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A Note to Spectators: |
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Because of the many road closures necessitated by the nature of the Marathon in the Parks course, many points on the course will be hard to reach during the race, especially by car. Here are the best places from which to watch the race:
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Starting line: |
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There is plenty of parking at the Shady Grove Metro station (on both sides--the pedestrian tunnel will be open at 6 a.m.). Come and watch your favorite runners begin their 26.2 mile journeys from Redland Road near the station. After the start, take MD route 355 (Rockville Pike) to Bethesda. Or wait until Metro opens at 8 a.m. and take the train to Bethesda.
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Shady Grove Road: |
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The first few miles of the marathon are run on major roads in the north of Rockville and Derwood. To support the runners in these early miles, take Shady Grove Road east from Frederick Road (Route 355). Park in any side street on the north side of Shady Grove Road. The runners are on Shady Grove Road from mile 1.2 to mile 3, so you'll see them at their best here! It will be easy to head down the course from Shady Grove Road since the west-bound lanes will be open all day.
If you're really
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Veirs Mill Road: |
The runners will cross Veirs Mill Road at the half-way point of the marathon, near the intersection of Veirs Mill Road with Aspen Hill Road. This is a great place to gather to suppor the runners, but you'll have to walk to get there.
Since Veirs Mill Road will be closed at 8:00 a.m., you should park at the shopping center just north of Twinbrook Parkway on Veirs Mill Road and walk south to the Aspen Hill Road intersection. The total walk is about 1/2 mile, but once the runners start to cross Veirs Mill, you'll see it was worth it! This is a very dramatic area for the runners since they'll be coming out of the park to cross a major road, then re-enter the park immediately. The burst of energy from the crowd at Veirs Mill Road will lift a lot of flagging spirits as they enter the second half of the marathon.
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Connecticut Avenue: |
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The runners will cross Connecticut Avenue in Chevy Chase just before mile 25. Starbuck's Coffee and Einstein Bros Bagels are located side-by-side just a few yards from the trail crossing. About one mile north on Connecticut Avenue is another trail crossing (through a tunnel under Connecticut Ave) near mile 20, so spectators can walk from one to the other. However, the road will be closed between 9:10 a.m. and 12:10 a.m., so if you intend to drive there, plan to arrive before 9:00 and to stay until after 12:15. (If you are coming from the start, take Route 355 - Wisconsin Avenue - south to Jones Bridge Road, left on Jones Bridge to Connecticut. Do not take Randolph Road or Viers Mill Road, as they will be closed.) Alternatively, you can use the trail itself to walk to/from this point from/to downtown Bethesda, but please yield to the runners and remember that they will already have run 25 miles and will not be looking for obstacles.
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Finish line: |
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The runners will emerge from the Air Rights Center tunnel and turn a hard right on Bethesda Avenue, then Woodmont Avenue at mile 26.15 on their way to the finish line in downtown Bethesda. This is the best spot from which to watch the race, and there are several local businesses from which you can buy coffee, bagels, donuts, etc. We recommend parking at one of the parking garages several blocks away from the finish, as the immediate finish area will be very congested.
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A Final Important Note: |
Finally, wherever you choose to spectate, please give the runners a clear berth. As a courtesy to the runners and for everyone's safety, we ask that you pay close attention to instructions by Course Marshals and Police and, please, yield to the runners at all times.
Above all, have fun out there! If you have fun, the runners will, too!
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