FAQs

REGISTRATION & REGISTRATION CHANGE QUESTIONS

I registered and no longer want to participate.

If you can no longer participate in the 2024 race, we are offering DEFERRALS until two weeks before the race.  There is a $25 processing fee to defer.

To take advantage of this offer, log into RunSignUp and Click Here to manage your registration. Click the DEFER REGISTRATION option in the menu and process your deferral payment. You will receive an email with a link to sign up for the 2025 race when registration reopens.

I initially registered for a virtual event, and now want to participate live, how do I switch?

No problem. Visit HERE to upgrade your registration.

Once you’ve gotten to your registration, select “Transfer Race” option from the gray menu and pick the live race. Your upgrade fee will reflect the difference in price from the live event price AT THE TIME OF YOUR VIRTUAL REGISTRATION.

I initially registered for a live event and now I’d prefer to go virtual.

No problem, you can switch your registration HERE. Please note, we will not be able to refund any fees.

Will any special protocols be taken in light of COVID19?

The #1 priority for our team is to providing a safe experience for our runners. As we continue to evaluate the changing situation, we will continue to evaluate the appropriate safety measures that will need to be taken.

How does running virtually work?

For full instructions see HERE. You can run your virtual race ANYTIME, ANYWHERE! However, we do encourage you to do your virtual race on October 19th for a real race day feel!

You  may use whatever timing and distance tracking method/app that you chose. You are not required to submit your time, however if you want your time posted online, you must submit your time on Run Sign Up by October 9th. Regardless of whether or not you submit your time, you will get your premium and medal.

Virtual runners will receive the same Runner Swag that our live participants earn!

I’m running live and did not initially register for my packet to be mailed to me, but I now would like to add that option on.

If you already registered, and now want to add this option on for $25, Visit your Run Sign Up Profile HERE and select “Manage Add ons.” Packets will be mailed prior to race day. When we mail out your packet, we will provide you with tracking information.

I initially selected that I wanted my live packet mailed to me, but now I’d like to pick it up in person at the expo.

No problem, please email [email protected]. Please note that we will not be able to refund the fee you paid for shipping your packet.

I don’t see the Kids Fun Run registration on the form. Is it being offered in this year?

It is with a heavy heart that we announce that we will not be hosting the kids fun run during the 2024 Baltimore Running Festival.  The new venue creates some challenges for our staff to be able to host a safe and well organized race for children with all the other activities going on during the event.

We will continue to host the Kids Fun Zone with inflatable games and activities throughout the day.  And we encourage those youth who are able to run the 5k.

We will continue to evaluate our event plan to see if we can re-establish the kids fun run into the schedule in the future.  Sorry for the inconvenience.

I have not received a confirmation email, how can I make sure I am registered?

Visit this link to see if you are registered. If you still do not see your name please send an email to [email protected] requesting confirmation of your registration.

Can I change my personal information on my registration?

You can log in to your registration to edit your personal registration information excluding name, birthday, and gender. If you need to edit one of those categories please email [email protected].

The deadline to make changes to your personal registration information is October 4th.

To update your email address, phone number, or mailing address you will select ‘Participant Info’ in the white menu bar. To update your emergency contact you will select ‘Questions’ in the grey menu bar. To update your shirt size you will select ‘Add-Ons’ in the grey menu bar.

How do I change my shirt size?

If you want to change your shirt size please click here to log in to your registration to make the change by selecting ‘Ad-Ons’ in the grey menu bar.

The deadline to change your shirt size is Friday, October 4th.

At the expo we will have exchange bins right near the tables where you pick up your race shirts. You will have to sift through the bin(s) to try and find your desired size/race. If you see the one you want, just trade/exchange the shirt you have for the one in the bin.

Can I upgrade to a longer distance?

Yes, as long as space remains in the race you wish to enter you can upgrade to a longer distance. To do so please click here to manage your registration and select ‘Transfer Event’ in the white menu bar to pay the price difference and change races.

The deadline to upgrade your race level online is October 4th. All downgrades can be made at the expo after this date.

Can I downgrade to a shorter distance?

Yes, as long as space remains in the race you wish to enter you can downgrade to a shorter distance. To do so please click here to manage your registration and select ‘Transfer Event’ in the white menu bar to pay the price difference and change races.

The deadline to upgrade your race level online is Friday, October 4th. All downgrades can be made at the expo after this date.

I cannot make the race this year; can I get a refund or transfer my race entry to another participant?

No, unfortunately we do not allow transfers or refunds. You may be able to defer until next year. To take advantage of this offer please log in to your registration and then select ‘Defer Registration’ in the menu bar.

I registered for the live event, but now I’d like to participate virtually.

No problem, you can switch your registration HERE. Please note, we will not be able to refund any fees.

How does running virtually work?

You can run your virtual race ANYTIME, ANYWHERE! However, we do encourage you to do your virtual race on October 9  for a real race day feel!

You  may use whatever timing and distance tracking method/app that you chose. You are not required to submit your time, however if you want your time posted online, you must submit your time on Run Sign Up by October 10. Regardless of whether or not you submit your time, you will get your premium and medal.

We will send our more details regarding virtual run instructions leading up to the race!

I have completed the Frederick Half Marathon & Baltimore 10-Miler and I am registered for the Baltimore Half or Full Marathon can I be added to the Black Eyed Susan Challenge list?

For more information on the Black Eyed Susan, click here. The deadline to link your races is August 1, 2024 to allow time to order the medals.

PACKET PICK-UP – Packet Pick Up may change due to Covid protocols

What do I need to bring to the expo?

• Runners must bring their QR Code emailed to them on Wednesday, October 11th around 3PM.
• If you do not receive this email by Wednesday, October 16th by 5pm DO NOT PANIC!  Simply email [email protected] and we will provide some trouble shooting tips.

Where do I park for the expo and packet pick up?

• The Maryland Stadium Authority will offer Lots F and G for FREE PARKING during the expo. These lots are within a walking distance from the convention center– about .75 mile.
• We will be providing a free courtesy shuttle to the expo from lots F and G. It is about a 15-minute bus ride each way. The shuttle stop will be located on the curbside island between lots G & H (see the adjacent map and look for the shuttle bus flag) from 11:30am-8:30pm each day of the expo.

Can I have a friend or family member pick up my packet for me if I’m participating live?

• Yes, if you are participating live and unable to attend the expo hours, a friend or family member is allowed to pick up your packet for you. They will need to bring your QR Code (that you will receive via email the week of the race) AND a copy of your photo ID.
• You are limited to picking up ONE other race packet that is not yours.
• There is NO RACE MORNING PACKET PICK-UP. Please plan accordingly.
• Please note in 2023, we are offering a mailing option for the live race.

I cannot make the race, but I would still like to receive my premium item.

You can receive your premium item if you or someone on your behalf comes to the Health & Fitness Expo.

Premium items will not be sent before or after the race, and will not be available for pick up on race day. Please plan accordingly.

Can I have my bib mailed to me?

Yes, when registering you can pay an extra $25 to have your premium and bib sent to you. You can select this option during registration. If you already registered, and now want to add this option on, Visit your Run Sign Up Profile HERE and select “Manage Add ons.” From there, you will be able to add on the packet mailing option for $25. Bibs & Shirts will be mailed by priority mail prior to the race with a trackable link. Medals will be distributed after the race.

RACE DAY QUESTIONS

What are the start times for each race? Where does each race start?

Full Marathon and 10k

• Start Line: S. Paca & Camden Streets
• Start Time: 8:00am

Half Marathon

• Start Line: Pratt & Light Streets
• Start Time: 9:45am

5K

• Start Line: Pratt & Light Streets
• Start Time: 7:30am

Where do I park on race day?

The stadium parking lots are under 1 mile from the finish line area (0.87 miles exactly, from the middle of Lots B & C). However, depending on your specific parking space and your walking route this distance will vary.  On race day, free parking is available in stadium lots A, B, C, D, F, G, H, J and N.  Additional paid lots are available throughout the city.

For a walking map, please click here.

Public Transportation remains a great option for race day travel with Light Rail stops at Camden Yards and the Convention Center for race day use.  LEARN MORE here.

Tell me about all the road closures?!

To view an interactive map of all road closures and times please click here.

I’m thinking about taking the Light Rail..

Schedules and Fares: Day passes: Regular fares are listed on the MTA website. Day passes are valid for unlimited travel on Local Bus, Metro Subway, Light Rail and Neighborhood Shuttle on the date purchased until 3:00am the following day. Fares can be purchased with cash, credit or CharmCard at all Light Rail stations.

*The closest Light Rail stop to the race is Camden Station*

Please check the weekday and weekend North bound and South Bound schedules: http://mta.maryland.gov/light-rail

Light Rail Map: http://mta.maryland.gov/light-rail

Light Rail Station and Parking Information: http://mta.maryland.gov/light-rail-stationparking-info

Charm Card
CharmCard® is a rechargeable smart fare card you can use on Local Bus, Light Rail and Metro Subway.

Purchase Charm Card online: http://www.mtacharmcard.com/getcharmcard/online.htm

Purchase at Retail Locations: http://www.mtacharmcard.com/getcharmcard/retail.php

Will there be pacers?

The full marathon will have pacers, while the half marathon will not. For more information on the organization providing pacers, please click here.

Will there be a bag check at the race?

Yes there will be a bag check at the race. Runners are required to place belongings in the clear bags given out at the expo. No oversized bags or luggage will be accepted. All bags are subject to search. Please arrive extra early if you plan on checking a bag due to increased security.

Bag check will be open from 6:30a-1:30p. After this time, unclaimed bags will be relocated to the information tent.

Marathon: bag check buses will be available near the stadium lots, after the start of the marathon the buses will relocate to the Inner Harbor behind West Shore Park and the Visitors Center for bag retrieval.

Half Marathon & 5K Runners: bag check tent will be available behind the Visitor Center, near your start line

What am I permitted to bring on race day and what is prohibited?

A list of prohibited items is available here.

Where are bathrooms located?

Near Parking Lots / Marathon Start:

• Camden Yards will have bathrooms open along Russell St
• Porta-john’s will also be located:
  • Along Russell St
  • At Camden St & Paca St
  • Along Hamburg St

Near Celebration Village:

• At McKeldin Sq along Pratt St
• Near West Shore Park / the Visitor’s Center
• At Rash Field

At every water stop there will be at least 2 porta-john’s.

Can I wear headphones during the race?

The use of personal music devices is permitted. However, To enjoy all that our event has to offer and for the safety of all participants, the Baltimore Running Festival encourages a headphone-free environment during the running of all its race distances.

Runners competing for awards or prize money may not use headphones of any kind, and will not be eligible for any award or prize money if such a device is worn. USA Track & Field Rule 144.3, states that the visible possession or use by athletes of video, audio, or communications devices in the competition area (which includes iPods, MP3 and other musical devices) is considered assistance and is therefore are prohibited.

If you chose to use headphones, please be respectful of the other participants and the race officials by keeping your volume to a minimum. If wearing headphones results in your being unable to hear verbal instructions or commands from race officials, you will be asked to relinquish the device.

If you plan to use the Motigo app on race day, we request you set your volume at a level low enough to still hear your surroundings, or run with only 1 headphone in your ear.