Maryland, known also as the Free State, the Old Line State, and Little America is a great place to run a marathon. With countless harbors and seaports, you’ll have no shortage of vistas to keep you entertained as you pound out the miles.
B&A Trail Marathon – Severna Park
The B&A Trail Marathon is in its 25th year and ran in memory of USMC Lt. Col. Ben Moore. The field is limited to 300 marathoners so make sure to reserve your spot quick if you’re looking to participate in this one. This one is also a Boston qualifier. Click here to read more.
The Course
The majority of this race is ran on a paved bike path and relatively flat. It is a fast course, but some runners mentioned that the water stations are somewhat sparse. That being said, the few aid stations available are well stocked with water, Gatorade, and gels. However, it may be wise to bring your own hydration to supplement between stations.
Credit: Map My Run
Reviews
“B&A is a well-organized, low-key marathon. (Thank you, Annapolis Striders and volunteers!) The course is just how it’s described on the website … the majority of it is flat with one good-sized hill around mile 7 and some gently rolling hills. The latter miles are a little quiet. The weather … what can I say? It’s March, so expect anything. This year it was cold (wind chill in the 20s) but the first 7 mi were great. After that, the wind kicked up stayed around for the remainder of the race. I would recommend this marathon if you’re looking for a small, peaceful marathon.” – S.K., Marathonguide.com Review
“The Annapolis Striders put on a great marathon. The course is flat and mostly on the B & A Rail Trail. It is well supported with enthusiastic volunteers. It started and finished at an LA fitness gym, so hot showers and nice locker rooms were a big plus. This is a great early marathon if you don’t prefer lots of spectators and other runners. I got another BQ too.” – L.C., Marathonguide.com Review
Baltimore Marathon
If you like big town marathons with lots of spectators, this is a great race for you. Not only that, but this could also be your big chance to qualify to run in Boston. Runners commented on great access to parking, the unique finisher’s medal, and the Under Armour performance shirt. Click here for dates and registration info.
The Course
The Baltimore Marathon is a great race ran entirely on paved surfaces. While it doesn’t have any crazy hills, there are significant inclines from miles 0 – 3 and 15 – 21. The second hill has often been compared to Boston’s “heart-break hill.” As an added perk, if you have trouble finding your speed, pace groups will be running along side you.
Credit: Map My Run
Reviews
“My second time running Baltimore and it is a very good race. The course is excellent with rolling hills and varying scenery. I especially liked the zoo and the area near the Inner Harbor. Excellent and numerous water stations and plenty of food on the course. Enthusiastic crowds and friendly police.My only real complaint was with the half participants who walked 4 abreast in the middle of the course after the merge. I’m not sure what the organizers can do, but a little running etiquette would be nice.Solid medal and my new favorite shirt. Free, close parking for both the race and expo was great. Finish area was very well organized. A race that I have and will continue to recommend..” – B.B., Marathonguide.com Review
“This was a very well organized event. I enjoyed the run. The spectators were great. It is big city, so not all the scenery was spectacular. A little on the hilly side, and the wind off the harbor was cold, but it was mid October. Overall I had a great experience, and would recommend this marathon to all my friends.” -L.M., Marathonguide.com Review
Potomac River Run Marathon – Carderock
This Boston qualifying race takes place in the city of Carderock; in which, you’ll run along the scenic C&O Canal Towpath and Potomac River. The race is limited to 350 participants so you’ll need to act fast if you want a spot. Click here to learn more.
The Course
This course features two out and back loops that run along hard-packed trails. This race is ran ‘old school,” so there are no chip timers, just old fashion timing techniques. The race as a whole has a lot of small ups and downs but no real serious inclines to deal with. Runners commented that aid stations are plentiful and well stocked throughout the race.
Credit: Map My Run
Reviews
“A very affordable low-key marathon, with a great organization. The course along the canal is great, and the double out-and-back makes it easy to keep track of time and effort. Plenty of water along the course. Now, if only the Race Director had supernatural powers and could control the weather. Wow, was it ever hot.” – V.R., Marathonguide.com Review
“I ran this strictly to get a BQ time, so I was less focused on having fun as on getting a certain result. Even so I enjoyed myself thoroughly. This race is limited to 300 people, and uses old-school timing, so it has the feel of small locally organized 5k. The RD is very nice and as an accomplished marathoner and experienced RD, he knows his stuff. Thus, the race was USAT approved, well staffed, and well organized. I could have used one more aid station at the end, but otherwise I got just enough water, gatorade and encouragement from spectators. As others have commented, the race is on hard-packed trail and has 2 out/back loops. I had pre-race concerns that I would loose time on the softer surface or get mentally fatigued by the repetition. Neither was the case. I would definitely run this again!” – J.P., Marathonguide.com Review
Queen City Marathon – Cumberland
The Queen City Marathon is a great race for all experience levels. The race website invites participants to “[c]ome run in the mountains of Western Maryland where the C&O Canal Towpath meets the Great Allegheny Passage. Hosted by the Queen City Striders, this event has been designed by runners to be both scenic and challenging!”
The Course
This course features two out and back loops both of which are on packed gravel trails. The first is about 6 miles and fairly flat. The second loop sports a pretty significant hill from miles 6 to 16 that features over 800 feet of elevation gain. The good part is that the last 10 miles are downhill and there are a lot of aid stations along the way.
Credit: Map My Run
Reviews
“This was a small, well run marathon. A bonus is that the funds go toward charity to provide clean water to those in need. The event started with a nice pasta buffet prepared by local culinary students. A late (8 am) start immediately behind the Fairfield Inn allowed for a good night’s sleep. The scenery along the tow path and rail trails was superb. There is very little crowd support on the trail, but the race volunteers were incredibly encouraging and helpful. Because the course was off road on rail trails, volunteer bikers rode the trail to check on the runners to make certain all were ok. My only suggestion is that if you choose to take advantage of an after race shower at the YMCA, you need to bring your own towel!” – P.N. Marathonguide.com Review
“Returning from knee surgery and a hiatus of several years from marathoning found this Marathon in Cumberland, MD. The course was on the C & O Tow path (out and back about 6 miles) and then the Great Allegheny Passage (out and back about 20 miles). Both were primarily packed gravel trails with a few short portions of pavement. The previously noted elevation increase from mile 6 to 16 was very gradual and the return slightly downhill making for a decent last half split. Scenery was beautiful. Aid stations were limited to road access to the trails, but were adequate in number and very well staffed with enthusiastic and helpful workers. Brought wife and son with me and they were assisted by race staff with directions to the various spectator friendly locations. Organization was strong with a well implemented website and thorough/clear communication from the race director. The chicken wraps and chicken & rice soup (and chocolate milk)at the finish hit the spot. Just a overall good experience. Highly recommended.” – B.W., Themadisonmarathon.com Review