The NCR Marathon & Half Marathon takes place at 1500 Glencoe Rd in Sparks Glencoe, Maryland, on November 28, 2026. The event offers both the full 26.2-mile marathon distance and a half marathon option for runners at different fitness levels. The race starts at 8:30 AM. Entry fees range from $96 to $166 depending on registration timing and distance selected. This November date positions the race in fall conditions typical of Maryland's late autumn season. The venue location provides a dedicated starting point for both marathon and half marathon participants competing on the same day.
From the Race Organizer
Welcome to the 37th running of the NCR Marathon presented by the Baltimore Road Runners Club. The 2026 NCR Trail Marathon & Half will be held on Saturday, November 28, 2026 NEW FOR 2026: $1- price increase across the board! Running is already expensive enough with carbon shoes & the cost of travel IN 2026. We get it, so we've made the 2026 registration just a $1- increase from 2025. The NCR Marathon is Baltimore’s oldest continuously running USATF certified marathon held annually on the Saturday following Thanksgiving. BRRC also presented the historic Maryland Marathon dating back to 1973 before moving to the Northern Central Railroad Trail in 1990. The Northern Central Railroad Trail, officially known as the Torrey C. Brown Trail, covers nearly 20 miles in Maryland, stretching from Hunt Valley to the Mason-Dixon Line. The out and back marathon course offers a scenic wooded run on a crushed gravel and dirt trail alongside the waters of Big Gunpowder Falls—an idyllic setting to cruise 26.2 miles. During the first few years, the race originated at the Old Sparks Elementary School. After fire destroyed this historic school, the marathon start and finish moved to mile four on the trail before relocating up the hill to the new Sparks Elementary School. In 2003, the marathon relay was introduced. For the 25th anniversary, an 8K event was added to the marathon and marathon relay. In 2017, the marathon course was re-certified and its start moved to the beautiful Oldfields School campus, our host site since. A lot has changed over the years, but one thing that has stayed the same: this is a runner’s race. And, as runners we take pride in continuing to make the NCR Marathon and Half Marathon a first-class event. This is a FAST course and a great fall Boston Qualifier. Race finishers receive a large blanket. This isn't your average beach blanket: this will be the most coveted piece in your home. Warm & soft, even your fur babies will lay claim to this piece once it's in your home. You will receive your finishers blanket after crossing the finish line. You must present your race bib to receive your blanket. Every participant will receive a NCR hoody (unisex sizing) at packet pickup. Additional information (including parking, packet pickup, etc) can be found on our website, brrc.com
Hotels Near This Race
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for November 28.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Sparks Glencoe, 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
When is NCR Marathon & Half Marathon 2026 — Sparks Glencoe, MD?
NCR Marathon & Half Marathon 2026 — Sparks Glencoe, MD takes place on November 28, 2026. The race is held in Sparks Glencoe, Maryland.
Where is NCR Marathon & Half Marathon 2026 — Sparks Glencoe, MD held?
NCR Marathon & Half Marathon 2026 — Sparks Glencoe, MD is held at 1500 Glencoe Rd in Sparks Glencoe, Maryland.
Where can I find hotels near NCR Marathon & Half Marathon 2026 — Sparks Glencoe, MD?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Sparks Glencoe. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.