Saturday, March 6, 2027 · Jones Point Park, Alexandria, VA
Race in the morning. Parade in the afternoon.
On the first Saturday in March, Old Town Alexandria throws its St. Patrick's Day Parade. The Half Donkey gets you there the best way possible: a few hours earlier, on foot, with a medal around your neck.
Every distance starts at Jones Point Park, beneath the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, and runs the Mount Vernon Trail along the Potomac. No road closures, no traffic, just trail and water. Finish, grab your people, and walk into Old Town for the parade.
THE DISTANCES
Everyone starts and finishes at Jones Point Park. The starts are staggered so every distance is done well before the parade.
Half Marathon, 8:00 AM. South along the Potomac on the Mount Vernon Trail, turning near Fort Hunt Park and coming home with the river on your left and the city ahead.
10K, 8:30 AM. Long enough to earn the day, short enough to be showered and standing on the parade route with a coffee.
5K, 9:00 AM. The family distance. Walk it, jog it, push a stroller. Then everyone goes to the parade together.
THE COURSE
Out and back on the paved Mount Vernon Trail, heading south from Jones Point Park along the Potomac. It's flat, fast and scenic, with the river beside you most of the way.
The trail stays open to other runners and cyclists during the race, so keep right and pass on the left.
Every runner is tracked live on Geo.Racing, so your family can follow you from Old Town and know exactly when to walk down to the finish.
RACE, THEN PARADE
8:00 AM — Half marathon starts at Jones Point
9:00 AM — 5K starts, last wave
About 11:00 AM — Finish, medal, head to Old Town
12:00 PM — St. Patrick's Day Parade
The parade runs through Old Town, about a mile's walk north of the finish. Get there a little early for a good spot.
WHAT YOU GET
A race shirt
A finisher medal
Live GPS tracking on Geo.Racing
Chip timing and results
Aid stations on the trail
Awards for the top three men and women in each distance
A front-row reason to be in Old Town at noon
Register early if you care about your shirt size. We can't guarantee sizes for late registrations.
WAYS TO SAVE
Bring a volunteer, get half back. Recruit a friend to work the race and we'll refund half your registration afterward. They do have to show up.
Bring five friends, run free. If five people register through your personal referral link, we refund your entry. Your link is in your RunSignUp account.
REGISTRATION
Prices go up as race day gets closer, and registering early locks in your shirt size.
RACE DAY
Start and finish: Jones Point Park, 1 Jones Point Dr, Alexandria, VA 22314
Schedule: Packet pickup opens 7:00 AM · Half marathon 8:00 AM · 10K 8:30 AM · 5K 9:00 AM · Parade in Old Town 12:00 PM
Getting there: Parking at Jones Point Park is limited and Old Town fills up early on parade day, so carpool or come by bike. The King Street–Old Town Metro station is about two miles away.
Restrooms: Available in the park, under the bridge.
Weather: Early March mornings on the river are often in the 30s or 40s. Dress in layers you can shed, and bring something warm for standing at the parade.
FAQ
Will I finish in time for the parade? Yes. The parade starts at noon and the last wave starts at 9:00 AM. Even half marathon walkers have time to finish and make the short walk into Old Town.
Are roads closed? No. The whole race is on the Mount Vernon Trail, so there are no road closures.
Is the trail closed to others? No. It stays open to other runners and cyclists. Keep right, pass on the left, and keep one ear free of headphones.
Can I walk it? Absolutely, especially the 5K. Half marathon walkers should plan to finish by 3:00 PM.
Can spectators come? Please bring them. Jones Point Park is a good place to watch the start and finish, and they can follow you live on Geo.Racing.
Where do I watch the parade? In Old Town, about a mile's walk north of the finish.
The Half Donkey Half is produced by Old Dominion Racing. It is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by the Alexandria St. Patrick's Day Parade, its organizers, or the City of Alexandria. Parade information is provided for your convenience and is subject to change; check with the parade organizers for the schedule and route.