Alexandria’s hometown destination race returns this Spring when the 39th PNC Parkway Classic hits the pavement on Sunday, April 23, 2023. As one of the most popular spring events in the DC metro area, the race, organized by local running retailer Pacers Running attracts thousands of runners and spectators who want to experience the George Washington Memorial Parkway from a unique perspective. The race features both a 5K, and a 10-mile race offering starting at 8:00 am as well as a 600-meter Kids Dash race for the little runners kicking off at 10:30am. Post-race, participants over 21+ can receive a complimentary beverage and join local brewery and sponsor, Port City Brewery at an after party at Oronoco Bay Park to celebrate the finish line.
The race takes place during the presidentially proclaimed National Park Week every April which celebrates America’s treasures. National Park Week is a time to explore amazing places, discover stories of history and culture, help out, and find your park.
Since 1984, the George Washington Parkway Classic has been one of the most scenic and spacious distance races on the East Coast. The Classic 5k Course will start and finish at Oronoco Bay Park. The 10-mile race will start at Mt. Vernon Estate with the course taking runners up the beautiful George Washington Memorial Parkway and ending at Oronoco Bay Park. It is the only race that starts at the historic Mt. Vernon Estate and takes 10 miler runners up a road that is ranked as one of the top scenic roads in the country that resides on National Park Service property. Every runner for the 5K and 10 Miler will receive a medal and a Commemorative technical fabric running shirt.
Registration for each race is required ($45 for 5K and $85 for the 10-Mi). For $50, a virtual option is provided. In addition to the race event, kids can join the fun in a kid-friendly race for $20 kicking off at Waterfront Park in Old Town (at King & Union Street) that is designed for children under 12 years old. Special family friendly activities and entertainment will be included in the kids’ package, along with each Dash participant receiving a special race bib and medal. Post-race, participants over 21+ can receive a complimentary beverage and join local brewery and sponsor, Port City Brewery at an after party in the Brewing Beer Garden to celebrate the finish line.
As the PNC Parkway Classic continues to celebrate the joy of road racing, the race also gives back to the local community. Since the race’s inception, the money raised from the event has helped local and regional charities and organizations, such as the Boys + Girls Clubs of Alexandria, the National Park Service, Rebuilding Together DC-Alexandria, and Together We Bake in continuing each charities mission.
For more information, visit the following website details about registration, race route, and event day activities: www.parkwayclassic.com.
EVENT DETAILS
What: 39th Annual PNC Parkway Classic
Presented by: PNC Bank N.A.
Produced by: Pacers Running (runpacers.com)
When: Sunday, April 23, 2023
Where: Mount Vernon Estate through Old Town Alexandria
Time: 8AM Race Start, 10:30 AM – Kid Dash
Cost: $20-Kid’s Dash, $45-5K, & $85-10Miler
Website/Event Registration: www.parkwayclassic.com
