2018 GW Parkway Classic: Race Details, Street Closures

Ever wondered how long George Washington's trip from Mount Vernon to Old Town Alexandria really was without the modern car? Every year, the George Washington Parkway Classic gives you a chance to find out. The 34th annual race will take place Sunday, April 22 at 8 a.m.

Presented by Jillian Keck Hogan Group - McEnearney Associates and Pacers Running, the race draws over 8,000 participants and spectators from around the region and country. The event features a 10 miler, 5K and Sugar Shack kids' dash.

The 10 mile race starts from the steps of George Washington's Mount Vernon home and winds up the parkway to Old Town. The 5K race starts at Belle Haven Park. In Old Town, runners will come up Washington Street, turn on Franklin Street and finish on Union Street near Oronoco Street.

This year, the Washington Nationals Racing President George Washington will be at the finish line to cheer on runners. At the finish line, runners are rewarded with a cold one from Port City Brewing Company and taco from District Taco.

When the race is finished, all can partake in the "Finish Festival" with live music, Port City Brewing Company's pop-up beer garden, a kids zone, a post race stretch zone provided by ProReha and more. Top finishers will receive awards at Oronoco Bay Park about an hour and fifteen minutes after the first runner finishes. See a full list of activities below.

Dash will provide pre-race free shuttles for runners only at the following locations:

• Alexandria / Fairfax Street
• Alexandria / Eisenhower Avenue
• Arlington / Pentagon City (10 Mile runners only) – LIMITED SPACE; MUST RSVP
• DC-G Street, NW Pick Up (10 mile runners only)- LIMITED SPACE; MUST RSVP

The Parkway Classic was founded in 1985 by Congressman Jim Moran and race director Nancy LaValle. Over the years, the race has raised nearly $1 million for Alexandria non-profits.

Register for the race and get more details here.

Race Day Events

Finish Festival - Keep the fun going after the race at Oronoco Bay Park. Kids can enjoy a moonbounce or take photos with George Washington at a photo booth. For the adults, Port City Brewing Company will host a pop-up beer. There will also be a post-race stretch zone for runners.

Hotel Indigo - The Hotel Indigo Old Town Alexandria will serve as a spectator lounge and poster making station on the morning of the GW Parkway Classic, offering rose and prosecco Chambong "morning happy hour" specials, mini “Sunrise on the go” biscuit sandwiches with bacon egg and cheddar, as well as some other light brunch bites. The hotel will play music and offer spectators poster making supplies to cheer their loved ones on as well as comfortable furniture on which to cheer runners at the Union Street entrance.

AR Workshop Alexandria - Runners are encouraged to stop by AR Workshop’s booth at the Finish Festival to make a complimentary mini wood sign/race memento. While supplies last.

Old Town Boutique District-The Old Town Boutique District will provide a Fashion Pass to all race participants. The fashion pass entitles runners to 15 percent off one item in any OTBD member store and can be used from April 6-May 6, 2018.

Alexandria Restaurant Partners - Join ARP to refuel post-race with carbs, protein, and a beer! Runners get their first draft beer for a rock bottom special. Offer good on Sunday, April 22 only and at the following participating restaurants Lena's Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap, The Majestic, Mia's Italian Kitchen, Palette 22, Virtue Feed & Grain, and Vola's Dockside Grill. Not valid with any other discount or promotion.

Union Street Public House - After the Finish Festival wraps, runners and their families can enjoy ‘Lager's for Jogger's’ Post Race "Recovery" Specials. For the second year, Union Street Public House celebrates the runner & the spirit of George Washington with their Lager's For Jogger's Post Race Party. Following the race, bring your race medal and your thirst to Union Street and enjoy food and lager specials such as Founder’s Brewing Solid Gold, Devil’s Backbone Vienna Lager, to Union Craft Brewing Blackwing.

Visit Alexandria travel packages - Parkway Classic runners and guests get a deal on a hotel package, starting at $109/night. More than a dozen hotels and 20 restaurants are participating. The package includes: hotel stay, two “Key to the City” museum passes ($98 added value) and a $15 dining gift certificate.

Street Closures

Alexandria Police say the following road closures will be in place Sunday, April 22:

• Pendleton Street between Fairfax and Union will be closed from noon Saturday until noon Sunday.
• The GW Parkway between Mount Vernon Estate and the Alexandria City line will be closed to all traffic from 6 a.m.-11 a.m.
• The Church Street ramp, exit 177C from I-495 will be closed from 6 a.m.-11 a.m.
• Local traffic only will be allowed on S. Washington Street between Gibbon and S. Alfred Streets from 6 a.m.-11 a.m. Both southbound and northbound traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction and will be diverted into the normal southbound lanes.
• Franklin Street from Washington to Union Street will be closed from 7 -11 a.m (local crossover traffic allowed).
• Union Street will be closed from 7 a.m.-11 a.m.
• Shuttle buses for runners will be loading on Eisenhower Avenue near the Metro station.
• The 700-1000 block N. Fairfax Street will be restricted to shuttle buses only from 4:30 a.m.-7:30 a.m. on Sunday.

Image via Brian W. Knight/Swim Bike Run Photo