District Running Collective: Changing D.C., One Run at a Time
In early 2013, four friends—Taylor, Chaz, Matt Green, and Carlin—noticed that D.C. needed a running group where everyone felt welcome, no matter their experience. That May, they put on their first event, the "Midnight on Mars 5K," which brought a hundred runners out to explore the H-Street Corridor at midnight. It was a different kind of run, and just the start. By the next year, their weekly runs were drawing over 700 people, making DRC a real part of the city’s running community.
DRC’s goal is to make running feel like a lifestyle, not a chore. The founders wanted to break down the idea that running is only for certain people, and instead welcome anyone who’s ever thought, "I’m not a runner, but I want to try." They believe running can change how people see themselves and their city. With the D.C. flag as their symbol, they focus on building a community where people support each other and keep pushing to get better.
DRC’s success comes from the people who run with them. They’ve built a strong, supportive community through weekly runs, races, community service, and partnerships. They also put a lot of energy into social media, using photos and hashtags to show off what running in D.C. looks like and to connect with runners everywhere. This helps create a space where anyone can share their ups and downs and keep pushing their limits.
At DRC, fitness, fun, and community all come together. The crew supports each other through every hill, bridge, and tough mile. Along with their weekly runs, they now offer a marathon training program called "Project 42/42" and their own race, the "HBD LA 5K." The big group run every Tuesday night is the highlight of the week, bringing everyone together to run through the city.
DRC welcomes everyone. They love turning "I’m not a runner" into "I just ran a half marathon." If you want to join, just check their social media for the latest on runs and events, and show up.
As a pioneering force, District Running Collective is a central pillar in the vibrant running scene of WashingtoDistrict Running Collective is a big part of D.C.’s running scene. The city has lots of other running crews and clubs, each with its own style. Together, they make a strong network for everyone, from casual joggers to serious racers.city of grand avenues, iconic monuments, and diverse, historic neighborhoods. Its unique layout and rich history make it a powerful and inspiring place to run, providing a perfect backdrop for a crew like DRC that is so deeply connected to its civic identity.
True to their motto, "WE. RUN. THE. DISTRICT.," DRC uses the entire city as its course. Iconic Washington D.C. running routes include the National Mall, a grand two-mile stretch that takes runners past the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the U.S. Capitol. For a natural escape, the extensive network of trails in Rock Creek Park offers a green oasis in the heart of the city. Runs that cross the bridges over the Potomac River into Virginia also provide challenging routes with stunning views of the D.C. skyline.
Washington D.C. hosts several world-class running events that are a major focus for the local community. The most famous is the Marine Corps Marathon, held in October, which is one of the largest marathons in the world and is known as "The People's Marathon" for its policy of not offering prize money. Another major event is the Rock 'n' Roll Washington D.C. Marathon and Half Marathon, which takes place in the spring and fills the city's streets with music and energy.
