The Abebe Bikila Day International Peace Marathon is a very flat, double out-and-back course on the C & O Towpath. The course consists of gravel and dirt maintained paths.
How does the Abebe Bikila Day International Peace Marathon Rank?
The Abebe Bikila Day International Peace Marathon was the 323rd largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 283rd largest in 2022.
This year 6.7% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 7.8% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the Abebe Bikila Day International Peace Marathon the 246th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 214th highest percentage so far in 2024.
Its Course Score of 99.53 ranks it as the 94th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 5th fastest course in Washington D.C..
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are above the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the Abebe Bikila Day International Peace Marathon a PR Score of 95.57. This PR Score ranks it as the 381st fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 5th fastest in Washington D.C..
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Abebe Bikila Day International Peace Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 116 feet (35m) Min Elevation: 35 feet (10m)
Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the Abebe Bikila Day International Peace Marathon
View available accomodations around the Abebe Bikila Day International Peace Marathon Finish Line and Course. Book your Reservation now before the best places are sold out.
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Recent Abebe Bikila Day International Peace Marathon Reviews
Anonymous's review of 2022 Abebe Bikila Day International Peace Marathon.
2 /
5 Stars
Review
The start was disorganized, bag check was advertised and wasn't there. Most importantly, no food or sports drink at the finish---at all. When I finished the marathon in approx 4.5 hours, there was one cooler of room temp water at the finish. I would have found this hugely disappointing anywhere but especially so here, where they heavily advertised the large lunch supposedly available at the end of the race.
Race Tips
Gravel/dirt track out and back, one loop for half, two for full. The track will be populated by many bikers, walkers, kayakers, and fishermen, who aren't particularly interested in sharing the space. Part of this could be negated with earlier start times but the only marathon start advertised was 8 am. A good number of aid stations are appropriately spaced. Bathrooms at the start and two portajohns halfway through the loop--would avoid planning on using them if possible because lines get huge.
Hotel discount through organizers is a significant high point, two nights for the price of one in a nice hotel (Crystal city Marriot for us). Also, set up cabs to the race and back to the hotel afterward, which was excellent. Limited parking on site.