Dead Man’s Run 2026

Join us on Saturday, October 10 at 5:00 PM for Congressional Cemetery’s annual fall 5K fundraiser. This death-defying race begins inside the cemetery before continuing onto the Anacostia Trail for a spooky evening run filled with music, costumes, and frightful fun.

Whether you’re racing for a personal best, walking with friends, or simply trying to stay ahead of your grave, Dead Man’s Run is one of the region’s most unique fall 5Ks. Costumes are encouraged, with prizes awarded for best individual costume and best team costume. Form a team, get creative with your team name, and compete for prizes recognizing top overall finishers, age-group winners, and best team time.

This year, all participants who register by September 20 will receive a complimentary race shirt. Registrants after September 20 will receive a shirt while supplies last.

All proceeds from Dead Man’s Run support Historic Congressional Cemetery, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of this National Historic Landmark.

Founded in 1807, Historic Congressional Cemetery is a 35-acre active burial ground in Washington, D.C., with more than 70,000 interments. The cemetery is the final resting place of many notable Americans, including members of Congress, public servants, veterans, artists, activists, and Washingtonians from all walks of life. Today, Congressional Cemetery remains both a sacred historic landscape and a vibrant community space, sustained through public programs, preservation efforts, and the support of those who visit, run, walk, and gather here.

Start Time: The 5K begins at 5:00 pm.

Cost (Includes T-shirt if ordered before September 20th):

Standard: $40

Not only is this a fun race, but it comes with the good feeling you get when supporting a non-profit!

We are unable to offer refunds or race transfers. ​Our races are rain or shine, and there is no rain date for the race.

The Course:
Our 5K course is flat, fast, and USATF certified. Start and finish are within the cemetery, and the course goes out on the adjoining Anacostia Trail for a quick out and back. Water is available at the start/finish line and at a water stop around the halfway point of the 5k course.

Awards:
Prizes will be rewarded for the top finishers, including the team with the best collective time! Water and snacks are provided to all race participants. Additional prizes are awarded for the winners of the costume contest.

Dogs:
We do allow strollers and dogs on this course. However, please keep in mind that all those with dogs and strollers will be asked to start at the back of the group to minimize confusion. Please no retractable leashes!

Children’s Race:
We are also offering a children’s race prior to the start of the 5k. Participation in the children’s run is free for any child who has a parent, guardian, or friend registered for the 5K. Children may still participate, if no runners are registered, for a $5 fee. Registration for the children’s race is in our chapel the day of the race and a parent or guardian must sign a waiver.

Registration:
Registration and packet pickup opens at 9:00 AM on October 9th at the Gatehouse back porch and goes until 5:00 PM. On October 10 (race day) it opens 3:00 PM in the Chapel.

Awards:

Prizes will be rewarded for the top individual performers overall and for age groups. A prize will also be awarded to the team with the best collective time! Water and snacks are provided to all race participants. Additional prizes are awarded for the winners of the costume contest (individual and team!).

Registration:

Pre-Race bib and shirt pickup is available near the HCC back porch on Friday, October 09 from 9:00 AM-5:00 PM. Race day bib pickup begins at 3:00PM in the Chapel.

All proceeds from Congressional Cemetery events, including Dead Man’s Run, help support our 501(c)(3) organization and fund the preservation of this National Historic Landmark

We are unable to offer refunds or race transfers. ​Our races are rain or shine, and there is no rain date for the race.