Please join us for the 2023 presentation of the Steve Thompson 8K. It is the sixth of our eight-race Bunion Derby Series.

Race Director: Ian Clements

Distance and Course: an out-and-back course on the Mount Vernon Trail, starting and finishing at Belle Haven Park. 

Event Schedule:

• 6:00 AM  - On-Site check-in begins
• 7:00 AM -  8K Start

Registration and Fees: Online advance registration through 7 PM the day before the race:

• $0 for club members
• $10 for non-members

All Runners must register in advance; we are not permitted to transact business on National Park Service property. 

List of participants: check this list to see if you are registered.  Our email confirmations sometimes end up in your spam folder.  This list serves as alternate confirmation of your registration.

If you signed up for the race and can no longer run please email races@dcroadrunners.org to inform us of your cancellation.  There will be no refund for canceling but you will open up a spot for a fellow runner.

If you would like information about our club membership and the many benefits go to our membership page.

Refund Policy:  We have a strict no refund, no transfer and no deferral policy on all of our low key races.  However, in the event we are forced to cancel this race due to weather or other unforeseen events we will make every attempt to reschedule this race on another date.  In this event, your registration would automatically carry over to the new date.  If you are unable to run this new date or we are unable to find a new date for the race we will grant you free entry into another of our low key races in which room is available.

Volunteers: We always need additional help in putting on these races. Please sign up here, if you (or a family member who is accompanying you to the race) can assist.

Timing:  This race is timed using the Chronotrack timing system.

Awards: Prizes will be given out to the top 3 overall men and women.  Also, 1st place Masters man and woman.

Stroller and Dog Policy:  This race is held on the Mount Vernon Trail that runners will share with non-running pedestrians and cyclists. If you run with a stroller, please be courteous, start near the back of the pack (the race is chip-timed, after all) and yield to runners and vehicles. If you run with a pet, keep the leash short.

Headphone Policy:  The use of headphones is strongly discouraged at all DCRR Club races.

Course Description: The out-and-back from Belle Haven Park. The turn around point at Alexandria Avenue. 

NPS Race Rules:  These races take place in the National Park Service's jurisdiction.  Please familiarize yourself and comply with our NPS Race Rules.

Directions to Belle Haven Park:

From Virginia on the Capital Beltway:
Take Exit 1 headed south on Richmond Hwy., Route 1. Once on Route 1, stay in the right lane to take the next exit for Fort Hunt Rd. Once on the exit ramp, you'll need to stay in the left lanes, bearing left and passing through the traffic light across Route 1 to get onto Ft. Hunt Rd. After 1.1 miles, turn left at a traffic light near the shopping center onto Belle View Blvd. At the end of Belle View Blvd., after 0.6 miles turn left on the George Washington Parkway, and move to the right lane. Turn right into Belle Haven, then immediately turn left toward parking areas.

From Maryland on the Capital Beltway:
Be in the right lane when coming over the Wilson Bridge, and take the first exit toward Mt. Vernon. The exit ramp actually puts you on Church St. but at the traffic light you can turn right onto Washington St. As Washington St. crosses over the beltway and leaves Alexandria, it becomes the George Washington Parkway. After 1.25 miles, turn left into Bell Haven. Immediately turn left again toward parking areas.

FAQ:

Q: Will the course be marked? There are mile markers on the Mt. Vernon trail. There will be course marshals at key points.

Q: Will the results be posted online? A: Yes, results will be posted on our website no later than the next day...but usually as the race is finishing.

Q: Is the course certified? A: No, not for 2022; this is an interim course.