Amazon Armed Forces Cycling Classic
Road runs in United States, Washington, DC
About
Arlington Sports is now proud to have been promoting and organizing amateur and professional cycling events since 1998. As a 501-(c)-3, we are dedicated to the promotion and development of amateur and professional cycling, and work to ensure that the events we produce have wider impact than just with the athletes. In addition to providing the platform and outlet for competitive and non-competitive cyclists, all of our events offer a way to help give back to the community, and have raised money and awareness for a wide range of beneficiaries.
Catering & aid stations
On-course food and drink aid stations are provided at key points along the route for riders and participants.
Pacers
Pacemakers and pacing vehicles support the Challenge Ride and professional races. On race day, designated pacers will lead at target times per start wave, and flagged pacers will be on course to assist riders in maintaining target speeds—follow only official pace vehicles with flags for safety and compliance.
Results
View official resultsTypical weather in Washington, DC
Monthly averages based on historical data (2000–present).
What's included in entry
- timing
- bib
- finisher medal
FAQ
How can I donate to my favorite charity as part of the Corporate Challenge?
You can provide a tax deductible donation by visiting the AFCC fund raising page.
Who organizes the AFCC?
Arlington Sports has been promoting and organizing amateur and professional bike races since 1998. As a 501 (c) 3, Arlington Sports is dedicated to the promotion and development of amateur and professional cycling.
What is the Challenge Ride?
Started in 2008, the Challenge Ride is a non-competitive ride, open to cyclists of all abilities.
How long is the ride?
Starting and finishing in DC, the 2025 ride will is 12.5 miles per lap, with the course closed to traffic. Cyclists have 3 hours to complete as many laps as possible.
Who can ride?
Anyone 10 and over can ride. You MUST have wear a helmet and sign a USA Cycling waiver. Those under the age of 18 MUST have a LEGAL parent or guardian sign their waiver.No E-bikes, this is strictly a self-propelled event.
Who gets a Medal?
EVERYONE who completes more than one lap: 5+ laps GOLD, 3-4 laps SILVER, 1-2 laps BRONZE
What time does the ride start?
You can start your ride anytime between 7:00-8:30am. The course closes at 10:00am. The later you start, the less opportunity you have to compete your laps.
How long will I be able to ride?
You can ride for UP TO 3 hours if you begin during the official start time at 7:00am. You will not be allowed to begin a new lap if there isn’t sufficient time to complete a full lap before 10:00am. The Race Permit only allows for the roads to be closed past 10:00am. A “Beat the Pace Car” will be on course monitoring your progress. If the pace car catches you, you will be asked to leave the course or board the free Shuttle Bus which will bring you back to the S/F line. As a guide, the fastest riders take 30 minutes to complete a lap.
Where does the ride start?
The Start/Finish line is located in DC along 3rd ST between Constitution and Independence Ave
What happens if it rains?
You get wet! The event will be put on a temporary hold for very inclement weather (high winds and lightning). The race will be resumed when the Race Director and MPD and Arlington County Police Department have decided that it is safe
Saturday, May 30
Event Information Center Tent, 6:00am - 8:00amWhere's lost & found in DC? At the Event Information Center.
What can I ride?
Any pedal bike is fine. Tamdens are OK, as long as both participants have paid for registration. NO E-BIKES!! We will be strictly enforcing the no e-bike rules this year!
Where is medical located on Saturday?
Near the EIC, on Pennsylvania AVE, between 4th ST NW and 3rd ST NW
What is the nearest place for supplies, fix flats, etc.
Shimano Tech Support will be available on 3rd ST with the TREK support van in the Expo, near the course exit.
Is there SAG support on the course?
There will be Ride Ambassadors along the course. Look for the special Ride Ambassador armband. For your own convenience, bring your own flat repair kits, water, etc.
How do I get an official Gear?
Visit our event Store HERE.
Where will hydration stations be located?
Off on 15th ST S in Crystal City at the on-ramp onto RTE 110. Also, at the course exit on Constitution at Pennsylvania
How do I get my medal?
When you are done with your ride, continue past the start/finish line to the first turn where we will offer a Course Exit. Distribution will begin at 9:00am. After you collect your medal, make your way back towards the Expo, and be sure to get a photo in front of our Inspiration Backdrop!
Where can spectators get food?
Check out our food vendors in the expo. On Sunday there are multiple restaurants open around the course.
CORPORATE CHALLENGE
What is the entry fee for the Corporate Challenge? Registration fee for the team is dependent upon how many riders on the team. Visit the Corporate Challenge team site for more details. Teams are asked to pledge $1,000 in support TAPS, our official beneficiary
Where are the Corporate Challenge Tents?
The Corporate Challenge Tents are located along 3rd ST NW between Constitution and Madison.Check with your team captain for your exact tent location.
Are there other Awards for the Challenge Teams?
The team raising the most money for TAPS will be recognized immediately following the Challenge ride on Saturday. Additionally, the teams with the most cumulative total laps by all riders on the team and the team with the most laps accumulated by their top 6 riders will receive awards on stag immediately following the conclusion of the Challenge Ride.
Can my child race?
Any child 9 and under can participate in the kid's race in Clarendon and/or DC. There will be heats for different age groups (consider placing your child in the heat that is appropriate to their age and ability). All children must provide their own bicycle (Big Wheels and training wheels are acceptable). Helmets must be worn by all participants, no exception. Visit Kids Race for more information.
What’s the distance?
DC Course MapHeat 1 (ages 8-9) & Heat 2 (ages 6-7) One lap=1.2km.Heat 3 (ages 5 and under) 100 yardsClarendon Course MapHeat 1 (ages 8-9) & Heat 2 (ages 6-7) One lap=1km.Heat 3 (ages 5 and under) 100 yards
How do I enter?
You can preregister on-line, during packet pick up on Thursday and Friday or in person at the Kids Race Registration Booth during either race day morning. Are there any waivers or permission slips required? You must sign a USA Cycling event waiver during packet pick up or on site in Clarendon or DC before the race begins. Only one waiver is required if you plan to enter your child both days.
Where do I go on race day?
Staging for all ages will be in Clarendon is near the corner of Highland and Wilson Blvd. In DC, staging will be TBD.What time do the Kids Races start? All ages MUST be present and ready to stage, with numbers attached and helmets on, at 11:30am each day (after the Women’s race)
What is the Clarendon Cup?
A Men’s and Women’s Pro/Am bike race held on a 1km course. Their are a number of amateur categories eaIly in the morning. The Women’s Pro/Am race begin at 10am and they will complete 50 laps. The Men’s Pro/Am race begins at noon, and will cover 100 laps. It was as started by Arlington Sports, Inc. in 1998.
Where do the Pro/Am racers stage on race day? What time?
Staging on Sunday will take place on Garfield ST and Wilson 15 minutes prior to race start time.
Where is lost & found on Race day?
At the Volunteer Registration Tent.
Where is the medical tent located in Clarendon?
EMS and ACPD HQ will be located at Highland and Wilson. There will also be a medical station at turn 1 (Wilson and Washington Blvd).
What is the Capitol Cup?
A 1.2km Pro/Am bike races. Last held in 2001, proud to bring back this event!
Where's lost & found Race day?
At the Event Information Center Tent.
Where is the medical tent located?
EMS HQ will be located at the corner of turn two.
Who can race?
To race in the Pro/Am you must have a valid USA Cycling license to participate in the Clarendon Cup or Capitol Cup. There will be no Category 5 races.
Are the Races sanctioned?
YES. Both the Clarendon Cup and the Capitol Cup are sanctioned by USA Cycling.
Where/how/when do results get posted for Clarendon & Crystal Cup?
The Chief Official will post results behind the main stage and will be reported by the stage announcers. They will be posted on-line HERE. Once all protests are resolved and the results posted for 30 minutes, they will become official. Results will be posted online within 24 hours. Where can I pick up by Prize Money and Premes? The Preme/Prize table is located behind main stage on Saturday, and near the Clarendon Metro Elevator on Sunday.
What are Premes?
Premes are special prizes awarded to specified lap winners during the race. The final list of Premes will be posted on-line when determined.
Can I register for the Pro/Am on race morning?
Saturday, May 30- 8:45am closing 30 minutes prior to your race. Register at the Event Information Center Tent.Sunday, May 31 - 6:45am closing 30 minutes prior to your race. Register at the Event Information Center Tent - Across from the Start/Finish line, next to the Clarendon Metro Elevator.
Last updated: Jun 5, 2026, 11:36:37 PM
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