DC Metro Adjusts 10 Bus Routes for Race Event

Ten DC Metro bus routes will detour May 3 from 3 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for Race for Hope

DC Metro Reroutes 10 Bus Lines for May 3 Race

Ten Washington Metro bus routes will detour Sunday, May 3, for the Race for Hope DC 5K Run and Walk, transit officials said. The changes affect D10, D1X, D30, D32, D40, D4X, D44, D50, D60, and D6X routes from 3 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Several routes will operate on shortened schedules, terminating at designated stops rather than their usual destinations.

Context

The detours are necessary to accommodate the race event taking place in downtown Washington, DC, according to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. Special events in the downtown core typically require transit agencies to modify service to ensure public safety while maintaining access to the area. Four routes—D30, D40, D50, and D60—will have additional detours from midnight to 5 a.m., officials said. The modifications affect routes that typically serve Pennsylvania Avenue and surrounding downtown streets during the race hours.

Route Details

The D10 Pennsylvania Ave route will detour using 13th Street and 6th Street in both directions, officials confirmed. Routes D1X, D32, D4X, D44, and D6X will operate between their starting stations and designated bus stops along their routes rather than completing their full runs. Most routes will experience detours throughout the entire 10.5-hour period, while the four routes with overnight service will see changes beginning at midnight. Officials said passengers should expect longer travel times and plan for alternative connections.

Timeline

The main detour period runs from 3 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 3, 2026, officials said. The four overnight routes will begin modified service at midnight, five hours before the primary detour period starts. Transit officials didn't specify exactly when normal service will resume after 1:30 p.m., though agencies typically restore regular routes within 30 to 60 minutes after street closures end.

Rider Impact

Riders should expect service disruptions and plan extra travel time Sunday morning and early afternoon. Passengers are encouraged to sign up for MetroAlerts for real-time service information, officials said. Moovit provides real-time updates for Washington Metro routes, helping riders navigate detours and find alternative connections during special events. Officials said riders should check for updates before traveling, as race-related street closures may affect actual detour timing.