Runners rocked around DC at annual Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon

Runners gather at the starting line for the 2018 Rock 'n' Roll marathon in Washington. (WTOP/John Domen) — Runners gather at the starting line for the 2018 Rock ‘n’ Roll marathon in Washington. (WTOP/John Domen)

People gather on the side of the marathon route Saturday. (WTOP/Melissa Howell)

Onlookers watch the 2018 Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon. (WTOP/Melissa Howell)

Roads stand empty of traffic for Saturday's Rock 'n' Roll Marathon. (WTOP/John Domen) — Roads stand empty of traffic for Saturday’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon. (WTOP/John Domen)

Rock 'n' Roll Marathon runners race down the street in Washington. (WTOP/John Domen) — Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon runners race down the street in Washington. (WTOP/John Domen)

WTOP’s own Sarah Beth Hensley runs in the 2018 Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon in D.C. (WTOP/Brandon Millman)

Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon racers run through a park Saturday morning. (WTOP/Brandon Millman)

Crowds watch for runners at the finish line. (WTOP/Melissa Howell)

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WASHINGTON — Thousands of runners raced through the District on Saturday morning for the annual Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon, as well as the associated half marathon and 5K races.

The races, which shared a course through downtown D.C., featured several bands on various stages all along the course route.

First-time marathon runner Ben Roy, 28, of Manassas, Va., said, “I know those last eight or 10 miles are going to be really tough, so I think rocking out on the course will be fun, different from any other race around here.”

Mayor Bill Dusch of Concord, North Carolina, said he has done almost 100 marathons in all 50 states. D.C. Saturday’s marathon was his 97th.

“I have a screw loose, there’s no doubt about it,” Dusch said.

Third-time marathoner Brittney Schuessler, 30, of Leesburg, Va., said she was running on “mostly nerves and endorphins” at the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon.

“Even just the energy of D.C. and being in the city gives me a lot, so I’m gonna enjoy it,” Schuessler said.

WTOP’s John Domen contributed to this report.