🏃 Races in Maryland

Looking for a friendly, low-pressure 5K, 10K, or half marathon? Medal Madness offers a welcoming local racing experience perfect whether you're chasing a personal record, collecting themed medals, or just enjoying a day outside with fellow runners—expect a well-organized course with helpful staff, finisher medals, and a relaxed community vibe. Keep in mind that as a smaller local event, there's minimal on-site staffing, no stationed EMS, and water stations are available only at the finish line and lap endpoints.

Join thousands of runners and walkers for the 33rd edition of this beloved community event in Gaithersburg, featuring a scenic 3-mile route through the charming Lakelands and Kentlands neighborhoods culminating on Main Street. Every participant receives a quality Dri-Fit race shirt, and you'll enjoy live local music along the course, a post-race merchant expo, team competition options, and cash prizes for top finishers—plus kids can participate in their own 200 or 500-meter fun runs with custom t-shirts. Stick around after the race for the awards ceremony, raffle drawings with prizes from local businesses, and plenty of time to celebrate with friends and family.

Head to historic Laurel, MD on Saturday, September 5, 2026, for the 14th Annual Emancipation Day 5K, offering both a 5K run/walk and a 1-mile fun walk that you can participate in person or virtually. All proceeds benefit the University of Maryland's Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology-Midtown, which serves over 3,000 patients annually across Baltimore City and the region. Registration is $25 per person and includes a custom race bib and medal, with results posted online immediately after the race and awards given on-site for overall and age group categories.

Head out from the Shops at Kenilworth in Towson and journey southbound through Baltimore's most appealing neighborhoods along Charles Street, a stunning National Scenic Byway lined with renowned religious, historical, and educational landmarks. You'll finish your race at the iconic Camden Yards Sports Complex, where you can join fellow runners for an awesome post-race celebration between the stadiums. This 12-miler (or 2-person relay option) kicks off the B3 Distance Series as its third event.

Get ready for the 47th edition of this beloved running event in Crisfield, MD, happening alongside the annual National Hard Crab Derby! You'll have your choice of a 10k, 5k, or 10k ruck, all starting and finishing at the Crisfield City Dock at the end of Route 413, with a speedy, flat course that winds through the city, neighborhoods, and scenic waterfront areas—complete with three water stops along the way. Register by August 1st to lock in the $25 price and guarantee yourself a t-shirt, with packet pickup available Friday, September 4th from 6-8 p.m. at Wellington Beach (note: registration fees jump to $35 on August 31st and $40 on race day, September 5th, and this event runs rain or shine with all proceeds benefiting the Crisfield Area Chamber of Commerce).

Get ready to run with purpose at this Labor Day weekend 5K in College Park, MD, where participants help close the nutrition gap for children during weekends and summers when school meals aren't available. Brunch League Sports combines athletics, food, and community support into one meaningful event—you'll run the race while the organization provides brunch and funds programs that help student-athletes and families access consistent nutrition and opportunities together. Every registration directly supports BLS's mission to create a shared community space where young people can eat, learn, train, and grow.

Get out and celebrate America's quarter-millennium milestone at this 5K run and walk in Aberdeen, MD, which kicks off at 8:00 AM from Festival Park and takes you through some of the town's historic neighborhoods. Your entry fee goes to support the Aberdeen Heritage Trust, and you'll have the chance to stick around afterward for the "Rails, Cans and Community" Family Fun Day (running 10:00 AM–5:00 PM) with activities, entertainment, food, and fun for everyone. Head to discoveraberdeen.org to get all the details you need and check out the full activity schedule!

Head to Othello Park in Knoxville, MD on Monday, September 7, 2026, for the 3rd Annual Labor Day 1K/5K event! Registration opens at 7:00 a.m., with the 1K Fun Run kicking off at 8:00 a.m. and the 5K Race starting at 8:30 a.m. This non-profit event supports the Brunswick High School Track and Field Program, with all race fees and sponsorship proceeds going toward equipment like hurdles, starting blocks, and throwing cages—plus your entry fee is tax-deductible!

Five faith-based organizations—Shaare Torah Jewish Community, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, The Interfaith Families Project of Greater Washington, Trinity Lutheran Church, and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community—are joining together for their tenth annual 5K in Boyds to unite people across different backgrounds for fitness, friendship, and community service. This welcoming event celebrates diversity and tolerance by bringing neighbors together for a fun, health-focused day without promoting any particular religion or belief system. Whether you're a person of faith or not, you're invited to register as part of a team and be part of building a stronger Montgomery County community.

Get ready to support the Rainey Day College Foundation while staying active wherever you are—this third annual event welcomes both virtual participants from around the globe and in-person runners in Maryland on September 26th! Whether you're flying solo or rallying your crew for the team challenge, you'll be helping Scholars while enjoying a 5K and fun run/walk experience. If you're in Maryland, stick around for location details coming soon!

Get ready to lace up for a 5-kilometer cross country adventure at Worcester Prep, hosted by ESIAC in beautiful Berlin, Maryland! This is your chance to test your speed and endurance on a classic XC course with fellow runners who share your passion.

Get ready to hit the scenic trails around Lake Needwood in Derwood, MD for this laid-back 10K that's perfect for runners looking for a fun, no-pressure experience! If you're not already an MCRRC member, you can register right here, and we'd also love to have you volunteer—just check out the volunteer tab for details. This is part of our awesome free racing series designed to keep things casual and enjoyable for everyone involved!

Lace up your shoes in Bowie for a meaningful 5K where you'll join together to support Sickle Cell Warriors, learn about the disease, and celebrate the incredible strength of those living with SCD. Every dollar you raise goes directly to programs that provide awareness, advocacy, and support for adults with Sickle Cell Disease and their caregivers. Come be part of a compassionate community dedicated to making a real difference!

Get ready to run the 5th Annual Lock 2 Lock event on September 12, 2026, right along the scenic C&O Canal Towpath in Williamsport, Maryland—choose your distance from the marathon, half marathon, or 10K options! This Boston Marathon-qualifying certified course starts at 7:30 a.m. near Lock 44 and takes you on a beautiful out-and-back route, with the full marathon allowing you until 3:00 p.m. to cross the finish line. Whether you're chasing a BQ or enjoying the canal views, this race offers a unique running experience on a certified course that counts toward 2027 qualifying standards.

Get ready to log 20 miles on your own schedule between September 12th and 28th to support the Hydrocephalus Association's mission to advance research and find a cure! You'll earn 5 volunteer hours just for completing the challenge—no separate signup needed, as our Impact Leader team will handle the tracking for you. While donations aren't required to participate, they're encouraged, and any gift of $25 or more can be matched through Constellation's Matching Gifts Program to maximize your impact!

Get ready for an awesome morning of fun in Snow Hill, MD starting at 9 am, featuring a traditional 5K run alongside a colorful 1-mile fun run/walk where you can go at your own pace. Beyond the races, you'll enjoy live music, face painting by local artists Heather and Maeve, food vendors, cotton candy, and more activities wrapping up around noon. Grab your packet and bib between 8:30-8:55 am, with late registration available until 8:45 am!

Get ready for a fast, fun mile right here in Frederick, MD! This beloved event is part of both the Frederick Steeplechasers Grand Prix and Maryland RRCA Grand Prix series, and it's hosted by the Frederick Steeplechasers Running Club—a community-focused organization that's been championing runners of all levels since 1975. If you're a member of a Maryland RRCA club or DC Road Runners, just let us know your affiliation when you sign up!

Get ready for an exciting introduction to adventure racing at this welcoming sprint event held in Flintstone, MD! This 4-hour competition blends mountain biking through scenic gravel roads and singletrack trails with a refreshing paddle across a beautiful clear lake, all designed to be challenging yet totally doable for newcomers. You'll navigate with confidence thanks to excellent maps and straightforward routes, making this the perfect event whether you're testing the waters or looking for a fun adventure with friends.

Get ready for a fun, laid-back 5K and 10K experience in Westminster where runners and walkers of all levels are welcomed! Whether you're after a personal best, hunting for a cool themed medal, or just enjoying a day outside with fellow running enthusiasts, you'll find a well-organized course with supportive staff, finisher medals, and that awesome community vibe. Come solo, bring a buddy, or pace with a group—US Road Running keeps things friendly and pressure-free while still delivering that competitive spark to keep you motivated.

Join us for Medal Madness 5K, 10K & 13.1M in Camp Springs, MD—a laid-back yet organized race experience where runners and walkers of all levels can have fun, whether you're gunning for a personal record or just enjoying the day with fellow enthusiasts. US Road Running keeps things personal and welcoming with clear courses, supportive staff, awesome finisher medals, and a friendly community vibe that takes the pressure off while keeping the excitement on. Lace up your running shoes, grab a friend, and come ready to enjoy a smooth, well-run event where you'll feel right at home from start to finish!

Join us in Annapolis for a 5K that brings together runners, walkers, and ruckers of every ability to celebrate the courage of 9/11 heroes and our nation's service members. This event strengthens our community while supporting local veterans, active duty personnel, first responders, and families of the fallen. Whether you're running solo or tackling the GORUCK rucking divisions (where you'll carry a weighted pack inspired by special forces training), you'll earn an exclusive patch while making a real difference!

Gather in Ellicott City on September 13th for a heartfelt walk that brings the community together to support those affected by Lyme disease and spread awareness about this widespread health challenge. Whether you're participating to honor someone you care about, learn more, or simply stand in solidarity with the Lyme Warriors, you'll be part of something meaningful that makes a real difference. Check in starts at 9:30 AM at 10000 Clarksville Pike with the walk kicking off at 10:00 AM—so grab your loved ones, rock your green gear, and join us rain or shine!

# Rewritten Description Get ready for an awesome five-week running adventure this fall in Severn, MD! This fun program welcomes kids from Pre-K through 8th grade to compete once a week in age-appropriate distances ranging from quick 50-yard dashes up to a full mile, earning points with every finish. Your registration covers everything you need—race bibs, a cool runner shirt, a finisher medal, sponsor prizes, and a Challenger Division option for adaptive racing, so just sign up and focus on having a great time!

Looking for a fun 5K run that supports an awesome cause? This Baltimore event benefits the graduate student community at Johns Hopkins, representing over 2,500 students across engineering and arts & sciences programs. By participating, you'll help support an organization that advocates for grad students and brings the university community together!

Join us for this exciting paddlesports celebration on the Chesapeake Bay, where you'll find the perfect distance and boat type for your skill level—whether you're paddling a kayak, SUP, surfski, or outrigger canoe across The Span (9 miles), The Steamer (3 miles), or The Soft Shell (1 mile). After crossing the finish line, stick around to celebrate with fellow paddlers at the Maryland Seafood Festival featuring live music, delicious food, raffles supporting a great cause, and an awards ceremony with over $2,000 in prizes up for grabs in the longest course! We've got board rentals available, pre-race clinics to help you prepare, and we're happy to work with you if you're paddling something unique.

Get ready to run for a cause in beautiful Annapolis! Choose between a half-marathon or 5k as you enjoy scenic trails through Quiet Waters Park and the charming Chesapeake Bay-front area of Hillsmere Shores. Every dollar you raise helps The Light House fight homelessness and poverty in our community, making this 17th annual event truly special and meaningful.

Get ready to explore the beautiful waterfront scenery of Havre de Grace and Perryville with Charm City Run Events at this fantastic 2026 festival, which offers Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K options and benefits the Al Cesky Scholarship Fund. You'll enjoy amazing views, fantastic gear, and warm local welcome—plus, Half Marathon and 10K participants get the unique thrill of running across the iconic Hatem Bridge, a feature you'll only find at this event! We can't wait to have you join us for this unforgettable running experience!

Get ready to push yourself while making a real difference! This inaugural event at the scenic Fort Ritchie location brings together runners, cyclists, hikers, and fitness enthusiasts to support the American Cancer Society's vital work—from groundbreaking research to patient care and their free round-the-clock helpline. Your participation fuels the fight against cancer, so lace up, show up, and join our community in being unstoppable.

Join us for nearly two decades of community spirit at this beloved September event in Towson, MD, where runners and walkers of all levels gather to honor a meaningful memory while supporting three great local charities: House of Ruth Maryland, ICS Tuition Assistance, and Father O'Neill Charities. Whether you're going for a personal record or enjoying a leisurely morning with loved ones, you'll start at Immaculate Conception School at 8:00 AM on a familiar course, with the added bonus of a virtual option if that works better for your schedule. Come race your way, and know that every step makes a real difference in your community!

Get ready to join a beloved DC-area tradition that's been going strong since 1994! This September 19, 2026 event combines a speedy 8K course through the scenic streets of Kensington and Rock Creek Park with genuine community spirit—think cheering families, welcoming vibes, and the knowledge that your entry fee supports eight local schools (they've raised over $350,000 since 2009!). Whether you're chasing a fast time or soaking in the fun atmosphere, this is the fall race that keeps bringing runners back year after year.

Come out on September 19, 2026 at 10am to Thurmont Event Complex for a great cause—Cool's Legacy is hosting this fun 5K and Fun Run to support suicide prevention and awareness! After you cross the finish line, hang out for food, beer, and activities while knowing your registration fees are going directly to organizations like the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and Operation Second Chance. Packet pickup is available the evening before on September 18th from 5-7pm at the same venue.

Join us on September 19, 2026, for the 13th Annual Nun Run 5K and 1-mile event at UMBC Campus Quad in Baltimore—a fantastic day of running and walking that supports St. Martin's Home and the Little Sisters of the Poor Baltimore! Here's the fun part: bring three friends along and register them using your referral code, and you'll earn $10 as our thank-you gift. Help us make this year's event bigger and better than ever while supporting a wonderful cause!

Join runners and walkers of all abilities for this celebration of fitness and healthy aging in Rosedale, MD! Starting at 8:30 a.m. (with roads closing at 8 a.m. and warm-up at 8:15 a.m.), you can choose between a professionally-timed 5K on the CCBC Essex campus or a fun one-mile walk, with proceeds supporting senior exercise programs and fitness centers. Plus, enjoy free health screenings, fall prevention tips, vendor booths, and the chance to celebrate National Senior Center Month, Falls Prevention Day, and Active Aging Week all in one event!

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Get ready for a laid-back running experience in beautiful Dickerson, MD—perfect for those looking to enjoy a casual race day without the fuss! If you're not an MCRRC member, this is your chance to join in on the fun, and hey, if you'd rather volunteer and support other runners, we'd love to have you involved too. This friendly, low-pressure event is part of our relaxed race series, so just head over to our "Low-Key Race Entry Procedure" for all the details you need.

Get ready to celebrate 80 years of impact with ASHFoundation's virtual walk/run happening September 25–27 in Rockville, MD! Choose your own adventure with either a classic 5K weekend or an ambitious 80K challenge spread over 8 days, and run from wherever you are. Your miles directly support groundbreaking research and innovation in communication sciences and hearing health, helping speech and language professionals continue transforming lives for years to come.

Join us for an exciting cross country competition at Gunston School in Centreville, Maryland! This ESIAC event brings together runners for a classic XC experience on a challenging course.

Get ready to lace up for an awesome cause in Oxon Hill, MD! This 5K walk brings together a community focused on breaking down mental health stigma for Black women and women of color, with all proceeds going toward HER Cause, Inc.'s training programs and operations. Join us as we take meaningful strides to make a real difference in the lives of BIPOC women.

Head to Fair Hill Nature Center in Elkton this September 26th for a fun-filled event where you can run a 5K, walk a mile with your furry friends, or do both! Registration kicks off at 7am with races starting at 9am, and you'll score a t-shirt, swag bag with a seedling tree, and a custom medal just for participating—plus age group prizes await the top finishers. Grab your early bird discount before July 31st and enjoy this beautiful sixth annual celebration in the scenic Maryland hills ($40 for 5K, $25 for the 1-mile walk).

Mark your calendars for a beloved September tradition in Baltimore's scenic Inner Harbor! This 5K welcomes everyone—whether you're a serious runner or prefer to walk—and treats you to stunning waterfront views along the way. Cross that finish line, sip some fresh apple cider, pick out your ideal pumpkin, and feel great knowing your entry fee supports Girls on the Run's mission to empower young girls everywhere.

Get ready to celebrate Prelude Run Club's very first 5k and 10k event on the beautiful WB&A Trail in Glenn Dale on September 26th, 2025! Whether you're tackling your first official race, chasing a personal record, or just enjoying the trail with friends, this community-focused event welcomes runners and walkers of all levels. With races kicking off at 9:00 AM (10k) and 9:15 AM (5k), plus a post-race festival, it's the perfect opportunity to show up for yourself in a supportive atmosphere!

Join us for our 15th year of pedaling for an amazing cause! Choose your distance—27, 32, or 61 miles—and cruise through scenic country roads and state parks in Harford County while supporting the Perry Point Fisher House. Best part? Registration is completely free thanks to our generous sponsors and volunteers, so every dollar you donate goes straight to helping military veterans and their families with housing support during medical visits—and it's 100% tax deductible!

Lace up and join a community movement dedicated to supporting Black men's health and wellness right here in Baltimore! This gathering brings together passionate people to plan Baltimore Men's Wellness Day 2026—organizing everything from health screenings to our 5K run/walk while building stronger families and shifting conversations around men's well-being. Best part? All programs are completely free, and your involvement can help create real, lasting change in our city.

Lace up for a fantastic day of running and walking in Baltimore on Saturday, September 26, 2026, where you'll choose between a 5K run or 1-mile walk, followed by a fun Critter Crawl Kids Dash—all supporting the amazing work at Johns Hopkins Children's Center! Your registration includes a comfy cotton tee, and you can even add discounted zoo admission for just $17, plus fundraise for the specific area of the Children's Center closest to your heart. Bring the whole family and take advantage of our special group pricing with a 10% discount for four participants!

Lace up and head to Bladensburg Waterfront Park on September 26 to run or walk 5K while supporting BMHS Fine Arts programs—every dollar goes straight to our students' creative endeavors! Packet pickup starts at 8:55 a.m. with the race kicking off promptly at 9:00 a.m., so arrive early since late arrivals won't be able to participate. Top finishers in the overall male and female categories plus BMHS student divisions will earn awards to celebrate their effort!

Get ready to lace up for the 7th race of the day at the 2025 Bull Run Cross Country Invitational happening in Parkton, MD—the Reunion Run kicking off at 12:15 PM! Whether you're a seasoned runner or just getting started, everyone is welcome to participate in this fun community event. Sign up today and join the celebration!

# Rewritten Description Get ready for a fun-filled cycling adventure through Maryland's beautiful Eastern Shore on September 26th, 2025, featuring scenic farmlands, charming small towns, and gorgeous water views! Fuel up with donuts and coffee from Dunkin' (6-8:30am), grab lunch from the Pupuseria Kent Island Food Truck (11am-3pm), snap a photo with the donut mascot, and enjoy live music from the KG Band while earning exclusive Rolling Donut socks and cold ones from Bull Goat Brewery. Choose your perfect route—the full century (7am start, pink arrows), metric century (7:30am start, green arrows), or 33-miler (8am start, blue arrows)—all with well-stocked rest stops and SAG support to keep you rolling!

Get ready to move, celebrate, and get messy at this fantastic community gathering brought to you by the YMCA in Hagerstown! Choose your own adventure with a 1K or 5K route designed for every age and ability—walk, jog, run, or simply enjoy the scenery while friendly volunteers cover you in vibrant colored powder at stations throughout the course. It's all about having a blast and building community together, so leave your competitive spirit at home, wear your whitest outfit, and prepare to finish looking like a rainbow!