The George Washington Memorial Parkway will see portions of its route shut down early Sunday, September 13, 2026, to accommodate the George Washington Patriot Run. Traffic is expected to be halted from 6:00 a.m. until 9:30 a.m., affecting motorists traveling along the parkway in Washington, D.C., during those morning hours.
The closures will affect several stretches of the parkway, though exact mile markers have not been specified. The temporary shutdown is limited to the timeframe of the run, with the road slated to reopen to regular traffic once the event concludes at 9:30 a.m. Officials have indicated that the restriction is confined to the duration needed for the race to proceed safely.
The George Washington Patriot Run is a community-oriented footrace that utilizes the scenic route of the memorial parkway. Organizers require the roadway to be clear of vehicles to ensure participant safety and to maintain the event’s schedule. The run is part of a broader series of local activities that promote health, fitness, and community engagement in the capital region.
Drivers are advised to plan alternate routes for the early morning period to avoid delays. Local traffic reports suggest using adjacent arterial streets or the nearby interstate system as detours. Commuters who typically rely on the parkway for their morning travel should allow extra time for potential congestion on surrounding roads.
The temporary closure underscores the city’s coordination between event organizers and transportation authorities to balance public safety with community events. Residents and participants are encouraged to follow posted signage and any updates from the District’s Department of Transportation throughout the morning. The parkway is expected to resume normal operations shortly after the run finishes at 9:30 a.m., restoring full traffic flow for the remainder of the day.