Dupont’s Best Short Running Route

Dupont Circle is a challenging place to get in a satisfying short run.  By “short run” I mean 3-5 miles, the type of run that could easily be squeezed in before or after work.  Go north from the Circle, and it’s uphill the whole way.  Go south or east, especially during the week, and it’s stop and start due to traffic.  The Mall and the C&O Canal are great places to run, but they’re better for longer distances since it eats up mileage just getting there (and coming back).  

The solution?  The route through Georgetown charted above.  It starts at Dupont Circle, goes across the Q St. bridge and through Georgetown along R St., around and back to the Circle.  As pictured it’s 3.8 miles, but it’s easy to tack on a little extra.  The run is beautiful!  Much of it is shaded, and the route goes right by Montrose Park and Dumbarton Oaks.  The far west end of the route runs along an old Georgetown University practice track, so if you’re feeling especially ambitious you can sprint a few laps.  (No idea of whether this is actually allowed.  I’ve done it and no one’s said anything, so . . . .)  Also on the route are beautiful old houses, including that of former WaPo publisher Katherine Graham.  There are a few hills, interspersed with some nice rest.  You can see other information about this run (including elevation) and map other routes at Map My Run.