FAQ
Where do the 5K and 10 Miler races start and finish?
Start Line: George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Main Entrance
Finish Line: Inside George Washington’s Mount Vernon, in front of the Mansion
Is there a time limit for the course?
To reduce the inconvenience to area residents, the National Park Service will reopen at the George Washington Memorial Parkway promptly at 9:30 a.m. for vehicular traffic. Patriot Run participants must maintain a 15 minute-per-miler pace. Runners and walkers who have not made it off of the GW Parkway by 9:30 a.m. will be kindly redirected by race officials to the nearby Mount Vernon Trail which runs along the side of the GW Memorial Parkway all the way to George Washington's Mount Vernon. If directed to Mount Vernon Trail, your race time will still be recorded upon reaching the finish line.
What happens if it rains? Do you have a makeup date?
The Patriot Run, in General George Washington’s spirit, will go on rain or shine! There will not be a makeup date.
Does my fan club including significant other, family, kids, friends, or colleagues have to pay to enter Mount Vernon to watch me finish?
After registering, you can purchase discounted admission tickets for your support crew here. Discounted admission ticket prices are as follows: $12 for people ages 12 and older, $7 for kids 6 to 11, and free for kids 5 and under. You must purchase these discounted admission tickets online by 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 12, 2020. Discounted admission tickets will not be available for purchase on race day – your guests will need to purchase general admission tickets at full price on race day.
Mount Vernon members may enter the estate free of charge upon showing their membership card at entrance.
Does the Patriot Run offer discounts for public safety personnel; including our dedicated military members?
Yes, all active public safety personnel including police, fire, EMTs, and members of the military (including veterans) receive a $5 discount off the entry fee as our token of appreciation. Please contact Mount Vernon’s Office of Events & Protocol at events@mountvernon.org for questions.
Can I make changes to my registration?
Yes, to make changes to your registration, please log into your Run Signup account, select 2020 George Washington Patriot Run under Upcoming Events and then click Manage Registration. This includes changing between events and registration transfers. Refunds are not allowed for this race.
All changes must be completed prior to August 31. Some fees may apply.
How to Transfer Events | How to Transfer to Another Runner
I picked up my bib number at packet pickup and I do not see my chip in my packet. What do I do?
No chips here. Instead, we use the timing tag affixed to the back of the bib number. Please do not remove this tag. Your times will not be recorded if you do not wear your bib number. Please do not swap bibs with anybody else. It will disrupt our results and will delay medical intervention if your bib and your emergency contact information do not match up.
Can I wear headphones during the race?
The use of personal music devices is strongly discouraged at this race. Please run responsibly and be courteous to your fellow runners and to race officials.
Are strollers allowed on the racecourse?
We understand that running with your children can be a fun (and challenging) experience. Strollers are welcome in this race, but we kindly ask that you start at the end of the pack so that runners are not blocked by any strollers. Please note that the path leading up to the finish line is gravel so we recommend strollers with wide/trail appropriate tires.
What if I need medical attention during the race?
Please take good care to run within your abilities. However, if you need medical attention along the course, it will be available. Please ask for help from an EMT, police officer, course marshal or at the water stops. Medics will be patrolling the course and will be ably handling finish line duty at the official medical tent.
Is there drinking water on the course?
Yes, there will be water stops for both 5K and three for 10-Miler runners. But, it would be a great idea to hydrate really well before arriving at the start line.
Will I get a finisher’s medal?
Yes, all 5K, 10 Miler and kids participating in the Kid Fun Run and activities receive a commemorative George Washington finisher’s medal after they cross the finish line. Wear it proudly; you earned it!
What if I ordered a t-shirt and unbelievably I lost two shirt sizes during training?
The t-shirt size you ordered is the t-shirt size we will give you at packet pick up. However, we will give you the opportunity to exchange – for smaller and larger sizes – at the Volunteer/Information tent in the finish festival area based on availability of sizes on the morning of the race.
Where are the best viewing spots for the race?
Join us near the finish line in the historic area of Mount Vernon. Discounted admission tickets are available in advance here. Alternatively, full price general admission tickets are available at the Ford Orientation Center on race day.
