Maryland is home to some of Americas finest history exhibits and the birth place of the United States National Anthem. Make sure you take time visit DC, the national aquarium, and the Maryland Science Center when you come to run in one of Maryland’s top Half Marathons.
Riley’s Rumble Half Marathon – Boyds
The Riley’s Rumble half marathons is a popular and challenging event that attract over 500 runners every year. Their Facebook page states, “Riley’s Rumble is the evil half that your mother warned you about. Don’t be seduced by the lush countryside of rural Montgomery County. This race will challenge the best runners. If you want the 3 H’s (hills, heat, and humidity), this is the race for you.” This race is held in late summer. As such, be prepared for potentially high temperatures. Boyds sits about 30 miles North of Washington DC so make sure to plan a visit to the capital if you plan on venturing the this one.
The Course
This course is double legged out and back race that has plenty of hills. The race has a net elevation gain of just over 990 feet. According to the race registration page, runners who are unable to keep a 15 min/mile pace are not allowed in the half marathon portion of the event. Race organizers will have water, Gatorade, and ice available every two to three miles. Popsicle’s and gels will also be available at several stops.
Reviews
“Excellent coordination, solid course, wonderful people and very good price. Can’t go wrong by entering this race or volunteering to help out.”– Kevin S., Facebook.com
“Great run, very challenging! All the volunteers were great.”-Jeanne B., Facebook.com
Baltimore Running Festival
The Baltimore Running Festival is considered one of the best races on the East coast. The start and finish line feature a live band and the event is even covered on live television. Race participant will also get a sweet looking Under Armor shirt for being apart of the experience. Last year over 17,000 people participated in this event. If you are looking for a big time race, this is it. Click here for dates and registration info.
The Course
This course will take runners past some of Baltimore’s most popular tourist attractions. The race will take runners in a nearly complete loop past Inner Harbor and Patterson Park. Be sure to prepare for some gradual hills as the course features about 750 feet of net elevation gain. On the bright side though, the final 3 mile stretch to the finish line is mostly down hill all the way to Camden. Aid stations will be available at approximately 2 mile intervals.
Reviews
“This was a good race as Baltimore puts a lot in this race. A lot of the race is in the outskirts of town. Start of the race at the harbor, with the finish at Orioles Park at Camden Yard and M&T Bank Stadium.” – Raceraves.com
“This race was one of the toughest races I have ever run. Not only was it incredibly hilly throughout, but the wind was crazy.The race started at 9:45 which is later than usual. It begins in downtown Maryland at the outside of Camden / Baltimore Orioles Arena. As soon as the race began there was a big hill.There were many positives of this race as well. There were many people outside cheering us on throughout the race. The course also takes runners through many beautiful sights including the inner harbor.”– Raceraves.com
Annapolis Running Classic
Annapolis is home to the United States Naval Academy. Per the race organizers, the post race party is supposedly legendary featuring oysters, soups, beers, music and dancing. Some runners mentioned disappointment in the race swag, but noted that the views and post race festivities make it worth it. Check it out here.
The Course
Runners start out and finish at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on this out and back course. The course is primarily flat with the occasional hilly stretches scattered throughout the race. Runners will pass by multiple touristic and historical areas such as the Reynolds Tavern which dates back into the 1700’s. This race takes place in November so be prepared for some potentially chilly temperatures.
Reviews
“The race itself starts at 7 am and at the time, I thought it was extremely early, but it was a perfect starting time. The weather was great and the energy of all the women was wonderful and got me excited to run! This was my first race in Annapolis (I have run races in Baltimore, DC and Philadelphia) and I was not sure what to expect, terrain wise. It was a good run though, not too hilly like Baltimore and not as flat as DC. There were a few hills for the 10k course, but it was not unbearable. I signed my mother and husband up to recieve text alerts for my run and was disappointed that there was only one checkpoint for the 10k (at the finish).After the race was over, my friend and I met up with her boyfriend and my husband and kids that were there to cheer us on. We recieved our medals and grabbed some water bottles and bananas. We continued through to the area with vendors that were at the expo the night before and checked them out again. Then we saw a booth set up that we didn’t previously see at the expo: the Yelp! booth! We told the people there that we received free registrations for the race from Elsa and they were excited that we checked in with them. We got some cool Yelp! swag like sunglasses, stickers and a fan and continued through to check out the other vendors and listen to some music.”– Christina H., Yelp.com
“This race was recommended by a local women’s/mom run group. I decided to sign up and run the half. The day of the race was pretty humid and I didn’t expect to PR. The course definitely has hills but it was amazing running through downtown Annapolis but the rest of the course was ok. You run through neighborhoods and there are a few turn around points. Anyone who wants to see downtown views of Annapolis, definitely recommend. The race swag wasn’t much to be desired. However, they did have massages at the end of the race. Loved the post race massage.!”– So M., Yelp.com
Parks Half Marathon – Rockville
The Parks half marathon is a race geared towards competitive runners. They require a 12:36 min/mile pace in order to keep up with aid station closures. According the race website, “No cotton tee shirts and pre-packaged muffins here! Nope, at the Parks Half Marathon all runners will receive a commemorative Brooks long-sleeve Podium running shirt, a finisher’s premium, and a finish line bash featuring hearty food and our new runners village. You’ll be amazed at the course logistics and on-course runner support provided by over four hundred volunteers.” Learn more here.
The Course
This USA T&F certified course is a straight shot from start to finish. The course is mostly down hill with the exception of the last 2 miles which feature a 250 foot climb to the finish. Aid Stations are place every two miles at the mile markers and will supply water and Gatorade to participants. Water stations will also be available at the start and finish line. As this is not a closed course, race organizers request that participants run no more than two abreast for safety reasons.
Reviews
“This was my first race ever in the USA. I’m visiting from Denmark and have run 48 half-marathons and 64 marathons (Berlin Marathon, Hamburg, Copenhagen …), and I can clearly say that Parks Half-Marathon is one of the best races in the world: great (and very beautiful) course, perfectly organized and what a post-race-party! I have only seen that much food at ultras. Thanks for a great race!”– Parkshalfmarathon.com
“Thanks to the organizers, volunteers, MOCO Police, spectators, & Mother Nature. Flawless event!!! We’ll be back next year.”– Parkshalfmarathon.com
Maryland Half Marathon-Fulton
If your’re looking for a good cause to support while you run, the Maryland half marathon is a great choice. Fund raised from this race go to support the University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center. Race participants are also encouraged to get family to participate in their fundraising efforts as well. More than 800 runners typically participate in this event annually. Get more information here.
The Course
This course features an out and back loop with lots of rolling hills. You’ll see about 1100 feet of elevation gain from start to finish. Water stations are plentiful with eight separate points spaced through out the event. Restrooms and medical stations will also be available on the course. This race is in May when anything can happen with the weather so come prepared for both cool and warm temperatures.
Reviews
“Very well organized! Great route! I encourage all to participate!”-Natalie F., Facebook.com
“It was so much fun! Great music, great atmosphere for walkers and runners. Good times!!!”-Ra, M. Facebook.com