COURSE DESCRIPTION

The race is an out and back course primarily along the Northern Central Railroad Trail. The start and finish are at Sparks Elementary School, and the first 1.8 miles and last 1.5 miles of the race are on rural paved roads. A few hills occur on the paved roads that begin and end the course, but most of the race is on the flat stretches of the NCR Trail. The trail surface is a compacted combination of dirt and fine stone. The trail winds along the Gunpowder River, through quiet farmland.

COURSE MAP

View the course map including elevation. NOTE: The current map is slightly in error. The turn around point is at 13.5 miles at Bentley Springs Road. As soon as we have an updated map it will be posted.

RACE FEATURES

• USATF-certified course, Boston Marathon qualifier
• Water stops with Gatorade every 3 to 3.5 miles
• Medals to marathon finishers and relay teams
• Warm waiting area and baggage drop in school gym
• After-race hot soup and snacks
• Unique awards based on the Northern Central Railway heritage
• Chip timing

AWARDS

The awards ceremony will follow the race in the Sparks Elementary School gym. Awards will not be mailed. There is $150 awarded for any new marathon record.

CheessiePhoto will have their Photographers on the course taking photos of all runners. After the race please visit www.chessiephoto.com

REGISTRATION

Registration will be opening soon! Please check back for mail-in applications and links to online registration.

Note: The Two-Person Relay is limited to 40 teams and always fills up early, typically within 60 days of registration opening.

PARKING & SHUTTLE BUS

There is no parking at Sparks Elementary School. We will provide shuttle bus service from the parking lot at Western Run Business Park, 14550 York Road, (map) beginning at 6:30AM and shuttle bus service back to the parking lot post race. The last bus will leave the parking lot for the race start at 8:00 AM. Buses run frequently before and after the race.

Directions to parking

From I-83 South: Exit east on Belfast Road, go past Sparks elementary School, turn right on York Road (MD 45). Parking is 1.3 miles on the right.

From I-83 North: Exit east on Shawan Road, past Hunt Valley Mall to York Road (MD 45). Turn left and parking is 1.2 miles north.

RELAY LOGISTICS

Relay runners running the second leg will be transported by shuttle buses to the exchange point shortly after the marathon start. The bus will remain at the exchange point for the first runners. It will return to the finish area when full. Since it's likely to be cold we suggest 1st leg relay runners have their team mate bring warm clothing to the exhange point.

LODGING & EATING

Lodging, dining, and shopping are available four miles south of the race start along Shawan Road and the York Road corrider. The list below suggests some of the nearby hotels.

QUESTIONS

Please check out our FAQs as you may find your answer there. If not you can send an email to info@NCRTrailMarathon.com, or contact our race director Erin Sanders at brexaminer@gmail.com, or Kelly Dees from Charm City Run at 410-308-1870.

REGISTRATION

When does the marathon typically sell out?

The marathon is limited to the first 550 runners who sign up. Normally we sell out in early November, but it has been sold out in mid October.

When does the marathon relay typically sell out?

Only 40 teams are accepted so the marathon relay typically sells out in early August.

I signed up on Active.com but did not get a confirmation email. Am I in?

Our list of entrants is updated about once a week so you can check for your name there. Also check your spam folder for the email confirmation.

I'm filling out the registration form for the marathon relay. Do we need to submit two forms for each runner or do they both go on the same form?

You would actually need to complete two forms, one per participant and submit them together.

MARATHON & RELAY

Can I run both the relay and the marathon?

No, in order to allow as many people to participate as possible we only allow entry into one event.

Is there a time limit?

Yes, there is a 6-hour time limit. The course closes promptly at 2:30. Any participants remaining on the course after this time will be swept.

Do you normally attract many first time or novice marathon runners?

We do in fact have participants that choose to make this event their first marathon.

Is bag check available?

Yes we have an indoor gym where bag check is available.

Are there shower facilities available at the finish?

No, showers are not available.

Are ipods or any electronic devices allowed during the race?

It is a Road Runners Club of America sanctioned event and therefore iPods and ear buds are not permitted.

I still have questions. Who can I ask?

You can send an email to info@NCRTrailMarathon.com. You can also contact our race director Erin Sanders at brexaminer@gmail.com or Kelly Dees from Charm City Run at 410-308-1870.