the museum, and get to the starting line. It is important to start each race on time. 
 
All participants must be able to complete the chosen course and be off the runway by 9:00 a.m. so that it can be reopened for aircraft traffic. To allow for extra time, the final 1/2 mile will be on a connector, so provided you are off the air strip and beyond the final checkpoint by 9:00 a.m., you will have plenty of time to finish. We haven't had a runner unable to finish the course yet.

We plan to have water stations along the course; however, you are encouraged to carry your own water if needed.

Registration Fee: Sign up early! There is a limit of 2,500 runners.
5K: $40 per participant through May 31; $45 through July 31, $50 until the race sells out or the race starts.
10K: $50 per participant through May 31; $55 through July 31; $60 until the race sells out or the race starts.

All participants must register online and in advance of coming to the packet pick-up. 

Strollers (no registration needed for the child in the stroller) and wheelchairs will also be permitted, as long as they can complete the course by 9 am.  

Race proceeds will benefit Special Olympics Virginia, the Committee for Dulles Community Outreach, and the Washington Airports Task Force, all 501c3 nonprofit organizations closely affiliated with Dulles Airport.

Swag: Participants registered prior to August 1, 2026, will be guaranteed 2025 Dulles 5K/10K tech t-shirts. All others will be given shirts on a first-come, first-served basis. All finishers will receive a one-of-a-kind finisher's medal.

Awards: Top male and top female for both races will each receive a certificate from United Airlines, Dulles Airport's hub carrier, good for a round-trip anywhere that United flies in the continental United States; Alaska; Caribbean; Canada; Mexico and Central America, plus a weekend overnight stay for two at the Washington Dulles Airport Marriott!

Awards will also be given to the top male and female finishers for each race in the following age groups: 12 & under, 13-17, 18-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60, 61-70, 71 & over. All awards must be claimed within 2 weeks of the conclusion of the race.

Bag Drop: A bag drop will be available near the starting line. Please use the bag given out during packet pick up for the bag drop. We will be writing race numbers on the bags when they are left at the bag drop.

Spectators: Because this event will take place on the runway, only registered runners (with/without strollers) will be allowed through the final checkpoint to get onto the course. Spectators will be allowed to cheer their favorite runners along the finish line.

Photos: Free high-resolution race photos will be available for download. Keep an eye out for our on-course/finish line photographers and be prepared to strike a pose!

Post-Race Refreshments: The Washington Dulles Airport Marriott will provide post-race refreshments. Look for their tent and stop by after the race to refuel!

Directions:

From Washington, DC and points south: Take I-66 West to Route 28 North (Exit 53B): Travel on Route 28 North for 5.3 miles. Exit at the Air and Space Museum Parkway and follow signs to the Udvar-Hazy Center.  The parking lot will close at 8:00 a.m.

From Washington, DC and points north: Take I-495 West (Capital Beltway) to the Dulles Toll Road West (Route 267) - Toll Required. Exit the Dulles Toll Road at Route 28 South (Exit 9A) and travel south 3.5 miles. Exit at the Air and Space Museum Parkway and follow signs to the Udvar-Hazy Center. The parking lot will close at 8:00 a.m.

Please note that online mapping services may direct you to enter the Udvar-Hazy Center from Route 50. This is not a public entrance. You must enter from Route 28.

Parking:
Free parking will be provided by the National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, located at 14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway in Chantilly. See below for directions. 

The parking lot will open at  5:30 a.m. Please plan to arrive early, as all runners will have to walk through the museum to get out to the starting line.

The parking lot entrance will close at 8:00 a.m. and no further admittance will be allowed after that time.

Packet Pick up 
Packets will be available to be picked up at the Washington Dulles Airport Marriott (45020 Aviation Dr, Dulles, VA 20166) on:

Thursday, August 27 from 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Friday, August 28 from 2:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

Packet pickup will also available Saturday, August 29, race day morning starting at 5:40 a.m at the museum.

To avoid race day lines, runners are strongly encouraged to pick up at the Marriott on Thursday or Friday. You are welcome and encouraged to pick up for friends and family. 

You must pick up your packet at one of the designated packet pick up times. Packets will not be mailed after the race. 

Q: "Can someone else pick up my race packet on my behalf?"

A: Yes. You just need to know your friend's/family's name.