Baltimore Running Festival 2026 — Baltimore, MD
The Baltimore Running Festival starts at 7:30 AM, so plan your travel accordingly if you're arriving from out of town. The event, held at McKeldin Plaza, offers five distance options: 5K, 10K, 13 miles, 16.2 miles, and 26 miles, giving you flexibility depending on your training focus. Entry fees range from free to $220. If you can't make it to Baltimore on race day, a virtual participation option is available. The festival takes place on October 17, 2026, in Maryland's largest city, making it accessible by multiple transportation routes. Whether you're targeting a half-marathon distance or testing your endurance over the full 26-mile route, the variety of distances means you can choose an event that fits your current fitness level and goals.
Course & Travel Notes
You'll want to arrive in Baltimore well before the Baltimore Running Festival on October 17th, 2026, and BWI Airport is just 8.2 miles away, making it super convenient to get to the venue. The race kicks off at 7:30 AM, which is just 12 minutes after sunrise, so you might want to grab breakfast early and get to the start line with time to spare. Expect typical fall weather—highs around 69°F and lows around 53°F—so bring layers you can shed as you warm up, and there's about a one-in-four chance of rain, so pack accordingly. The flat venue at just 10 feet elevation means you won't be dealing with any significant hills, which is great news for your race strategy.
Hotels Near This Race
Find accommodation close to the start line in Baltimore, MD. Sorted by distance from the race venue. Book early — race weekend hotels fill fast.
Baltimore Running Festival 2026 — Baltimore, MD
Race day is approaching. Hotels fill up fast.
Race weekend dates pre-loaded on Booking.com. RaceHotelFinder may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for October 17.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Baltimore, MD. A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing. Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it, and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run 5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no additional coverage needed.
- Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
- Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
- Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
- Emergency medical up to $250,000
- Cancel For Any Reason add-on available
- 24/7 real-time support
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Coverage terms vary by state and plan. Review policy details before purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Baltimore Running Festival 2026 — Baltimore, MD?
Baltimore Running Festival 2026 — Baltimore, MD takes place on October 17, 2026. The race is held in Baltimore, Maryland.
Where is Baltimore Running Festival 2026 — Baltimore, MD held?
Baltimore Running Festival 2026 — Baltimore, MD is held at McKeldin Plaza in Baltimore, Maryland.
Where can I find hotels near Baltimore Running Festival 2026 — Baltimore, MD?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Baltimore. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.