PVTC - The Geometry of Hains Point
by Jay Jacob Wind
East Potomac Park is about 5125 meters around, rather than exactly 5000 meters.
Since both the 5K and 10K finish at the same point (the southern tip of Hains Point),
the 5K (once around) starts 125 meters north of the finish, and
the 10K (twice around) starts 250 meters north of the finish.
When the two races start simultaneously, faster 5K runners catch up to and pass slower 10K runners, and
a 36-minute 10K runner will pass a 37-minute 5K walker before the finish.
Therefore, for safety, we start the 5K race at 8:30 AM, 10 minutes before the 10K race at 8:40 AM.
Schematic map
DIRECTIONS
From I-395 northbound, take the Potomac Park exit into National Park Service's parking area. Turn left at Buckeye Drive and right at Ohio Drive to the southern tip of the park.
From DC, take 15th St south. Bear right onto Maine Avenue and right again onto East Basin Drive. Turn left at Ohio Drive and continue to the southern tip of the park.
You'll find plenty of free parking.
You can pick up your bib number after 7:30 AM on race-day on-site, no ID required. Please bring safety pins if you have them; else we will provide them. When you receive your bib number, please write "5K" or "10K" on the tear-off tag. If you are a race walker, please write "RW" on the tag.
Please DO NOT DETACH the tear-off tag from your bib number, please do not pin through the tear-off tag, as we use it to score you at the end of the race. Please wear your bib number visibly on the front of your shirt.
Please, no headphones, dogs, or wheeled vehicles.
