Kensington 8K
About the Event
Fun and Fast for 33 Years
Since 1994, the Kensington 8K Race has been a favorite DC area fall race - a fun, fast event with beauty, challenge, and excitement. Run it this year on September 19, 2026!
Our Community Event
Known throughout the DC area as a true community race - parents and kids cheering on each other and welcomed visitors running through Kensington and Rock Creek Park.
Benefits Local Schools
Eight local schools - Kensington Parkwood ES, North Bethesda MS, Silver Creek MS, and Walter Johnson HS, plus now North Chevy Chase ES, Oakland Terrace ES, Rock View ES, and Rosemary Hills ES - benefit from race net proceeds, with more than $350,000 raised since 2009!
Join fellow runners on September 19, 2026 for the Kensington 8K. It's a fantastic 8K, 3.2K, 1K featuring a flat and fast course in Kensington.
Races Offered
Running
8K Race
Start at historic Town Hall and run through Old Town Kensington, past Warner Mansion, along Antique Row, beside 120+ year-old and by Noyes Library, the oldest library in MoCo. Head down Kensington Pkwy then out-and-back along Beach Drive before returning up Kensington Pkwy for a fast finish through Old Town. Must maintain 15 min/mile pace. 8K = 4.97 miles.
2M Challenge
Great for both runners and walkers alike, the route starts at historic Town Hall, past Warner Mansion and beside 120+ year old homes and by Noyes Library, the oldest library in MoCo. Then down onto Kensington Pkwy for a long straight-away, before a u-turn at Saul Rd., heading back around the Circle to a fast finish through Old Town. Must maintain 20 min/mile pace.
1K Fun Run
A family favorite for all ages. The runnable and walkable route starts at historic Town Hall and into Warner Circle, running around Noyes Library, then returning through Old Town for a fast finish back at Town Hall. Run, walk, carry, pull, cajole - however you finish, it's definitely fun for all. Must complete in 15 minutes. 1K = 0.62 miles.
About Kensington
Kensington 8K takes place in Kensington, Maryland, United States. The local timezone is America/New_York.
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Race information has been sourced from the event's official website and other publicly available resources. For the most up-to-date details, please refer to the official website directly. If you notice any incorrect or missing information, don't hesitate to reach out to us by email.
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