I ran this in Jan 2000...8.5 laps around Hains Point in Washington, DC. True, it's the only marathon in DC that stays entirely within the confines of the District, but that'll change in March 2002 with the new Washington, DC Marathon. The course is extremely flat, and can be very windy (with strong head- and tailwinds). Virtually no spectators, but hearty course supporters. If you need a long run for training purposes (i.e., an upcoming ultra), this is a fine (albeit mentally challenging) race to use.