Dead Man's Run 5K - Dead Man's Run
External Event
Distance
3.1 mi
Pace
All paces
Terrain
Road
Difficulty
All Levels
About this run
Join us on Saturday, October 10 at 5:00 PM for Congressional Cemetery’s annual fall 5K fundraiser. This death-defying race begins inside the cemetery before continuing onto the Anacostia Trail for a spooky evening run filled with music, costumes, and frightful fun. Whether you’re racing for a personal best, walking with friends, or simply trying to stay ahead of your grave, Dead Man’s Run is one of the region’s most unique fall 5Ks. Costumes are encouraged, with prizes awarded for best individual costume and best team costume. Form a team, get creative with your team name, and compete for prizes recognizing top overall finishers, age-group winners, and best team time. Register by August 1 to take advantage of early bird pricing. This year, all participants who register by September 20 will receive a complimentary race shirt. Registrants after September 20 will receive a shirt while supplies last. All proceeds from Dead Man’s Run support Historic Congressional Cemetery, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of this National Historic Landmark. Founded in 1807, Historic Congressional Cemetery is a 35-acre active burial ground in Washington, D.C., with more than 70,000 interments. The cemetery is the final resting place of many notable Americans, including members of Congress, public servants, veterans, artists, activists, and Washingtonians from all walks of life. Today, Congressional Cemetery remains both a sacred historic landscape and a vibrant community space, sustained through public programs, preservation efforts, and the support of those who visit, run, walk, and gather here.
Typical conditions
For events around October 2026 in Washington, DC, United States: Typical autumn conditions in this region — conditions can change quickly; confirm race-day guidance on the official page.
How to prepare
Most runners can prepare for a 5K with a few weeks of easy runs and one short faster session per week. Focus on consistency, not volume, and rest the day before race day.
Beginner's guide to your first 5KGetting there
This event is listed in Washington, DC, United States. Confirm the exact start venue, parking, and transit options on the official registration page.
Registration is handled by the official event organizer
Know a local group? Host a community run in Washington


