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More than Just Cherry Blossoms: United Airlines Rock 'n Roll DC Marathon & 1/2

By Madhuri Manohar, 03/07/18, 12:00AM EST

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Reasons to be super pumped for running in the nation's capital.

MAR 07, 2018

United Airlines Rock ‘n’ Roll DC, also known as United Airlines #RnRDC in the social sphere, is just around the corner. In three days, thousands of runners will cross the start line, full of excitement for their 5 kilometers, 13.1 or 26.2 miles. “It’s just like any other race,” you might say. But for me, there are numerous reasons to be super pumped for running on Saturday, March 10. 

You Get a History Lesson

Being the nation’s capital, the course runs along some of the most historic attractions of Washington DC. With a backdrop of the US Capitol and the Smithsonian Museums, the race starts right off the Washington Monument taking you along the White House and Lincoln Memorial. With picturesque sights as you cruise along the Potomac River, you also get to catch a glimpse of the John F Kennedy Center for Performing Arts and the diplomatic residences.

Entering into the Rock Creek Park sets an arduous path yet poignant path ahead as you run the ‘Blue Mile,’ a mile dedicated to fallen members of our military by the organization wear blue: run to remember. Adams Morgan, Lincoln Square, and Prospect Hill Cemetery are some of the other sights you’ll see along the course–hopefully decked out in the cherry blossoms that blanket the city in the spring. (Anticipated to be in full bloom for the race!) They weren’t kidding when they said that the best way to see a new place is by foot.

A lake shot of the washington monument

You Get Perks and You Get Swag

Packing for this race-cation and looking for a good playlist to get you race ready? Check out the United Airlines #RnRDC Playlist on the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series channel on Spotify.  You won’t need headphones once the race starts, since this event, like all Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series races, has you covered with live bands along the Half Marathon course. If you’re like me and prefer not to run with headphones, you are bound to feel energized along the way with all the crowd support and live music. The finisher medals shaped like a guitar pick further illustrate the musical theme that Rock ‘n’ Roll events embody, not to mention the Finish Line Festival and the Toyota Rock ‘n’ Roll Concert Series headliner Vintage Trouble. I’m also super excited that I get to check out their VIP experience for the very first time.

Pendants from the rocknroll washington dc runs

It's About Those Special Moments

What makes it personally special for me is that this weekend is one mega celebration. United Airlines Rock ‘n’ Roll DC Marathon & 1/2 marks my first ever Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series race. It’s my first time representing them as an official Rock ‘N’ Blog ambassador. It also marks my three year run-niversary to this very weekend. Ain’t that enough reasons to celebrate over the course of 13.1 miles? A year ago, I signed up for this race even before I ran my first half-marathon, and on Saturday, I come to RnR DC 2018 for my third half.

My heart brims with so much gratitude for all the love I’ve received from the running community, all the days I didn’t give up when it was the easiest choice, and above all, for shaping the ‘me’ in myself time and again. On Saturday, if all my muscles hurt, I know I will be running with my heart.

Girl posing with the phrase enjoy every moment

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