The Baltimore Marathon course is a bit challenging with two relatively hilly to rolling sections connected by 6 miles of flat terrain.
The course travels through the many diverse neighborhoods including the scenic Inner Harbor waterfront area, historic Federal Hill and Fells Point. The route also travels through the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore right past the penguin exhibit.
Miles 16 through 20 of the course have been compared to Boston’s "Heartbreak Hill," but runners are rewarded with a loop around Lake Montebello providing runners with some relief and flat terrain. The final 5 miles are mostly downhill. Then it is back downtown to an inspiring finish through Camden Yards ballpark, home of the Baltimore Orioles. Runners finish on Raven’s Walk in the shadows of M&T Bank Stadium, home of the Baltimore Ravens.
The Baltimore Marathon was the 45th largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 38th largest in 2022.
This year 4.2% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 6.5% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the Baltimore Marathon the 291st highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 308th highest percentage so far in 2024.
Its Course Score of 97.72 ranks it as the 341st fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 5th fastest course in Maryland.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the Baltimore Marathon a PR Score of 97.72. This PR Score ranks it as the 287th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 5th fastest in Maryland.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Baltimore Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 345 feet (105m) Min Elevation: 2 feet (0m)
I was excited to run this marathon, and I was generally left somewhat disappointed.
Where it is true that the support can be great, I found it was mostly found in the second half , while in until mile 13, it's quite spotty.
The event itself, while it attracts a very large crowd, still feels pretty small. The expo is extremely underwhelming, very quiet and with just a few general vendors and very few sponsors.
Water stations were great until we merged with the half marathon runners. After that, there were lines of people at most water station, or stations where the volunteers were pouring cups for each runner as you approached, in general this aspect should definitely be improved by the organizers.
I ran the Baltimore Marathon for the first time in 2023. Its advantages are the volunteers, city and police support, and enthusiasm from residents. Disadvantages are many: road hazards, race congestion, overcrowded water stops on the course, and not enough restrooms at the start.
Race Tips
If you're focused on getting a personal best or if you don't want to be walled in by slower half-marathoners, this race isn't for you. As advertised, the course has lots of long, rolling uphills and these will cut into your time, and a few surprisingly steep downhills that may tire your quads.
At mile 14 or so the half marathon field merges with the marathon, which in 2023 was twice the size of the marathon field. Many roads are simply too narrow for this when runner numbers are at their peak, creating bottlenecks. As a result, you can't see large potholes or traffic cones placed along the center line until you're right upon them. Some metal dividers place along some stretches have supports jutting into the course at ankle level. If you're near the front or the back of the field you should be ok.
Plenty of free parking around the stadiums for the marathon. Don't count on a last-minute bathroom stop at the start. The few Camden Yards stadium bathrooms that were open were way too few.
CK's review of 2022 Baltimore Marathon.
2 /
5 Stars
Review
It's hilly, good crowd support but the pacers were terrible! He was so fast-way faster than the pace should have been. I would think twice about doing this race.
Experienced runner but this was my first marathon (also my hometown marathon). The thing I heard most often in the start area were other runners asking me somewhat incredulously "This is your first marathon?" I loved the first 15 miles. You get to see much of Baltimore -- both low and high income neighborhoods -- and everyone is out cheering on the runners. at around mile 14, the half joins up with the full and it gets a lot busier.
Race Tips
If I were to do this again I'd go out much slower at the beginning. Baltimore's harbor is a basin, and the race starts at the bottom. From there it climbs up for about 3 miles, and then about 6 miles are downhill to the flats around the harbor. Then, around mile 16, the climb back up the basin to Lake Montebello (a reservoir). Mile 20 in are rolling hills that really got me.
This race should be called the "Baltimore Half-Marathon (with full marathon added)." Logistically it is confusing because there are so many start areas for all the different races. Just make sure you read the guide you get at the expo. If you're in the full you start first and it is not difficult to get your bag checked because there are so few runners.
NCS's review of 2017 Baltimore Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
Very well organized race that even brings you through the Baltimore Zoo! Spectators throughout the course have tons of energy and volunteers provide you with plenty of nutrition.
Race Tips
Don't go out too fast. This course is hilly, but moreso in the second half of the race.
4.5 Stars from 27 Reviews
