NCR Marathon & Half Marathon

🏃‍♂️ Welcome to the NCR Marathon!

Welcome to the 36th running of the NCR Marathon presented by the Baltimore Road Runners Club!

The 2025 NCR Trail Marathon & Half will be held on Saturday, November 29, 2025.

🗓️ Race History

• Established: The NCR Marathon is Baltimore’s oldest continuously running USATF certified marathon held annually on the Saturday following Thanksgiving.
• Transition: BRRC also presented the historic Maryland Marathon dating back to 1973 before moving to the Northern Central Railroad Trail in 1990.
• Trail Details: The Northern Central Railroad Trail, officially known as the Torrey C. Brown Trail, covers nearly 20 miles in Maryland, stretching from Hunt Valley to the Mason-Dixon Line.
• Course: The out and back marathon course offers a scenic wooded run on a crushed gravel and dirt trail alongside the waters of Big Gunpowder Falls—an idyllic setting to cruise 26.2 miles.

🏫 Start and Finish Line

• Original Location: During the first few years, the race originated at the Old Sparks Elementary School.
• Relocation: After fire destroyed this historic school, the marathon start and finish moved to mile four on the trail before relocating up the hill to the new Sparks Elementary School.
• Relay Introduction: In 2003, the marathon relay was introduced, adding a new dynamic to the race.
• 8K Addition: For the 25th anniversary, an 8K event was added to the marathon and marathon relay.

🏅 Participants and Awards

• Course Certification: In 2017, the marathon course was re-certified and its start moved to the beautiful Oldfields School campus, our host site since.
• Runner's Race: This is a runner’s race. And, as runners we take pride in continuing to make the NCR Marathon and Half Marathon a first-class event.
• Fast Course: This is a FAST course and a great fall Boston Qualifier.
• Finisher's Blanket: Race finishers receive a large blanket, which isn't your average beach blanket: it will be the most coveted piece in your home.

🎁 Participant Amenities

• Blanket Collection: You must present your race bib to receive your blanket after crossing the finish line.
• Hoody: Every participant will receive a NCR hoody (unisex sizing) at packet pickup.
• Additional Info: Further information (including parking, packet pickup, etc) can be found on our website.
• Website: Visit ncrmarathon.com for more details.