Capital for a Day 2026
RACE OVERVIEW:
The Capital for a Day 5K commemorates the day in 1814 when Brookeville, Maryland was the capital of the United States. When the British invaded Washington, DC, during the War of 1812, President Madison fled the White House. He arrived in Brookeville on August 14, 1814, and spent one night there before returning to the White House the following day. Brookeville has never forgotten that it was “Capital for a Day.”
The race starts at Rosa Parks Middle School in Olney (just south of Brookeville) and runs on neighborhood streets. The roads will not be closed, so everyone is encouraged to remain aware of traffic. Capital for a Day is part of the Championship Series.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
8:00AM – 0.25mi & 0.5mi Youth Run (YS)
8:05AM – 5K Race (CS)
COURSE MAP:
A map of the 5K course is available here.
REGISTRATION:
MCRRC Members –
This race is part of our low-key race series and is FREE for MCRRC members. Race registration is not required for members; however, members must first signup for a 2026 bib & chip. Your bib & chip will be waiting for you at any 2026 low-key race. If you have a 2025 (or older) chip, please bring it with you to exchange for your 2026 bib & chip. If you are a new member, or no longer have an older chip, please remember to bring a $5 chip deposit with you. If you already signed up for a personalized 2026 bib, please do not sign up again – your personalized 2026 low-key bib & chip will be waiting for you at any 2026 low-key race.
Non-MCRRC Members –
Registration is open to non-MCRRC members at a cost of $22 (participants ages 18 & over) and $11.60 (participants under 18). This price includes the registration + processing fee. You may pay less in processing fees per participant if you add more registrations to your cart. Online registration will remain open through the start of the race, so you can register online before leaving the house or from your smartphone at the race site. Registering online before arriving to the race site is strongly encouraged. Non-members can register here. Bib and chip pickup will take place on race morning near the start area. Volunteers will be available to assist you.
YOUTH RUNS:
There will be no timing chips used for the youth series runs. Youth runs will begin at 8:00 AM and participants can run a 1/4 mile or 1/2 mile. The runs are FREE, but all participants must be registered by a parent or guardian prior to race day (members and non-members). Youth Run registration can be found here. Parents or Guardians do not need to register for the young runs to accompany your child. You are welcome to jump right in with them, if needed!
VOLUNTEER!
MCRRC is a volunteer organization and our events are fully staffed by the hard work of our volunteers. Without them, our races wouldn’t be possible. Volunteers are needed for this event. Please sign up here to volunteer!
REFUNDS:
If you are a non-MCRRC member, and can no longer attend the race, please contact office@mcrrc.org so that we can move your registration to another MCRRC low-key event. Monetary refunds will not be provided.