Army Ten-Miler 2026: Complete Washington DC Race Weekend Guide
Washington, DC is set to welcome runners, military members, families, and spectators for the Army Ten-Miler 2026 on Sunday, October 11, 2026.
Held at the Pentagon area, the Army Ten-Miler is more than just a 10-mile race. It is also a great opportunity to experience Washington DC’s famous monuments, memorials, museums, neighborhoods, and attractions during the fall.
Whether you’re participating in the race, cheering on a runner, or simply visiting Washington DC during race weekend, this guide covers what you need to know—from race-day logistics and transportation to sightseeing and things to do after the race.
And if you’re planning to explore the monuments after the race, Washington DC Guided Tours offers sightseeing tours throughout the area, including daytime E-Cart tours, open-air cruiser tours, and evening moonlight tours.
The Army Ten-Miler brings thousands of runners and spectators to Washington DC each October.
When Is the Army Ten-Miler 2026?
The 2026 Army Ten-Miler is scheduled for Sunday, October 11, 2026, at the Pentagon in the Washington, DC area.
The event is one of Washington’s major annual running events and attracts military and civilian participants from across the country.
For visitors, the timing also makes Army Ten-Miler weekend a great opportunity to explore Washington DC during the fall season.
If you’re traveling specifically for the race, remember that race-day schedules, transportation arrangements, security procedures, and road restrictions can change. Check the official Army Ten-Miler website for the latest information before heading to the event.
The Pentagon serves as the central location for the Army Ten-Miler.
Army Ten-Miler 2026 Race Day Schedule
Race day starts early for the Army Ten-Miler 2026, so runners and spectators should plan their morning carefully.
The current published schedule includes:
- 6:00 AM: Metro opens
- 6:00 AM–12:30 PM: Runner garment check
- 7:15–7:30 AM: Golden Knights jump
- 7:35 AM: Invocation
- 7:40 AM: National Anthem
- 7:50 AM: Wheelchair athletes and Wounded Warrior participants start
- 8:00–8:55 AM: Runner wave starts
- 8:00 AM–12:00 PM: Hooah Tent Zone and Youth Zone activities
- 11:00 AM: Individual awards
- 11:30 AM: Team awards
- 12:00 PM: Youth Run
The schedule is subject to change, so always confirm the latest information with the race organizers before race weekend.
Getting to the Army Ten-Miler
Transportation is one of the most important things to plan before race morning for the Army Ten-Miler 2026.
Because the Army Ten-Miler brings a large number of people into the Pentagon and Arlington area, roads and pedestrian routes can be affected by the event.
Metro
Metro is scheduled to open at 6:00 AM on race day.
For many visitors, public transportation can be a convenient way to get toward the event area without dealing with race-day parking.
If you’re staying at a Washington DC hotel, check your Metro route the night before and give yourself plenty of extra time.
Driving and Parking
If you’re driving, don’t assume that you can park directly at the Pentagon.
The race organizers provide information about designated parking areas and transportation arrangements, and these can change from year to year for the Army Ten-Miler 2026.
Check the official race information before leaving your hotel.
Rideshare
Visitors using Uber, Lyft, or taxis should also check the official race-day instructions for designated drop-off and pickup areas.
Race-day traffic restrictions may prevent vehicles from accessing areas that are normally easy to reach.
Army Ten-Miler Security and Bag Restrictions
Security is another important consideration for anyone attending the event.
The Army Ten-Miler currently advises that backpacks and gym bags are not permitted at the event. Runners should review the official garment-check and prohibited-items information before race day.
If you’re attending as a spectator for the Army Ten-Miler 2026, check the latest security requirements before leaving your hotel.
A little preparation can save you time and prevent problems when you arrive.
What to Do After the Army Ten-Miler
Once the race is over, you still have an entire day to experience Washington DC.
For runners, however, there’s one obvious challenge: you may not want to walk several more miles after completing a 10-mile race.
Fortunately, many of Washington DC’s most famous landmarks can be experienced by sightseeing vehicle on the day of the Army Ten-Miler 2026.
This is where a guided tour can be a convenient addition to your Army Ten-Miler weekend itinerary.
[IMAGE 4 — WASHINGTON DC MONUMENTS]
Washington DC’s National Mall is home to many of the city’s most famous monuments and memorials.
Explore Washington DC Without Walking All Day
Washington DC is a very walkable city, but the distances between major attractions can be greater than visitors expect.
After running 10 miles for the Army Ten-Miler 2026, walking another several miles between the Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Washington Monument, White House, and other landmarks may not be ideal.
A guided sightseeing tour lets you see multiple landmarks while traveling comfortably between stops during the Army Ten-Miler 2026.
Washington DC Guided Tours offers guided sightseeing tours around the National Mall and other major attractions throughout the city.
Our E-Cart tours are a popular option for visitors who want to see Washington DC’s monuments without spending the entire day walking.
Explore Washington DC’s famous monuments comfortably with a guided E-Cart tour.
Washington DC Monuments to Visit After the Race
If you’re visiting Washington DC for Army Ten-Miler 2026 weekend, there are several landmarks worth adding to your itinerary.
Lincoln Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Washington DC.
The memorial sits at the western end of the National Mall and offers views across the Reflecting Pool toward the Washington Monument during the Army Ten-Miler 2026.
It is also one of the city’s most popular photography locations.
For visitors who have just completed the Army Ten-Miler, seeing the memorial by tour vehicle can be much easier than walking there from another part of the National Mall.
The Lincoln Memorial is one of the most iconic stops on a Washington DC sightseeing itinerary.
Washington Monument
The Washington Monument dominates the skyline of the National Mall and is one of the most recognizable symbols of the nation’s capital.
Visitors can see the monument from numerous locations throughout Washington DC.
If you want to go inside the monument, plan ahead after the Army Ten-Miler 2026. Tickets for the Washington Monument are limited and timed entry is required.
The Washington Monument rises above the National Mall in the heart of Washington DC.
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
Located along the Tidal Basin, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial is another important stop for visitors exploring Washington DC.
The memorial can easily be combined with several other nearby landmarks, including the Jefferson Memorial.
For visitors for the Army Ten-Miler 2026 who want to see multiple monuments in one trip, having transportation between stops can save significant time.
Thomas Jefferson Memorial
The Thomas Jefferson Memorial sits along the Tidal Basin and is surrounded by some of Washington DC’s most scenic views.
The memorial is particularly popular during spring’s cherry blossom season, but the Tidal Basin remains a beautiful place to visit throughout the year.
The Tidal Basin connects several important Washington DC landmarks.
The White House
The White House is another must-see attraction for many visitors coming to Washington DC during the Army Ten-Miler 2026.
While viewing the building from the outside is relatively straightforward, interior visits require separate arrangements and security procedures.
Even if you don’t have a scheduled interior visit, adding the White House to your sightseeing itinerary gives you the opportunity to see one of the world’s most recognizable government buildings.
See More of Washington DC With a Guided Tour
If your main goal is to see as many major landmarks as possible during your visit, a guided tour can simplify your itinerary.
Instead of figuring out transportation between every monument, you can follow a planned sightseeing route with a local guide.
Our Washington DC E-Cart tours visit several of the city’s major landmarks, with opportunities to get out, explore, and take photos along the way.
This can be particularly useful for Army Ten-Miler visitors who want to explore the city without adding another long walking route to their race weekend.
Traveling to Washington DC With a Group?
Army Ten-Miler weekend can also be a great opportunity to travel with friends, family, teammates, or fellow runners.
If your group is larger, keeping everyone together while sightseeing can make the experience much easier.
Our Open-Air Cruiser tours provide another sightseeing option for groups who want to experience Washington DC together.
Things to Do in Washington DC During Army Ten-Miler Weekend
The Army Ten-Miler doesn’t have to be the only activity on your trip.
Depending on your schedule, you can spend additional time exploring Washington DC’s museums, neighborhoods, restaurants, and waterfront areas after the Army Ten-Miler 2026.
Visit the Smithsonian Museums
Washington DC is home to numerous Smithsonian museums covering subjects including American history, natural history, aviation, space, art, and culture.
If you’re staying for several days after the Army Ten-Miler 2026, consider setting aside at least one day to explore some of the museums.
Explore Georgetown
Georgetown offers a different experience from the monumental core of Washington DC.
Historic streets, shops, restaurants, cafés, and the waterfront make it a popular area for visitors looking for somewhere to spend an afternoon or evening.
Visit The Wharf
The Wharf is another popular destination for visitors looking for restaurants, waterfront views, entertainment, and places to relax.
It can be a good option if you’re looking for somewhere to unwind after race-day activities.
Experience Washington DC After Dark
Don’t assume that sightseeing has to end when the sun goes down.
Washington DC’s monuments are illuminated at night, creating a completely different atmosphere from daytime sightseeing.
The Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and other landmarks can look particularly impressive after sunset.
For visitors staying in Washington DC for Army Ten-Miler weekend, an evening tour can be a great way to finish the day.
Take a Washington DC Moonlight Tour
If you’re looking for something to do after the Army Ten-Miler, Washington DC Guided Tours also offers a Moonlight E-Cart Tour.
The evening tour allows visitors to see illuminated monuments while traveling between major sightseeing locations by electric cart.
Instead of walking around the National Mall after dark, you can sit back, enjoy the city, and hear stories about the landmarks from your guide.
Army Ten-Miler 2026 Tips for Visitors
1. Plan your transportation early
Race-day traffic and road restrictions can affect travel around the Pentagon and Washington DC.
Give yourself extra time, particularly if you need to reach the race early in the morning.
2. Check the official race information
Schedules, security procedures, transportation information, and other details can change.
Always check the official Army Ten-Miler website before race day.
3. Don’t underestimate walking distances
Washington DC’s landmarks may look close together on a map, but visiting several of them can involve a lot of walking.
This is particularly important if you’re running the Army Ten-Miler.
4. Plan your sightseeing around the race
If you’re racing in the morning, don’t try to pack too many activities into the first few hours after finishing the Army Ten-Miler 2026.
Give yourself time to recover, eat, and relax before heading out to explore.
5. Consider a guided tour
A guided tour can help you see multiple landmarks without having to plan every transportation connection yourself.
Why Explore Washington DC With Take Guided Tours?
Army Ten-Miler weekend brings visitors to Washington DC for a specific event, but your trip doesn’t have to end when the race does.
At Take Guided Tours, we offer sightseeing experiences around Washington DC designed to help visitors experience the city’s famous monuments and landmarks.
Depending on your itinerary and group size, you can choose from options such as:
- Daytime E-Cart sightseeing tours
- Open-Air Cruiser tours
- Moonlight E-Cart tours
- Guided monument sightseeing experiences
Our tours allow visitors to spend less time figuring out transportation and more time enjoying Washington DC.
For runners especially, a sightseeing tour can be a practical way to explore the city without adding a long walking itinerary after completing a 10-mile race.
Explore all our Washington DC tours
Planning Your Army Ten-Miler 2026 Weekend
The Army Ten-Miler gives visitors another reason to experience Washington DC in October.
Whether you’re participating in the race, supporting a friend, traveling with your family, or simply visiting during race weekend, take some time to explore beyond the event itself.
See the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, White House, and other famous landmarks.
Visit a Smithsonian museum, explore Georgetown, enjoy The Wharf, or experience Washington DC’s monuments after dark.
And if you don’t want to spend your entire trip walking from one attraction to another, consider joining a guided sightseeing tour.
Take Guided Tours offers daytime and evening tours throughout Washington DC, making it easy to add sightseeing to your Army Ten-Miler itinerary.
Book a Washington DC Guided Tour
Frequently Asked Questions About Army Ten-Miler 2026
When is the Army Ten-Miler 2026?
The Army Ten-Miler 2026 is scheduled for Sunday, October 11, 2026, at the Pentagon in the Washington, DC area.
What time does the Army Ten-Miler start?
The current schedule lists runner wave starts between 8:00 AM and 8:55 AM, following earlier race-day activities.
Check the official Army Ten-Miler website for schedule updates.
What time does Metro open for the Army Ten-Miler?
Metro is scheduled to open at 6:00 AM on October 11, 2026.
Where is the Army Ten-Miler held?
The Army Ten-Miler is held at the Pentagon in the Washington, DC area, with the race course traveling through Washington and Arlington.
Can I explore Washington DC after the Army Ten-Miler?
Yes. After the race, visitors can explore Washington DC’s monuments, memorials, museums, neighborhoods, and waterfront areas.
Take Guided Tours also offers sightseeing tours throughout Washington DC, including E-Cart and evening tour options.
Washington DC sightseeing tours
Is there a Washington DC night tour after the Army Ten-Miler?
Yes. Take Guided Tours offers a Moonlight E-Cart Tour featuring Washington DC’s illuminated monuments.
What monuments should I visit in Washington DC?
Popular landmarks include the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, Thomas Jefferson Memorial, White House, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, and other National Mall attractions.
A guided tour can make it easier to visit several landmarks during a short trip.
Final Thoughts
The Army Ten-Miler 2026 is a great reason to visit Washington DC, but the race can be just one part of your trip.
Plan your race-day transportation carefully, check the latest event information, and leave time to experience the monuments, memorials, museums, neighborhoods, and attractions that make Washington DC such a popular destination.
If you’re a runner, remember that sightseeing doesn’t have to mean walking several more miles after the race.
Take Guided Tours offers guided Washington DC sightseeing tours by E-Cart, Open-Air Cruiser, and evening tour options, allowing you to experience more of the city while traveling comfortably between major landmarks.
Make the most of your Army Ten-Miler 2026 weekend and experience more of Washington DC while you’re here.
Official Army Ten-Miler Information
For the latest information regarding registration, race-day schedules, transportation, security requirements, course information, and event updates, visit the official Army Ten-Miler website.
Official Army Ten-Miler Website
Race schedules, transportation information, security procedures, and event details may change. Always check the official event website for the latest information before race day.
