THE FOREST OF NEEDWOOD RACE

🏃‍♂️ The 43rd ANNUAL FOREST OF NEEDWOOD!!!

YOU CAN REGISTER ON RACE DAY IN PERSON IF YOU'D LIKE!!!

📅 Race Details

• Date: March 14th, 2026
• Registration: Starts at 11:00 AM
• Gun Time: 1 PM
• Location: Saint Mary Catholic Church, 4231 Catholic Church Road, Petersville, MD 21758

SNOW/WEATHER date: March 21, 2026

🎖️ Event Significance

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.

🏆 Historic Race

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 Information

This is a 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

💰 Registration Prices

2026 Pre-Registration Prices

• 18 and younger: $10
• 19 and older: $30

2026 Race Day Registration Prices

• 18 and younger: $15
• 19 and older: $35

👕 Shirts & Prizes

43rd Annual commemorative NEEDWOOD SHIRT GUARANTEED TO ALL PRE-REGISTERED RUNNERS if they pre-register before February 26, 2026.

If you register after 11:59 PM February 25, 2026, it will be first come first served on race day. Also fun random prizes at award ceremony.

🥇 Awards

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.

🤝 Sponsorship & Volunteer Opportunities

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!

📞 Connect With Us

• Email: barc.maryland@gmail.com
• Facebook: @barcmaryland