Baltimore Running Festival: A Race Like No Other

Ready, set, run! Marathoners, shorter distance runners and crowds of spectators will converge on Charm City for the annual Baltimore Running Festival this October. The 24th annual event is set for October 19, 2024, and promises to be nothing short of epic! Whether you're lacing up for the marathon, half marathon, 10K, or 5K, the Baltimore Running Festival never disappoints, as 20,000 runners hit the streets for miles of the city’s best sights and sounds. The starting line for both the marathon and 10K races is at Camden Yards, just a short walk from our historic bed and breakfast, Rachael's Dowry.

All of the races in the Baltimore Running Festival are chip-timed to ensure precision, and the courses are designed to showcase Charm City's vibrant neighborhoods, waterfront, and unique attractions. The marathon route alone is a tour of Baltimore’s greatest hits: you'll wind your way north through Druid Hill Park and the Maryland Zoo. Yes, you’ll run right past the penguins! (Pro tip: don’t let their tuxedos make you feel underdressed.) Then you'll make a turn south and travel through Federal Hill, Fells Point, and the iconic Inner Harbor.

For marathon runners, miles 16-20 are no joke. Dubbed the Charm City version of Boston’s “Heartbreak Hill,” these tough climbs come with a sweet reward—once you make it to Lake Montebello, the route flattens out, offering a breath of relief before a mostly downhill dash to the finish line. Friendly spectators are known to offer gummy bears or even open their homes for bathroom breaks (talk about hometown hospitality!). And there's nothing like that final stretch: the energy of downtown Baltimore, a left turn onto Pratt Street, and the finish line set against the historic USS Constellation.

Not up for the full marathon? No worries! The half marathon starts at Baltimore’s beautiful Inner Harbor and is known for being a massive party, with live music, tons of cheering, and thousands of runners ready to tackle the course. After three miles, the half marathoners join the marathoners at Patterson Park, and from there, it’s a 10-mile tour of the city’s highlights. Plus, there's always the 5K or 10K for runners who prefer a shorter race.

Not a runner? Walkers are welcome to participate in the Baltimore Running Festival. You must be able to finish the marathon race in 7 hours, which is a pace of 16 minutes per mile, or in 5 hours if walking the half-marathon.

And if you're not running or walking at all, you're still invited to join in on the fun. Celebration Village at the Inner Harbor is the heart of the post-race festivities. From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., it’s Baltimore’s biggest street party, featuring live music, interactive games, and plenty of food and drink. It’s a great spot to cheer on finishers, grab a bite, and soak in the race day atmosphere.

If you're looking to start small (really small), don’t miss the .05K race on October 17, the Thursday before the festival. This 162-foot dash is held at Union Craft Brewing and supports the Baltimore City Firefighters Widows and Orphans Fund. It’s hosted by local radio station 98 ROCK, and let’s be honest—this might be the most laid-back "race" you’ll ever run (or walk, or stand around watching with a beer in hand).

Don’t forget the Health & Fitness Expo on Friday, October 18, at the Baltimore Convention Center. Open to the public and totally free, it's a great place to snag deals on running gear and check out the latest in health and fitness products and draws roughly 30,000 visitors on its own.

Whether you're running, walking, or cheering from the sidelines, don't miss the Baltimore Running Festival. It's not just a race—it's a celebration of Charm City! And after a day full of pounding the pavement, there’s no better place to rest and recover than at Rachael’s Dowry, our historic and cozy retreat just minutes from the action. With our peaceful setting and luxurious accommodations, you’ll be able to relax in style and recharge for whatever comes next.