2026 Baltimore Marathon - Oct 17

2026 Baltimore Marathon - Oct 17 Countdown

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Race Information

Race2026 Baltimore Marathon - Oct 17
CityBaltimore
Date2026-10-17 at 08:00
Field Size~1,961 runners
Time Limit7 hours
Cutoff pace9:57/km
TimezoneAmerica/New_York
Official SiteCorrigan Sports Enterprises
RegistrationRegister

Race Day Weather

Average Temperature13.2°C / 56°F
Humidity75%
Wind19.5 km/h
Rain Chance24%
Typical ConditionsCool, crisp mid-October Baltimore morning — comfortable racing weather with a chilly start

What to Prepare: Mid-October in Baltimore averages a low near 43°F / 6°C with a high around 67°F / 19°C. Expect a cold start and a warming afternoon, so throwaway gloves and a layer you can shed in the first few miles work well. Humidity is moderate and rain is uncommon but possible.

Based on historical averages for race week. Use our Weather Score Calculator and What to Wear Guide for personalized advice.

Wind Impact on Race Day

Wind at 19.5 km/h can affect your marathon pace by 5-15 seconds per kilometer. Headwinds slow you down exponentially — a 20 km/h wind costs more than twice a 10 km/h wind.

Calculate your wind-adjusted pace →

Race-Week Climate

Based on 20 years of race-week weather (2005-2024), MERRA-2 reanalysis

Cooler Typical Warmer
Temperature 8.5°C 13.2°C 18.2°C
Dew point 2.1°C 7.9°C 15.4°C
Wet-day chance: 24% Runnability: 75/100

Data: NASA POWER (MERRA-2 reanalysis), NASA Langley Research Center

Course Profile

Course TypeCity point-to-loop
Elevation Gain297m
TerrainRoad (rolling city streets, climbs, and a flat lake loop)
ProfileAn honest, hilly tour of Baltimore and one of the more challenging mid-Atlantic marathons — the organizer notes the elevation profile is comparable to Boston's, with roughly +977 ft (297 m) of climbing. The course rolls between two hilly sections joined by a flatter middle. It starts near Oriole Park at Camden Yards and M&T Bank Stadium at Russell & Camden Streets, climbs north past the Maryland Zoo (running right by the penguin exhibit), then works through neighborhoods toward the eastern side of the city. After looping the southern and eastern edges of Patterson Park, the route hits its toughest stretch — a long, steady climb past Clifton Park up to Lake Montebello around miles 16-20, often compared to Boston's Heartbreak Hill, with a flat loop of the lake offering some relief. From there it descends back through the city to finish on the waterfront at McKeldin Plaza in the Inner Harbor, in the shadow of the historic USS Constellation. USATF-certified (#MD23001LMJ) and a Boston qualifier — times are shared automatically with the B.A.A. — but the rolling profile makes it a strength-and-grit course rather than a flat PR machine.
Boston QualifierYes — Check your BQ time

Prepare for 2026 Baltimore Marathon - Oct 17

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is the 2026 Baltimore Marathon and what time does it start?

The 2026 Baltimore Marathon is on Saturday, October 17, 2026, the centerpiece of the Baltimore Running Festival. The full marathon starts at 8:00 a.m. ET from Russell & Camden Streets, near Oriole Park at Camden Yards and M&T Bank Stadium in downtown Baltimore.

How hilly is the Baltimore Marathon course?

It is genuinely hilly — the organizer describes the elevation profile as comparable to the Boston Marathon, with about +977 ft (297 m) of total climbing. The route rolls between two hilly sections linked by a flatter middle stretch. The hardest part is a long, steady climb past Clifton Park up to Lake Montebello around miles 16-20, often compared to Boston's Heartbreak Hill.

Is the Baltimore Marathon a Boston qualifier?

Yes. The course is USATF-certified (#MD23001LMJ) and a Boston-qualifying event — finish times are automatically shared with the B.A.A. for Boston Marathon entry consideration. That said, the rolling, hilly profile makes Baltimore a strength course rather than a flat, fast PR track.

What is the time limit for the Baltimore Marathon?

The marathon has a 7-hour time limit, which works out to roughly a 16:00 per mile pace. It is a walker-friendly cutoff; runners or walkers who fall behind the maximum pace can take a SAG vehicle back to the Inner Harbor or continue on the sidewalks as pedestrians.

Where does the Baltimore Marathon finish?

The marathon finishes on the waterfront at McKeldin Plaza in the Inner Harbor, in the shadow of the historic tall ship USS Constellation. The finish celebration spreads along the harbor promenade through McKeldin Square, West Shore Park, and Rash Field.

How do I register for the 2026 Baltimore Marathon and what does it cost?

Registration is handled through RunSignUp via the official Baltimore Running Festival site. The full-marathon entry starts at about $140 (plus a small platform fee) and rises toward $150 as registration tiers fill, so register early. You must be at least 13 years old and able to finish within the 7-hour limit.

What landmarks does the Baltimore Marathon pass?

The course is a sightseeing tour of the city: it starts near Camden Yards, climbs past the Maryland Zoo (right by the penguin exhibit), loops Patterson Park and Lake Montebello, and finishes on the Inner Harbor waterfront. It also threads through neighborhoods like historic Federal Hill and Fells Point.

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