Riley’s Rumble Half Marathon 2026
ARE YOU READY TO RUMBLE?
Come run the infamous Riley’s Rumble Half Marathon for a challenging and rewarding race experience.
Do you love running hills? Do you love running in summer heat? Does the DC area humidity inspire you to get out and sweat it out? If you said yes to any of these questions, or even if you didn’t, come out & join us — you won’t regret it! It’s generally understood that Riley’s Rumble is not a good idea for your first half marathon, but that depends on your personal level of crazy!
COURSE MAP
A course map can be viewed 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 $37.40 (participants ages 18 & over) and $22 (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.
RACE DAY BIB PICKUP:
Registration and bib/chip pickup open on race morning at 6:30 AM. Try to arrive no later than 7 AM to help us get everyone through the line. Volunteers will be on hand to assist you.
MINIMUM PACE:
Our permits require that participants not exceed 15 minutes per mile. Please do not attempt Riley’s Rumble if you are not confident of completing the course at that pace.
ON-COURSE SUPPORT:
Water, Gatorade, and ice will be provided every two to three miles along the course and at the start/finish. Popsicles will be provided just after the turnaround between mile 8 and 9. (Popsicle Protocol: Just before the turnaround, yell out your flavor preference and after the turnaround, the volunteers will have it ready for you!)
There will be port-o-johns at the start/finish, but not along the course. Beware of venturing off-road – poison ivy is rampant in the forest. Plus, the sight of you “relieving yourself” could be uncomfortable for both you and other participants!
Energy gels will no longer be provided. Participants must carry their own supplements.
AT THE FINISH:
Watermelon, bananas, and other refreshments will be available at the finish. There are no awards, t-shirts, or finisher medals. You won’t need a finisher medal to remember you have done Riley’s.
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!
A NOTE ON WEATHER:
Typically, Riley’s Rumble weather is hot, humid, and sunny. Adjust your pace and expectations. If it is raining, be prepared to get wet. In the event of dangerous conditions (lightning, excessive heat, blizzard, etc.) the race may be delayed, canceled, or turned in to a fun run (i.e. times and order of finish will not be recorded) at the discretion of the race directors.
REFUNDS:
There are no refunds for this event.