Kensington 8K
About this race
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 18, 2021 for the Kensington 8K. It's a fantastic 8K, 3.2K, 1K featuring a flat and fast course in Kensington.
Pick your distance
Running
8K Race
NEW ROUTE! Start at historic Town Hall and run through Old Town Kensington, past Warner Mansion, along Antique Row, past 120+ year old homes and Noyes Library. After a flat, straight shot down Kensington Pkwy, head out and back along curvy Beach Drive before returning back up Kensington Pkwy for a fast finish in Old Town. Every runner gets a race t-shirt and other giveaways.
2M Challenge
NEW ROUTE! Great for both runners and walkers alike, the route starts at historic Town Hall, circles the Warner Mansion, and then down onto Kensington Pkwy. After a quick u-turn before Saul Rd., you go back around the Circle to a fast finish in Old Town. Every runner gets a race t-shirt and other giveaways.
1K Fun Run
NEW ROUTE! A family favorite for all ages and abilities. The walkable route starts at historic Town Hall and circles the Warner Mansion before finishing back at Town Hall. Run, walk, carry, pull, cajole - however you finish, it's definitely fun for all. Every runner gets a race t-shirt and other giveaways.
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.