WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 16, 2024) – The 2024 St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Washington D.C. was an unforgettable event with more than 19,000 registered runners taking a running tour of the Nation’s Capital. The picturesque route, dotted with historic landmarks such as the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, and the U.S. Capitol building, provided a stunning backdrop for both the half marathon and 5K.
Saturday’s half marathon also saw a field of elite athletes take the course. It was Peter Borger (Malvern, Pa.) with a time of 1:06:54 and Tessa Barrett (Arlington, Va.) finishing in a time of 1:16:15 topping the podium. “The weather was perfect today, and the cheering crowds help you get through the more challenging hills on the course,” said Borger. In the women’s half marathon, first place finisher Tessa Barrett said “The energy was incredible, and you couldn’t ask for a better day. “I run every day around and beyond the National Mall and I knew what to expect with this course.”
Runners and walkers alike hailed from all over the United States and the globe to take on the half marathon course that took participants over the Potomac River on the Arlington Memorial Bridge and finished with amazing views of the Capitol Building and the Washington Monument as they crossed the finish line on Pennsylvania Avenue. Finishers were able to celebrate with family and friends right along the National Mall.
St. Jude Hero, Caitlin Hoyt from Arlington, Va. knows first-hand the great work being done at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Her youngest of three sisters was treated at St. Jude. “Running beside other St. Jude Heroes gives me hope that no family will have to endure losing a child to a deadly disease,” said Hoyt.
Alison Staples from Laurel, Md. is a member of the District Running Collective, a running community based in Washington, D.C. with a large presence at today’s race. Staples said the entire experience was perfect from the chilly start to the “make you or break you” hill around mile six. “There was super high energy on the course and so much support from all the area running clubs and the general public,” said Staples. “Everyone lives for the encouragement from friends that you didn’t even know you had.”
International visitors included Jaime Tabachnik and Maria Imes from Mexico City, Mexico, “We came to the United States for this race and it was beautiful,” said Tabachnik. “The weather was great, and the entire event was a lot of fun.”
Gretchen Schoenstein from Napa Valley, Calif. is attempting two half marathons on two coasts in two days to raise $20,000 for autoimmune disease research. Gretchen completed her run in the District and flies to Portland, Ore. tonight to participate in her second half marathon tomorrow. “Having been diagnosed with autoimmune diseases, I know that some day I won’t be able to run, but today is not that day,” said Schoenstein. “With one race down, I am halfway there and that feels good.”
Emma Rowland from Washington, D.C. had a spirited run wearing a shamrock laden tutu. Rowland appreciated all the crowd support. “It was totally electric out there with the cheering, the cow bells and the sun shining.”
Also taking place on Saturday was the 5K with a new course that had participants starting with a view of the Washington Monument and finishing right in front of the Capitol Building on Pennsylvania Avenue as they traversed the streets of Washington D.C.
Presale registration for all distances of the 2025 edition of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Washington D.C. will be open online until March 24 at 11:59 p.m. PDT. Lock in presale pricing by visiting www.runrocknroll.com/washington-dc. Special presale pricing will be at the lowest price of the year, at $79 for the Half Marathon, and $49 for the 5K. To register for 2025 or learn more about Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Washington, D.C., please visit www.runrocknroll.com/washington-dc.
For more information on the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series, please visit www.runrocknroll.com.
About St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Its purpose is clear: Finding cures. Saving children.® It is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. When St. Jude opened in 1962, childhood cancer was largely considered incurable. Since then, St. Jude has helped push the overall survival rate from 20% to more than 80%, and it won’t stop until no child dies from cancer. St. Jude shares the breakthroughs it makes to help doctors and researchers at local hospitals and cancer centers around the world improve the quality of treatment and care for even more children. Because of generous donors, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food, so they can focus on helping their child live. Visit St. Jude Inspire to discover powerful St. Jude stories of hope, strength, love and kindness. Support the St. Jude mission by donating at stjude.org, liking St. Jude on Facebook, following St. Jude on X, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok, and subscribing to its YouTube channel.
About Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series
Established in 1998, the Rock ‘n’ Roll® Running Series’ simple idea of making running fun has transformed both the U.S. and global running landscape by infusing the course with live bands, cheer teams, and entertaining water stations, creating a block-party atmosphere for participants and spectators alike. Focused on running, music and community, race weekends kick off with a free Health & Fitness Expo showcasing the latest in running gear, sports apparel, health and nutritional information and much more. Events culminate with an Encore Entertainment experience featuring eclectic musical artists from a variety of genres. With a goal of helping participants find the Beat in Their Feet™, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series has also featured some of the biggest names in music, with past performances including the likes of Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, O.A.R., Aloe Blacc, Pitbull, Flo Rida, The Band Perry, Fitz and the Tantrums, the Goo Goo Dolls, Bret Michaels, Kesha, The Revivalists, Hunter Hayes, Capital Cities, and Matt Nathanson. Further information about the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series can be found online at www.RunRocknRoll.com and follow @RunRocknRoll on all social platforms.
