The Mermaid Run starts at 8:00 AM on August 22, 2026, in Aberdeen, Maryland, giving travelers a reasonable morning window to arrive. Held at Festival Park, this running event offers a 1-mile distance suitable for a quick early-season effort or a casual race experience. Entry fees range from $25 to $45 depending on registration timing. If travel plans fall through or logistics shift, the race provides a virtual participation option, allowing you to complete the 1-mile distance on your own schedule and still be counted as an official finisher. This flexibility works well for endurance athletes juggling multiple race weekends or uncertain schedules.
From the Race Organizer
Registration is now open! The 2026 Mermaid Run is scheduled for Saturday, August 22, 2026 at Festival Park in Aberdeen, MD 5K Race start is 8:00 am, followed by the Mermaid Mile start soon after The 5K Race will be professionally chip-timed by Blue Cheetah Sports Timing and offers a marathon-quality 5k finisher's medal and event shirt for all participants. The course is USATF Certified - Fast and FLAT! Costumes are encouraged, and we will have music and prizes! Check out www.themermaidrun.com for more information and past race photos, medals and more! Proceeds will benefit the Sea of Hope Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing support and assistance to families who have suffered infancy and pregnancy loss. Our mission is to be a beacon of support, offering solace, education and financial assistance during these difficult times. As we help navigate through the waves of grief we aim to create a supportive community and offer resources to help guide these families through their grief and find hope in the midst of their pain. We recognizes the impact of these losses on the entire family, including siblings who may also be grieving and in need of support. In addition to providing assistance to parents, the Sea of Hope Foundation also offers scholarships to bereaved siblings. These scholarships aim to empower and support them in their educational pursuits, helping them build a brighter future despite the challenges they have faced within their family. Through its comprehensive approach, the Sea of Hope Foundation strives to create a compassionate and inclusive environment, fostering healing, support, and opportunities for families who have suffered from infancy and pregnancy loss. For more information about the Sea of Hope Foundation please visit www.seaofhopefoundation.org This event is rain or shine; no refunds will be offered due to inclement weather or other reasons. ** If you cannot attend the live race and wish to have your items mailed to you, you must request prior to August 31 2026 and a separate shipping fee will apply. We cannot make arrangements for in-person pickups. Any items not claimed or requested by August 31 will be considered a donation to the Sea of Hope Foundation. After 8/21/26 shirt sizes for swaps to Virtual or Mailouts can not be guaranteed.
Hotels Near This Race
Find accommodation close to the start line in Aberdeen, MD. Sorted by distance from the race venue. Book early — race weekend hotels fill fast.
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for August 22.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Aberdeen, 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
The Mermaid Run 2026 — Aberdeen, MD takes place on August 22, 2026. The race is held in Aberdeen, Maryland.
Where is The Mermaid Run 2026 — Aberdeen, MD held?
The Mermaid Run 2026 — Aberdeen, MD is held at Festival Park in Aberdeen, Maryland.
Where can I find hotels near The Mermaid Run 2026 — Aberdeen, MD?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Aberdeen. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
