More Scenic Views In the Marathon’s Future
On the heels of last year’s successful finish line relocation to the Inner Harbor, we are excited to announce that the 2018 Baltimore Marathon course will remain mostly the same as 2017 with some additional improvements. The most significant change occurs between miles 13 and 14 where after bearing right around the circle on President Street runners will funnel over the recently opened Central Avenue Bridge and around Harbor Point’s Central Plaza before making their way back to Boston Street and embark on the second half of their 26.2-mile journey. .
Harbor Point is a newly revitalized part of the city, previously home to abandoned and closed industrial and commercial facilities. It is Baltimore’s largest downtown waterfront site currently under development and is an exemplary model of brownfield revitalization for the nation. We are excited to showcase this renaissance and its urban waterfront setting to our runners. And in the future, as this area develops further, we will be able to add more features that will appeal to our participants.
HERE IS A NEAT HISTORY OF THE AREA
There is already talk of Harbor Point residences and businesses bringing some additional excitement to the course with a lively waterstop and community activities on race day the enhance the experience for runners and their cheering section.
Executive Race Director Lee Corrigan said, “Marathon runners have always shared their appreciation for how Baltimore’s course delivers a true sense of Charm City’s amazing history as residents cheer them on and exhibit unmatched civic pride in both our historic and modern neighborhoods. By routing the course through Baltimore’s newest area, Harbor Point, marathon runners will enjoy even more spectacular views of the harbor.”
The course change will slightly alter the distances of legs 2-4 for the Team Relay distance compared to last year.
The courses for the CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Half-Marathon and ShopRite 5K will remain identical as 2017. With the surge in the ShopRite 5K’s popularity, a wave start will be introduced this year for the first time to help spread out the field more efficiently.
The 18th annual Baltimore Running Festival will be contested on Saturday, October 20. The festival features a distance for runners of all abilities including a marathon, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Half-Marathon, Four-Person Team Relay, and ShopRite 5K.
Attracting a projected 23,0000 runners from all 50 states, the event has earned the reputation as Maryland’s greatest running event and generates an estimated $40 million annually in economic impact. Since its inception in 2001, the Baltimore Running Festival has helped raise more than $13 million for local charities.
Slots remain open for all distances. For more information, visit thebaltimoremarathon.com.
