Baltimore, MD

With its mid-atlantic location, Baltimore has a warm humid temperate climate with hot summers and no dry season. Winters are chilly on the scale of D.C. or Philadelphia. Summers can be hot and very humid (hydrate on your runs), while winters can be challenging with ice and snow.

When staying in downtown, there are many choices of beautiful hotels with waterfront views (Four Seasons, Courtyard Baltimore and Pier 5 just to name a few). Inner Harbor East is the most upscale part of downtown with quality shops, restaurants and gorgeous views.

The best running routes are along the waterfront, starting in Harbor East and going as far west around the waterfront to Fort McHenry (7 miles total). Also accessible and near the waterfront are Patterson Park and Federal Hill for runs. And if staying in one of the numerous hotels north of the harbor, it’s an easy and quick run down to the waterfront for those great views.

3 miles north and also accessible by metro is Johns Hopkins University. There are hotels around there and also great running options.

And if your stuck (or staying at the airport), have no fear as there is an 11 mile loop around the airport with a couple of small parks to run through.

Downtown:
Baltimore Charm City Run
Opened in 2012, this is one of 5 Charm City Run stores located in the Baltimore area. Group runs Thursday 6:30 pm with pub after!
Group run 2nd Tuesday of the month, this 3 or 5 mile long run will take you to the Shake Shack where your 1st wine, beer or shake is free.
Also, stop at the store to pick up pre-written routes their training groups use.

Outside of Downtown:
Falls Road Running Store
Baltimore’s oldest specialty running store. Located in the northern part of the city and holds fun races such as the Celtic Solstice 5 Miler and Dreaded Druid Hills Race. 5 mile group runs are held on Thursdays at 6:30pm, from spring daylight savings to fall daylight savings.

Fleet Feet Sports Baltimore
This running store is family owned and has some pretty knowledgable staff -Owners Bobby Levin and Karen Levin have run 27 and 28 marathons respectively, and son Kevin has run 8. Every year since 2011, Fleet Feet Sports, Baltimore has been named one of the “50 Best Running Stores in America.” Group runs are held Tuesdays & Thursdays at 6pm, and on Saturdays spring through fall only.

Road Runner Sports

Since 1983, Road Runner Sports has grown from selling running shoes out of a garage to over 40 locations across America today. After 35 years, they are still family-run and proud of it! They are committed to fitting runners, walkers, and gym goers in perfect fitting shoes. The closest location is in Elkridge.

Other group runs

November Project, a great running group who get together at Rash Field in the inner harbor on T/W/Th.

Get the guide to the best races in this area from our friends at RaceRaves! You can sort by highest rating, date (i.e. ‘upcoming’), or race name.

Browse RaceRaves in Baltimore, MD

Baltimore Running Festival. October. 5k/half/full marathon
Highly recommended,: a little bit of everything: great hills with high elevation and deep lows, lots of flat land, and many opportunities to pass.

Baltimore 6 Miler August
Fast and scenic course that highlights the Baltimore waterfront promenade and the City’s South East communities.

Dreaded Druid Hills 10K. August
Known as the race you love to hate, this 10K provides the hills, heat and humidity, as it’s held in August.

Charles Street 12 Miler. September.
Perfect course for those working towards a marathon, runs along Baltimore’s historic streets, starting at the shops at Kenilworth and finishing at the Power Plant Live where the post-party is held.

Celtic Solstice Five Miler. December
Baltimore’s premier winter event, the Celtic Solstice Five Miler is held in December and is a very popular event with over 4,000 runners. You will usually find men in kilts and spiced wine and hot soup after the race.

New Year’s Day Resolution Run Baltimore 5K. January 1
Intentionally scheduled in the afternoon (starting at 2pm) so you can sleep in after your New Year’s Eve festivities. The course starts and ends at the Pavillion and runs throughout Patterson Park. A warm and hearty lunch of chili and cornbread await you at the post-race celebration in St. Elizabeth Church Hall.