Hi readers and runners! I ran the Baltimore Running Festival Half Marathon on 10/19/2024 in 2:03:22, so let’s get into the recap ✨
The Baltimore Running Festival has 5k, 10k, half marathon, and marathon distances to choose from, so there really is a race distance for everyone! This race was the last one I needed as a part of the Black Eyed Susan Challenge which consisted of me running the following races:
Frederick Running Festival (I ran the 5k and half marathon for the Nut Job Challenge)
Baltimore Running Festival (I ran the half)
Race Goals:
Going into the weekend my goal was to run goal marathon pace and run a 2:07 half (9:45 min/mile pace), but I am terrible at pacing!
Race Day
Bracelets worn: LET YOUR MIND RUN, BEAR TRAIL HALF, BALTIMORE HALF
Shoes worn: Saucony Endorphin Speed 3
Hat worn: Sparkle Athletics Rose Gold Visor
And of course I wore my signature face glitter!
This race only had pacers for the full marathon, so I was left on my own with pacing. I really did not do a good job at all with pacing/conserving energy for all the hills!
This race is unique because of it’s later start time. The half marathon begins at 9:45 am and starts at the halfway point of the marathon course. It was fun having a later start because I could cheer on the marathoners (their race started at 8:00 am).
Overall experience
Difficulty: 3.5/5
This course is hilly and hill training is a must if you want to run this race!
Scenery: 2/5
It’s a city, so there wasn’t anything special about the course. It was a nice view running around Lake Montebello – especially because it was nice and flat there! Ending at the Inner Harbor on a nice sunny day was picturesque ☀️
Race premiums, medals, and merch: 5/5
I love the teal green color of the long sleeve race premium. It did not have a fancy design, but I enjoyed the Under Armour shirt. I ended up purchasing a Baltimore tank top from Charm City Run as well.
The best part of this race the was medals! The half marathon medal is a Maryland blue crab that opens up to reveal a dedication to the Key Bridge. Additionally I got my Black Eyed Susan Challenge Medal and it is HUGE!!
After party: 4/5
The after party is at the Inner Harbor so the space is large enough to hold a lot of people without feeling too crowded. I didn’t eat any food provided or paid, but did use my two beer tickets for Michelob Ultra 🍻 The cover band was really good too!
Overall: 4.5/5
I am definitely adding this race to my schedule for 2025! It is a challenging course, but there are ample aid stations and people cheering to get you through the race. It was a lot of fun and since it is a semi-local race for me I was able to see a lot of friends who were running or cheering. I had my own little cheer squad that came to support me!
A Little Baltimore History
My mom grew up in Baltimore and I was born in Baltimore, so the city is special to me. I also went to college in Towson which is right outside of the city, so I went to the city a lot during college especially to PowerPlant Live 🍸🍾🍺
Baltimore is the home of the Edgar Allan Poe Museum and is a city heavily associate with Poe. He lived in Baltimore for a time, and he is buried in Baltimore. One of my favorite restaurants in Baltimore is the Annabel Lee Tavern – it was where my husband and I celebrated our first Valentine’s Day together. Also if you’re lucky, you might get to meet the Poe impersonator that frequents the tavern!
Thanks so much for reading my race recap! Are you training for any upcoming races or have any running related goals? Leave a comment and let’s chat!
Happy running 🏃🏃♀️
