Baltimore Running Festival draws 15,000 runners, triggers road closures

The 26th annual Baltimore Running Festival took place on Saturday, October 17, 2026, bringing approximately 15,000 runners to the city for the full marathon, half marathon, 10k, and 5k events. The race started at the corner of Paca and Camden streets near the Brooks Robinson Statue. The marathon route traveled north to Druid Hill Park, passing the penguin exhibit at the Maryland Zoo, before heading south down Saint Paul Street. The course continued through the Federal Hill, Inner Harbor, and Fells Point neighborhoods along the waterfront, followed by a climb to Lake Montebello. The final five miles were mostly downhill, concluding at the finish line on Pratt Street between Charles and Light streets near McKeldin Plaza.

Race day began with the 5k at 7:30 a.m. The full marathon and 10k started at 8:00 a.m., while the half marathon started at 9:30 a.m. A post-race celebration was held at the Inner Harbor waterfront from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Awards for the 5k and 10k were presented starting at 10:00 a.m., followed by awards for the half and full marathons at 12:00 p.m.

The Baltimore Police Department issued safety warnings ahead of the event, noting that over 600 personnel were deployed to detour traffic and ensure safety. Commissioner Richard Worley urged residents and visitors to use public transit, stating that driving through gaps in the race is dangerous. The Baltimore City Department of Transportation implemented temporary road closures, lane closures, parking restrictions, and commercial vehicle restrictions on October 17. Significant impacts were reported on streets along the 26-mile route, with organizers advising drivers to prepare for extensive closures throughout the day.