#1 Sports Event Held at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, the middle jewel of horse racing's Triple Crown drew more than 123,000 fans for not only the stakes—which Kentucky Derby champion California Chrome won—but also the InfieldFest with headlining artists Lorde and Nas. Next: May 16, 2015
Photo: Jim McCue
2. Citi Open
#3 Sports Event The city's top tennis tournament crowned men's singles champion Milos Raonic and women's singles champion Svetlana Kuznetsova. Popular events such as the Chef's Challenge and Grand Marnier Craft Cocktail Happy Hour entertained fans off the court. The Washington Tennis & Education Foundation is the owner and beneficiary of the event. Next: August 1-9, 2015
Photo: Peter Staples
3. Marine Corps Marathon
#4 Sports Event Dubbed the "People's Marathon," the road race fills its 30,000 slots in mere minutes. This year, in an effort to cut down on trash and litter, organizers are working with the National Park Service and the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics to help runners and spectators reduce litter, recycle waste, and repurpose the finish-line banner into tote bags. Next: October 26, 2014
Photo: Courtesy of Marine Corps Marathon
4. Washington Kastles Tennis
#5 Sports Event The World TeamTennis champions moved indoors to a new stadium at the Charles E. Smith Center, adding 700 additional seats and new V.I.P. seating options. The Kastles also debuted an outdoor fan festival with kids' tennis courts, fastest-serve contests, face painting, music, and more. Next: July 2015
Photo: Willis Bretz
5. The Nation's Triathlon
#6 Sports Event The race course makes its way past the city's landmarks, including the Jefferson Memorial and Washington Monument. The triathlon, which benefits the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, completed its ninth year in 2014. Next: September 13, 2015