9th Annual Ben’s Chili Bowl Half and Half Marathon Goes Virtual

Runners gather in front of The Original Ben’s Chili Bowl after the 2019 Half and Half Marathon.

All Proceeds are given to Students in the DMV whose parents are incarcerated.

Registration for the 9th annual Ben’s Chili Bowl Half and Half Marathon is open! This is a run like no other. Traditionally it challenges runners to run 13.1 miles and eat a Ben's Original Half Smoke at the midway point.

This year's run has adapted to life in a pandemic and runners will have 2 months to complete their run and redeem a voucher for a Half Smoke at either the original U Street location or H street location in DC or the newest Horseshoe Casino location in Baltimore.

Local brothers Pete and Chris Magnuson were determined to bring a unique event to the local running scene. “If you want a real challenge, you need to try this—it’s a run, a meal and for a good cause," said Pete Magnuson of Burke, VA. “But this year we added a new challenge, The Triple Crown dares runners to run to all three locations. That's 39.3 miles and 3 Half Smokes!" 

“Partnering with Pete and Chris Magnuson to make this fun event a reality has been such a delight, and we’ve enjoyed watching the runners over the years look forward to running the course and enjoying a Ben’s Half Smoke while giving back to the community,” says the Ali Family.

“It was about time DC had a real challenging race,” said Chris Magnuson of Washington, DC. “

Proceeds from the event will go to ScholarCHIPS (www.scholarchipsfund.org), a scholarship fund for college-bound students in the DMV whose parents are incarcerated.

The event includes partners //3877 Design Studio, New Leaf Design. To learn more: www.halfandhalfmarathon.com