National Veterans Parade 5K

National Veterans Parade 5K is run in Washington, D.C., on November 8, 2026, with the 5K run/walk starting at 8 a.m. The course follows the National Mall, taking you past landmarks including the White House and the Washington Monument. Entry includes a commemorative race shirt and chip timing. Afterward you are invited to stay for the post-race festivities and to watch the official National Veterans Parade make its way along Constitution Avenue.

Running past monuments tends to pull your attention outward, which is a pleasant way to cover 5 kilometers but not the fastest. Decide in advance which day you want: a hard effort with your eyes on the road, or an easy run with your eyes everywhere else. An 8 a.m. start in the city means arriving early enough to handle parking or the Metro without rushing.