Howard's Half Marathon/5K Run Festival
Howard's Half Marathon supports a local animal shelter with a scenic out-and-back course.
Race Date
Aug 30, 2026
Location
Cumberland, MD
Quick facts
- Date
- Sunday, August 30, 2026
- Location
- Cumberland, Maryland
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 3.1 Miles
- Course
- Out & Back
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 54
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
The Experience
Howard's Half Marathon, first run in 2015, is a dedicated charity event benefiting the Allegany County Animal Shelter, having raised over $40,000 for Maryland's first municipal no-kill shelter. The race is managed by Sharon Everett and Ray Hunt.
The festival includes both a half marathon and a 5K, both starting and finishing at the Canal Place stage. The half marathon is an out-and-back course, offering a straightforward route for participants. The event typically sees around 54 finishers, drawing runners from approximately 7 states.
While the event focuses on its charitable mission and community support, it offers a chance to run for a cause. The typical winning time is around 73 minutes, indicating a course that is not primarily focused on elite speed but rather on participation and fundraising.
Race-provided description
Howard's Run Festival is a charity race to benefit the Allegany County Animal Shelter. Starting in 2015, the event has raised over $40,000 for Maryland's first municipal no-kill shelter. The event is managed by Sharon Everett and Ray Hunt. The festival consists of two events held the 1st Sunday in September, an out and back half marathon starting and finishing at the Canal Place stage. The second event, an out and back 5K event, also starts and finishing at the Canal Place stage area and starts shortly after the half marathon.
Logistics
Race Day
Sunday, August 30, 2026
Start Time
8:00 AM
Giveaway
T-Shirt
Start Location
13 Canal St, Cumberland, MD, 21502
Course Info
Course Type
Out & Back
Terrain
road
Scenery
Urban
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Quality Score
1 year running
~54 finishers a year
growing or steady
0% returning runners
6 timing sources
runners from 7 states
winner 1:13:38
typical high 83°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
63°
Afternoon (High)
83°
Hot conditions — adjust pace expectations, prioritize hydration
0.2"
Precipitation
8 mph
Wind
70%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 54 finishers actually crossed the line across 1 year.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
54
Median time
2:06:32
Latest turnout
54
States
7
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Frequently asked
When is the Howard's Half Marathon/5K Run Festival?
The Howard's Half Marathon/5K Run Festival is held on Sunday, August 30, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM.
Where does the Howard's Half Marathon/5K Run Festival take place?
It takes place in Cumberland, Maryland.
What distances does the Howard's Half Marathon/5K Run Festival offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 3.1 Miles.
Is the Howard's Half Marathon/5K Run Festival course flat and good for a PR?
The Howard's Half Marathon/5K Run Festival is a ultra-flat, out & back course.
How many people run the Howard's Half Marathon/5K Run Festival?
HalfRuns has finish records for 54 runners who have completed the Howard's Half Marathon/5K Run Festival.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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