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
• Location: Saint Mary Catholic Church, 4231 Catholic Church Road, Petersville, MD 21758
• Registration Time: Starts at 11:00 AM
• Race Time: Gun goes off at 1 PM

Weather Policy

If needed, the snow/weather date will be Saturday, March 21, 2026.

Honoring Jennifer Shafer Odom

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.

Race History

• Oldest Road 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

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 the award ceremony.

Awards

1st & 2nd place gender plaques for 19 & over. 1st & 2nd place gender plaque for 18 & under. Age group medals for 1st & 2nd place in 6 adult age groups.

Sponsors

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 at 301-834-8045.

Our Activities

• Forest of Needwood Race to benefit Jennifer Shafer Odom Scholarship Fund
• Haunted Hayride
• Scottish First Footing
• Freezin’ for a Reason

Connect with Us

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