2026 Hua Sports 5K, Half Marathon and Marathon 2026

Description

REGISTRATION LINK

Join us for a 5K, half marathon, or marathon along the scenic C&O Canal Towpath, starting and finishing in Point of Rocks, MD. This out-and-back course follows the Potomac River on a wide, semi-paved gravel path—flat, shaded by trees, and perfect for setting a personal record. It is a USATF-sanctioned event on USATF-certified courses and can be used for qualifying for the Boston Marathon.

Organized by the Chinese running community in the greater Washington, D.C. area, this is one of the most friendly and best-supported races around. Enjoy delicious food and drinks after the run, along with T-shirts and medals for all finishers. Cash prizes will be awarded to top finishers—and lucky runners too!

USATF Course Certification: MD25003NP(5k); MD24002NP (half-marathon); MD25002NP (marathon).

The Course

The course follows the C&O Canal Trail to the east—a flat, shaded gravel path—before returning to the start. The start and finish lines are the same for the 5K, half-marathon, and marathon. There are no significant hills on any of the race courses. While the C&O Canal Trail is closed to motorized vehicles, it remains open to walkers, cyclists, and other runners; please remain alert and courteous to all trail users.

Packet Pickup

You can pick up your packet on race day, Sunday October 4, 2026, from 6:00 AM to 6:45 AM. If you are local and in the Hua Sports running club, we ask that you make an effort to pick up your packet before the race day up to 2 weeks ago. We ask that you provide a photo ID at packet pick up. You may pick up packets for other runners if you provide a photo of their ID and a note (which can be an e-mail or text) authorizing you to pick up the packet for the other person(s).

Age Limit

Runners must be at least 8 years of age on race day for the 5k, at least 13 years of age on race day for the half-marathon and at least 16 years of age on race day for the marathon.

Race Conditions

The average high temperature for Point of Rocks, Maryland for the early of October is 70 degrees, and the average low temperature is 47 degrees. Of course, weather is unpredictable, and snow and rain or other conditions are possible. If the conditions are icy or snowy resulting in unsafe conditions the race will be canceled and will be notified by email in advance.

Time Limit and Timing

Time limit: The marathon and the half-marathon will start promptly at 7:00 AM & 7:15 AM. The marathon course will remain open for 5 hours 30 minutes (approximately a 12:36 pace). Course support will be withdrawn at 12:30 PM. If you don't think you can complete the marathon course within the specified time limit, please consider switching to the half-marathon. There is no time limit for the half-marathon and 5k.

Race timing will be provided by Blue Cheetah, and the results will be available on Run Sign Up website on the race day.

Questions concerning results can be e-mailed to: info@huasports.org

Medical Aid

First Aid personnel will be stationed at the finish line and all water stations; additionally, mobile medical teams will be roving the course to respond to any emergencies.

Aid Stations and Porta Pots

There will be two aid stations on the half-marathon course each of which the runners will pass twice. One is located at Nolands Ferry. (approximately mile 3.6 heading east and mile 9.5 heading west). The other is located at Monocacy Aqueduct (approximately mile 6 heading east and mile 7.1 headed west).

Marathon runners will also have access to the two above-mentioned aid stations, and three aid stations that are only on the marathon portion of the course, all of which runners will pass twice. There will be aid stations: (1) Dickerson Conservation Park (approximately mile 8.5 heading east and mile 17.7 heading west); (2) close to Marble Quarry Campsite. (approximately mile 10.5 heading east and mile 15.7 heading west); (3) White Ferry. (approximately mile 12.6 heading east and mile 13.6 heading west).