17 events in Frederick County, Maryland
From big races to Saturday morning group runs—find running, cycling, triathlon, and swimming events and connect with the local endurance sports community.
Frederick County
17 events in Frederick County-
Sun, Mar 08, 2026 at 7:30 AM
Come enjoy the scenic routes at Point of Rocks!
***Water stations will be limited on this route, so we do recommend bringing your own water to carry.
Walkers are welcome to attend this event.
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Sat, Mar 14, 2026 at 1:00 PMSee full details
The 43rd ANNUAL FOREST OF NEEDWOOD!!!
YOU CAN REGISTER ON RACE DAY IN PERSON IF YOU'D LIKE!!!
The Forest of Needwood Race on March 14th, 2026. Will be an IN PERSON Race. (SNOW/WEATHER date if needed will be Saturday March 21, 2026) Race day registration starts at 11:00AM. Gun goes off at 1PM.
Address of race day registration, starting line, and the finish line is:
Saint Mary Catholic Church 4231 Catholic Church Road, Petersville, MD 21758
This is a Frederick Steeplechasers Grand Prix Event. This event honors a true American Hero, Jennifer Shafer Odom. She gave her life in the service of our country while serving in the United States Army in 1999. She was a Brunswick High School and West Point graduate.
The Forest of Needwood Race is Frederick County's Oldest road race!!! (est. 1983).
COURSE RECORDS
MALE: TOM NAVE @ 25:52 IN 1989
FEMALE: LAURA NELSON @ 29:48 IN 1995
COURSE: 5 MILE LOOP, ROLLING HILLS ON PAVED ROAD THROUGH THE HISTORIC PROPERTY CALLED FOREST OF NEEDWOOD.
FOREST OF NEEDWOOD COURSE MAP CLICK HERE ---> CLICK ME
2026 Pre-Registration Prices
$10 for 18 and younger
$30 for 19 and older
2026 Race Day Registration Prices
$15 for 18 and younger
$35 for 19 and older
Shirts & Prizes
43rd Annual commemorative NEEDWOOD SHIRT GUARENTEED TO ALL PRE-REGISTERED RUNNERS if they pre-register before FEBRUARY 26, 2026. If you register after 11:59PM February 25, 2026 it will be first come first served on race day. Also fun random prizes at award ceremony.
Awards
1st & 2nd place gender plaques for 19 & over. 1st & 2nd place gender plaque for 18 & under. Age group medals 1st & 2nd place in 6 adult age groups.
Race is sponsored by Express Run Club & Brunswick Area Recreation Council (BARCMD.COM) Please visit their website and think about helping the Brunswick Community by volunteering with them!
The BARC Mission is to provide events for the southwest section of Frederick County Maryland ranging from recreation events to fundraisers for local charities. The Brunswick Area Recreation Council (BARC) meets the second Monday of EACH month. Contact us for more details @ 301-834-8045.
Some of Our Activities: Forest of Needwood Race to benefit Jennifer Shafer Odom Scholarship Fund, Haunted Hayride, Scottish First Footing, and Freezin’ for a Reason.
Connect with us:
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: @barcmaryland
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Sat, Apr 11, 2026 at 8:30 AMSee full details
Join the Frederick community for our 4th Annual St. Joseph's 5K and Fun Run hosted by St. Joseph on Carrollton Manor Catholic Church! We are excited to come together for a fun, family-friendly event that makes a lasting impact! The majority of the proceeds will go towards the restoration of the Historic Church. In addition, a portion of this years proceeds will be donated back to the Food Pantry which is housed in the basement of the historic church.
Whether you're a seasoned runner or a casual walker, or looking for a fun way to support a good cause, this race is the perfect opportunity to challenge yourself and have a great time. We were so close to reaching 200 participants last year. Help us break the 200 mark! Grab your family, friends or running buddy and come out for a great event! See you at the starting line!
Can't run? You can still help!
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Volunteer on Race Day
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Become a sponsor
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Make a general donation to St. Joseph on Carrollton Manor (be sure to specify 2026 St. Joseph 5K and Fun Run
5K Race
REGISTER EARLY! The first 25 5K participants will be entered into a drawing to receive a $100 Dick's Sporting Goods gift card. The cost for the 5K registration for will increase from $45 to $50 after February 16th, so register now! In order to be guaranteed an official race day t-shirt, please register no later than March 20th.
For the 5K, runners will be timed with chipped bibs and prize medals will be awarded to the top three men and the top top three women in multiple age brackets. In addition, all registered runners will automatically be entered into a drawing to win awesome prizes from some of Frederick's local businesses!
1 Mile Fun Run
The cost for the Fun Run is $25. The more the merrier, though... If you sign-up with a group of 4 or more, each runner will receive a $5 discount. Bring your whole family and have a great time! All Fun Run participants (13 and under) will be awarded a Fun Run ribbon.
Donate to the St. Joseph's Food Pantry
THIS EVENT IS A FOOD DRIVE ALSO! Please bring a canned good or dry food item to donate to St. Joseph Food Pantry that is used to provide food and hope to neighbors in need. In addition to your generous donations, a portion of this years proceeds will be donated back to the Food Pantry which is housed in the basement of the historic church.
Join the Ministry Miles Challenge
Move together. Support the Pastorate. Have fun.
This year’s St. Joseph 5K & Fun Run is launching the Ministry Miles Challenge—a friendly competition inviting parish ministries to form teams and participate together.
Whether you walk, run, or cheer from the sidelines, this is a great way to represent your ministry, enjoy fellowship, and support a parish-wide event.
How It Works:
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Register for the 5K or Fun Run
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Select your ministry team during registration
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Invite others in your ministry to join
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The ministry with the most registered participants will earn a special prize and parish recognition.
Why Join?
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Build community within your ministry
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Encourage healthy movement and fellowship
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Support the Pastorate in a fun, meaningful way
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Walkers, runners, families, and supporters of all ages are welcome. You don’t have to be fast—just willing to participate!
👉 Choose your ministry. Register today. Let’s move together for St. Joseph.
Important Information
Packet Pickup will take place at the Historic Church at St. Joseph on Carrollton Manor on Friday, April 10th from 5-7 PM (strongly encouraged to avoid waiting in line on race day). Please pay attention to signage about packet pick-up for Friday evening. There is a separate parking lot for the historic church that is just a few hundred feet from the main entrance to the church. Road signs will help direct you to the appropriate lot. You may also choose to pickup your packet on race day between 7 and 8 AM in front of the main church near the parking area. If you choose to pickup your packet on race day, please arrive early as to not delay the start of the race.
Race Day Schedule of Events:
7-8 AM: Packet Pickup and On-site registration
8:15 AM: Group Warm-up
8:25 AM: National Anthem
8:30 AM: 5K Race starts
9:15 AM: 1 Mile Fun Run starts
10:00 AM: 5K Awards
See Course Maps:
5K Course Map
1 Mile Fun Run Course Map
Parking: All participants for the 5K and Fun Run should be parked no later than 8:15 the day of the race. If for some reason you arrive after that time, you must enter Manor Woods Road from the New Design Side. Please park in the main parking lot of the church and our volunteers will direct you to the historic church will the race will begin.
Strollers: Strollers are allowed for this event. If you are pushing a stroller, please plan to line up in the back of the starting area for the safety of everyone around. If you will be running with a stroller, please be sure it is a jogging or running stroller.
Pets: Please no pets at this event.
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Fri, Apr 17, 2026 at 5:00 AMSee full details
ONLINE REGISTRATION IS OPEN UNTIL 6:30AM ON RACE DAY
After 6:30, register on site at the blue check in tent BEGINNING AT 7AM.
8:15AM - 5K race
9:00AM - 1M walk
CHECK IN TIMES:
RUNNER CHECK IN: 7:15-8:00
WALKER CHECK IN: 8:15-8:45
WANT TO RUN WITH YOUR DOG? We welcome your leashed dogs to run or walk the course. Please have your dogs on a 4-6 foot leash - no retractable leashes please. Register as WITH DOG-LIVE 5K RUN so we can easily identify and reward our runners with dogs. Registrants can change this category up until the start of the race. ALL runners with dogs WILL BE eligible for age level awards.
WANT TO WALK THE 5K COURSE? Yes, you can walk the 5K course. Register as 1M LIVE UNTIMED WALK. Check in for walkers is 8:15-9:00. Let us know when you check in that you are walking the 5K course when you check in.
VIRTUAL RACE/WALK DATES:
Friday, April 17 through Monday, April 20
COURSE TYPE: Entire course is within the park grounds and is paved except for small crossing areas that may have light gravel. The event site, check in area and vendor area are on grass and will be wet in the morning. Plan accordingly. The race is run on paved paths with a few gravel crossing sites -- all within the park grounds. Runners will run before walkers so no overlapping will occur.
RACE SHIRTS-LONG SLEEVED:
In an effort to reduce costs associated with this event, we are offering shirts by RESERVATION ONLY. Reserve your shirt when registering to ensure you receive your size. LAST DATE TO REGISTER AND RECEIVE A SHIRT IS MARCH 21 If no shirt is ordered (for on-site participants), the registration fee is reduced by $5.00 at that time. After March 21, the discount does not apply.
CHILDREN AGED 0-10 ARE FREE. There is no option for shirts for these children. If you want to purchase a shirt for a child, email the race director BEFORE April 4 to make arrangements.
ON SITE runners/walkers: ONLY pre-ordered shirts will be distributed at check in. (Must be registered by March 21). There will be NO EXTRA SHIRTS.
VIRTUAL runners/walkers: Shirts are an optional purchase when registering by . AFTER March 21 2026, virtual runners/walkers cannot order shirts.
AWARDS (FOR RUNNERS ON SITE ONLY) - Runners are eligible for overall awards AND age group awards.
Top Overall Male
Top Overall Female
1st, 2nd & 3rd Male Running With Dog
1st, 2nd & 3rd Female Running With Dog
1st & 2nd Male & Female in Age Groups:
60 & Up
50-59
40-49
30-39
20-29
11-19
ON SITE FOOD TRUCKS & VENDORS
FOOD TRUCKS:
TBD
VENDORS
TBD
The 11th Annual Fast & Furriest 5K race and 1M walk to benefit Operation Paws for Homes - an all-breed 501c3 dog rescue - is one of the rescue's largest annual fundraisers.
This year's race is focused on helping dogs diagnosed with heartworm disease, which can be deadly if not treated. These dogs are often the last to leave a shelter -- if they leave at all. The rural shelters we work with do not have the resources to treat these animals who are sick through no fault of their own. Without rescue or adoption from the shelter, the chances are slim they will survive.
Each year, Operation Paws for Homes incurs vast medical costs - in 2025, costs will exceed $150,000. Treating the heartworm positive dogs who are lucky enough to come to the rescue make up about $30,000 - approximately 20% of total medical costs, This event aims to replenish those funds so that we can treat even more dogs. We encourage families, runners, walkers, supporters and anyone interested in helping this organization to join in this fun event.
The race is run on paved paths with a few gravel crossing sites -- all within the park grounds. Runners will run before walkers so no overlapping will occur.
This year our Donate & Dash area will offer only gift cards and gift certificates for various businesses and restaurants. Some gift cards might come with a basket - depending on the donor. The concept is the same though - just donate the D&D suggested amount and take it!
Tell all your friends and family - wherever they are located - they, too, can participate in this event and support the many dogs that need us every single day. Let's make it coast to coast this year! Anyone can participate using a VIRTUAL OPTION. We are excited to host this event again and hope you are just as excited to join us !
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Sat, Apr 18, 2026 at 8:30 AMSee full details
Welcome back to the Makin' Hay 10K & 5K! We can't wait to have you claim bragging rights after conquering one of these challenging but scenic courses on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
The scenic and rolling 10K and 5k courses will take you on a journey through some of the prettiest farmland in Frederick County. Spring will be ushering forth as you run past numerous farms; along beautiful Catoctin Creek on a gravel road, and across two, historic one-lane wooden deck bridges spanning Catoctin Creek. 5-year age group awards!!!
Early packet pickup will be held at Charm City Run, Frederick, on the Wednesday prior to the race, April 15th, 2026, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Race Day Schedule: 0700 - 0820 Bib Pickup; 0830-10K Start; 0835-5K Start; 1030-course closes for both events. Race day on-site registration must be accomplished via personal smartphone - no cash/check transactions accepted.
Race day bib pickup closes at 8:20 sharp for both events, with vehicular access to the park closing at that time. No late starts - plan your arrival time accordingly. Running strollers are allowed, but the wearing of headphones/earbuds is strongly discouraged as both courses are held on open roads where vehicular traffic can be expected to be encountered.
Our 5K option offers half the distance and half of the elevation change of our 10K, is all on paved surfaces, crosses one wooden deck bridge twice, and also provides some amazingly sweeping vistas!
Race shirt is included with registration for those registering before March 22, 2026. Those registering on or after after that date are not guaranteed to receive a shirt.
Awards: Overall top 3 male and female finishers in each race will receive a custom award (no double-dipping). In our 5-year age-groups, the top 3 in each will take home a custom glass acknowledging their achievement. The John Godinet Memorial Mid-Pack Maven Award will be presented to the 10K participant that finishes smack-dab in the middle of the pack!
Refund Policy: You will be given the opportunity to purchase event insurance during registration from a third-party provider. Makin' Hay registrants will be able to initiate a partial refund via their RunSignup profile up until 30 days prior to the event. After that, no individual refunds or transfers.
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Sat, Apr 18, 2026 at 10:00 AMSee full details
The Seton Center 5K is hosted by the Center for Service at Mount St. Mary's University. The Seton Center is the primary non-profit agency serving people in the area of northern Frederick County, Maryland. For more about the Seton Center or to donate directly go to: https://www.setoncenter.org/.
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Runners and walkers are welcome.
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Parking is at the PAC.
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The course begins and ends at the Palmieri Activities Center (the PAC) and will go through the campus.
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Sun, Apr 19, 2026 at 10:00 AM
The Spring Hops 5K is a cross country race held at the Red Shedman Brewery in Mt. Airy, Maryland
The scenic and challenging course loops through the grounds of the grapevines of the winery and hop yards of the brewery.
All finishers get one pour of a Red Shedman beverage.
Red Shedman Farm Brewery is located at Linganore Winecellars- 13601 Glissans Mill Rd, Mt. Airy, MD 21771
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Sat, May 09, 2026 at 8:30 AMSee full details
Deer Dash 5K is a chip-timed 5K race through the beautiful Summerfield neighborhood of Lake Linganore starting and finishing at Deer Crossing Elementary school. The Fun Run is a non-timed event that takes place on the recess grounds of Deer Crossing Elementary, behind the school. Produced by the Deer Crossing Elementary PTA, this event is an annual event loved by all that brings our community together around healthy habits and movement and raises money for school improvements and programs that support the staff and children at DCES. Please join us this year and make it a STELLAR event.
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Sat, Jun 13, 2026 at 7:25 PM
Herald the beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere by running the 8th annual Frederick Summer Solstice 8k (Frederick County's Original Twilight Race), presented by the Frederick Steeplechasers Running Club. Run the race and then stick around as the sun sets for our legendary celebration party with craft beer and live music!
REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
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Sat, Jun 20, 2026
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Sat, Aug 01, 2026 at 12:00 AMSee full details
Join us for the 37th annual Frederick Women's Distance Festival!
The Frederick Steeplechasers are bringing this exciting event back to Frederick Community College in 2026!
As with all Steeplechaser races, we will pay your processing fee. The registration fee you see is exactly what you'll pay! No sneaky add-on fees.
Net proceeds will again be donated to The Women's Giving Circle of Frederick County.
MORE INFORMATION
For more information, see our website at https://frederickwdf.com
HISTORY
In 1979, the RRCA started the Women’s Distance Festival in response to the lack of distance running events in the Olympic Games for women. The first Women’s Distance Festival events were held on July 13, 1980, the date of the men’s marathon at the Moscow Olympics. Today, the Women’s Distance Festival celebrates the history of women’s right to participate in running events at any distance and at any age. While women’s participation in distance running nearly matches that of men, the Women’s Distance Festival continues to serve as a celebration of the determination and dedication of women runners across the country.
TEAMS
Participants of the 5k Run/Walk may optionally register as part of a team. In-person runners who are competing on a team are also eligible for individual awards.
Team Type Description Minimum Team Size
Family Any combination of mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, granddaughter, wife, partner, etc (you know who your family is!) 2
Friends Any company, civic organization, club, friends 4
Registrants who wish to participate in the team competition must provide the team name and team category during registration.
If you are registering a large team and would like to pay in a single payment, contact the race director at [email protected].
SPONSORS
Please consider supporting the event through one of our sponsorship opportunities. See www.frederickwdf.com/sponsors.
TRAINING
The Frederick Steeplechasers Running Club offers a nine-week summer training program for women in preparation for the Frederick Women's Distance Festival 5k. The coaches are excited to be able to bring our beloved women's 5k training program back this year for in-person training runs.
Registration for the training program is separate from registration for the race. Signup at: https://runsignup.com/fsrcwdf5ktraining. The training program is free for members of the Frederick Steeplechasers Running Club. If you're not already a member, you will need to signup before registering for the training program.
For more information about our training program see: https://steeplechasers.org/training/training-programs/wdf-5k-training-program/
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Mon, Sep 07, 2026 at 8:00 AMSee full details
Join us Monday, September 7, 20265, in Knoxville, MD, for the 3rd Annunal Othello Park Labor Day 1K/5K!
Check in and race day registration starts 7:00 a.m. 1K Fun Run starts at 8:00 a.m. 5K Race starts at 8:30 a.m. Please read below for all the details!
This is a NON-Profit event. $500 of race and sponsorship proceeds will be donated to Brunswick Elementary School PTA and Valley Elementary School PTA. The $500 will be divided according to the number of participants from each school. So during the application process be sure to choose which school you are representing! The remainder of the race and sponsorship proceeds go to the Brunswick High School Track and Field Program to help replace damaged and old equipment like hurdles, starting blocks, jumping mats, throwing cages, and so on. Your support is greatly appreciated! All members involved in the event are volunteers and all funds raised go to race expenses and then to aforementioned groups. That's right! Keep your entry receipt and lower that tax bill!!!
Sponsorship opportunities are available. Please email race director Kevin Ropp @ [email protected]
LOCATION
Othello Park
1901A Jefferson Pike
Knoxville, MD 21758
https://www.recreater.com/705/Othello-Regional-Park
REGISTRATION
1K FUN RUN:
The cost of the 1K Fun Run is $10. All 1K Fun Run participants will receive a finisher medal. The Fun Run takes place on pavement, except for the finish, and is intended for children aged 13 and under. This event will start at 8 a.m.
5K RACE:
5K Race costs $30.00 through 11:59 p.m. EDT July 31, 2026. At Midnight on August 1 the price increases to $40. All participants registered by this date are guaranteed a finisher medal. Participants who register after are not guaranteed finisher medal but we'll do our best! Custom shirts are $8/each and also have a cutoff date of August 1st!
5K Race starts at 8:30 a.m.
5K COURSE:
The Othello Park 5K is a hybrid road/cross country run that takes advantage of the paved paths and grassy equestrian trails at Frederick County Maryland's Othello Regional Park. The rolling course through this scenic park just outside of Brunswick is sure to appeal to road runners and trail runners alike.
5K Race Map Click Here
ARRIVAL
On-site registration the day of the event will begin at 7 a.m. 1K Fun Run starts at 8 a.m. followed by the 5K run at 8:30 a.m.
5K awards will be presented following the race near the finish line.
5K RACE AWARDS
Trophies will be awarded to first place for boys and girls 18 & under and men and women 19 & over.
RACE CONTACT INFO
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
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Sat, Sep 26, 2026 at 8:00 AMSee full details
Join us at the 2026 Team AIMS Run On The Rocks! Whether you're up for a delightful 10 Miler, a hilarious half marathon, or an epic 20 Miler, our beautiful, lightning-fast, pancake flat course awaits. Get ready for a running adventure that'll have you sweating, smiling, and feeling like a champion on a mission! See you at the starting line.
Race Details
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Race Day - Saturday, September 26th, 2026
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This race is a chip-timed race.
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All participants receive a race premium t-shirt. Late registrations after September 7th “may” receive t-shirts, if available, and sizes are not guaranteed. There is a "no shirt" option for those who don't want a shirt.
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Finisher medals - Check out the Medal pictures below!!!
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Awards
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1st, 2nd & 3rd place Risers category awards for each gender in each event (Ages 54 & below)
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1st, 2nd & 3rd place Masters category awards for each gender in each event (Ages 55 & above)
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Awards will be given by Age group and won't be combined irrespective of who comes ahead over-all
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Event Transfers - The deadline to switch events is September 10, 2026. After this, email [email protected]. We'll try as much as we can.
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Wearing headphones during the race is not recommended as the Towpath is open for public and cyclists. If you still choose to wear one, make sure you are able to hear the baby bear chasing towards you.
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There is no Race Day Registration.
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Thu, Oct 01, 2026 at 8:30 AMSee full details
THE 2025 SPOOK HILL CIDER & WINE 4-MILE RUN HAS BEEN CANCELED, but we hope to bring this classic back in 2026, so put it on your calendar for next year!
Why did we cancel the 2025 race? The short answer is that one of the key landowners on the course has put their property on the market, thus our ability to utilize the orchard portion of the course is in question. We will reach out to the new owners at the appropriate time to begin land-use negotiations.
I’ve always prided myself on giving our runners a great course and a wonderful, inclusive race-day experience. Hopefully we will be able to bring Spook Hill back, bigger and better than ever, in 2026!
Most appreciably, Bill Susa, Race Director, SMHS Runs
email: [email protected]
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Sun, Oct 11, 2026 at 9:00 AMSee full details
🩷Join Us for the 2025 New Market STRONG 5K Fighter Run/Walk & Festival!
Sign up today for the annual New Market STRONG 5K Fighter Run/Walk and Festival, a heartfelt community event honoring the life and legacy of Karen Durbin, beloved New Market Town Clerk for over 14 years. Karen's courageous battle with breast cancer ended in November 2020, and each year, we gather to celebrate her strength, spirit, and service.
Together, we raise funds and awareness to fight breast cancer, with proceeds benefiting the Hurwitz Breast Cancer Fund, a local nonprofit that directly supports the Frederick Health Hospital Cancer Center.
🏃♀️ Walk. Run. Fight.
Join us on Sunday, October 26th as we lace up and hit the 3.1-mile course winding through the historic streets of New Market and its charming surrounding neighborhoods. This event is officially timed by Racine MultiSports, so whether you're in it to win it or just here for fun, there's a place for you at the starting line.
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All ages and fitness levels welcome
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Family- and dog-friendly! (Just keep pups on a leash 🐶)
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Race start: 9:00 AM sharp
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Check-in & same-day registration begins at 8:00 AM
👟 Rally Your Team!
Form a team in honor or support of someone impacted by breast cancer. Add a fun theme, dress up, and bring the energy—because in addition to individual prizes, we’ll be awarding:
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Most Team Members
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Most Funds Raised
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Most Spirit on Race Day!
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Let’s show up big—and show out loud—for the fight against breast cancer.
🎉 NEW This Year! Festival Fun for Everyone
After the run, stick around for the New Market Strong Festival from 10 AM to 1 PM featuring:
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🎶 Live music
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🛍️ Local vendors
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🍔 Food & beverage trucks
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👧 Family fun and more!
Free parking is available on Main Street, at the Community Park, and behind 39 W. Main.
🎽 Registration Details
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$25 through August 31st
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$30 from September 1st–October 25th
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$35 on Race Day
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Optional Race Shirt: $5
Guaranteed 2025 edition if you sign up by October 1st.
💯 100% Local Impact
This is a volunteer-run, non-profit event, and 100% of all funds raised, including donated goods and services, go directly to the cause. Thanks to your generosity, our 2024 race raised $8,118.00 for the Hurwitz Breast Cancer Fund—and we aim to make an even greater impact this year.
💪 Be New Market STRONG
Run. Walk. Give. Celebrate. However you show up, show up STRONG—for Karen, for your loved ones, and for the fight.
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Sun, Nov 08, 2026 at 10:00 AM
The Run Through the Grapevine 8K is a cross country race held at the Linganore Winery in Mt. Airy, Maryland
The scenic and challenging course loops through the grounds of the grapevines of the winery and hop yards of the brewery.
All finishers get one free tasting in the winery tasting room.
Linganore Winery is located at Linganore Winecellars- 13601 Glissans Mill Rd, Mt. Airy, MD 21771