The Maryland Half Marathon & 5K

Lace up for a meaningful journey at The Maryland Half Marathon & 5K, set to take place on Saturday, June 6, 2026, in Fulton, MD. Celebrating its 18th year, this beloved event offers participants the choice of a 13.1-mile half marathon or a 3.1-mile 5K run, making it an ideal race for all levels of runners and walkers. What truly sets this race apart is its inspiring mission: every stride helps raise vital funds for the University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, contributing to groundbreaking cancer research and patient care, with over $6 million raised since 2009.

The course, starting and finishing in the picturesque Maple Lawn community, offers an engaging challenge with its rolling hills, particularly in the early miles as it winds past the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory. While some runners describe the course as deceptively hilly, others find the latter half to feature mostly gentle inclines through suburban neighborhoods and tree-lined country roads, providing a mix of urban and bucolic scenery. Aid stations are well-placed and stocked, with the Half Marathon boasting eight water stops, three of which also offer Gatorade, and the 5K providing one water stop. Typical race day conditions include highs around 81F and lows around 61F, with a 16% chance of precipitation, so runners should prepare for potentially warm weather.

Beyond the course, runners consistently praise the enthusiastic volunteers, strong community spirit, and excellent organization. Participants can look forward to receiving an official race t-shirt and a "Maryland-y" finisher medal, along with complimentary race photos to capture their accomplishment. With ample parking available at the Maple Lawn community start/finish area and a festive atmosphere, The Maryland Half Marathon & 5K promises a rewarding race experience that contributes to a powerful cause.