Chocolate City Criterium & The Legacy Loop 5k

DC’s biggest celebration of cycling and culture is back!The Chocolate City Criterium returns on Sunday, August 17, 2025, transforming the RFK Stadium campus into an electric festival of speed, music, food, and community. Witness the fastest cyclists in the region battle it out on a technical, high-energy course while enjoying live Go-Go music, local vendors, a beer garden, and more.

This year’s race is the official USA Cycling District of Columbia Criterium Championship — where champions are crowned and legends are made. Whether you’re racing, spectating, or just soaking in the vibes, CCC is a race for everyone.

We've also added the Legacy Loop 5k — a unique take on your traditional 5k where runners will run 👟 4 laps around the Chocolate City Crit course. We’ll be tracking individual times and run club performance. The fastest club gets the glory, the clout, and the Legacy Loop Championship Belt — a wrestling-style title belt.

• 🚴 USA Cycling DC Championship Races for all categories
• 🎶 Live music all day, celebrating DC’s cultural roots
• 🍔 Food trucks & local vendors serving the best eats in the city
• 🍻 Beer garden and refreshments
• 🏆 Podium ceremonies & exclusive championship jerseys
• 👧 Kids’ races and Junior races
• 📺 Live-streamed coverage for friends and family who can’t make it in person

Learn more at

6:30 AM: Brick Workout

Hosted by GRIT USA

A brick workout is a training session where you bike first and then run without rest to mimic triathlon race transitions. 1 hour bike followed by 30 min run, all paces welcome!

📍 Hains Point

5:30 PM: Women & Beginner Clinic

Hosted by Equip Racing

A free, USA Cycling-sanctioned bike skills clinic for women and beginner racers. Attendees will rotate through bike racing skills stations, get to pre-ride the CCC course, and receive USAC upgrade points!

📍 The Fields at RFK Campus

REGISTER HERE

12:00 - 5:00 PM

Start your race weekend at our Packet Pickup Expo hosted by REI DC! This pre-race celebration brings the community together with a bike ride and an shakeout run with GRIT USA. From 12–5 PM, the expo comes alive with local vendors, live music, and exclusive CCC merchandise. Racers can pick up their packets, shop gear, and soak in the festival vibe while connecting with fellow cyclists, runners, and supporters.

10:30 AM: Community Ride

Hosted by Equip Racing

Join Equip Racing for an easy-paced community bike ride through some of our favorite local roads. Open to all levels, this social ride is the perfect way to loosen up your legs, connect with fellow riders, and kick off race weekend with good vibes and great company.

📍 REI DC

Route Link

11:00 AM: All Paces Welcome Shakeout Run

Hosted by GRIT USA

Join GRIT USA for this shakeout run designed to get your body moving and primed for Sunday’s main event. This relaxed group run welcomes runners of all paces and is the ideal pre-race tune-up for both body and mind.

📍 REI DC

Route Link

11:00 AM: Walking Group

Hosted by GRIT USA

Join GRIT USA for an leisurely 2 mile walk along the Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT).

📍 REI DC

All roads lead to this! Join thousands of spectators and racers for DC’s premier criterium and cultural festival. Sign up to race the criterium or the 5k, volunteer, or simply RSVP!

Learn more and sign up to race: https://www.chocolatecitycrit.com

Host or Publisher GRIT USA