• Run a fast race on a flat course alongside two creeks with free parking at the start / finish, enthusiastic aid station volunteers, and great food an awards afterwards.
• Alexandria Running Festival includes a half marathon and 5K in Alexandria through the Holmes Run and Brenman Park area.  This scenic course is mostly flat and shaded providing a combination of trails, parks, and road running.
• Half Marathon Map & Course Description
• USATF-certified map: 5K (VA-09007-RT)
• Half marathon is a RacePacket 2011 Grand Prix series race
• 5K is a National Road Racing League official event

• Colorful, technical shirt
• Goodie bag with samples, coupons, & gift certificates
• Medals to all half marathon finishers

• Alexandria Running Festival's host hotel, Westin Alexandria at 400 Courthouse Square.

• Saturday, May 26, at 8:00 AM -- Join us for an easy FREE fun run over the first loop of the course -- about 6 miles.  Gather in front of our host hotel, Westin Alexandria, 400 Courthouse Square, and run west on Eisenhower Avenue to Holmes Run Trail, then run one loop around scenic Brenman Park and back.  Meet volunteers from our charity partners and learn about their programs.  See where the aid stations are located.
• Saturday, May 26, 1:00 to 5:30 PM -- Pick up your packet pick-up at our host hotel, Westin Alexandria.  Browse our vendors -- get anything you need for the race on Sunday or to boost your running year-round.  Meet our charity partners and learn how you can get a guaranteed entry to the 2012 Marine Corps Marathon, Army Ten Miler, or the Baltimore Running Festival. 
• Saturday, May 26, 1;00 to 5:30 PM -- Late registration at our host hotel, Westin Alexandria, if we are not sold out.
• Saturday, May 26, 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM -- Listen and interact with our guest speakers at our 9th annual College of Running at our host hotel, Westin Alexandria.  Bring questions and get answers!  We will announce the list of speakers soon.
• Saturday, May 26, 6:00 PM -- Join us for a pre-race pasta dinner at Westin Alexandria.  

• Sunday, May 27, 6:15 AM to 7:45 AM -- Late packet pick-up at Hoffman Center, 206 Swamp Fox Road at Eisenhower Avenue, across from Eisenhower Avenue Metro Station, 2460 Eisenhower Avenue.  
• Both races start and end at Swamp Fox Road and Eisenhower Avenue near Hoffman Center.  
• The start line is less than 1/2 mile from the Westin.
• Runners driving to the race can park at either Eisenhower Avenue Metro Station or Hoffman Center parking lots.  We have plenty of free parking right next to the start / finish.
• Race-day photography by ChessiePhoto

• Three aid stations along the course. 5K runners pass an aid station twice, and half-marathoners pass aid stations six times (approximately every two miles). Each aid station has water and Gatorade.  
• First aid, course marshals, and EMS bike support on the course as well.

Post-Race

• After the race, enjoy our post-race food and entertainment and stay for the awards ceremony.  
• Awards to top 3 finishers overall M/F and top 3 by age groups M/F (19 & under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+)
• Random prize raffle for all participants.

Beneficiaries

• Race proceeds benefit MCC's Charity Partners who volunteer at our events.

• Book your flight with JET BLUE, the official airline of Alexandria Running Festival.

• Please join us as a sponsor to reach thousands of runners and spectators.

• Enter on-line