
Naptown Half Marathon & 10K/5K
Annapolis's Naptown Half Marathon offers a festive holiday run with a fast, certified course.
Race Date
Dec 19, 2026
Location
Annapolis, MD
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, December 19, 2026
- Location
- Annapolis, Maryland
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 10K, 3.1 Miles
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 1,546
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Naptown Half Marathon, first run in 2022 and now in its fourth edition, offers a festive holiday-themed race experience in Annapolis, Maryland. With a median field size of around 761 finishers, this event draws runners from approximately 21 states, though its field has seen a slight decline in recent years. Despite a repeat-runner loyalty of about 18%, the race provides a welcoming atmosphere, particularly for those seeking a fast, certified course.
Runners can expect a course that winds through downtown Annapolis, offering scenic views of the historic city, before heading onto closed highways. While some reviews mention a lot of pavement and limited scenery on these sections, others praise the course for its potential to yield personal bests, noting that any inclines are manageable and aid in fast downhill segments. The race is USATF certified with no net elevation change, making it a strong candidate for a PR attempt.
Adding to the holiday spirit, participants receive Santa hats, and there's a chance to meet Santa himself. A unique White Elephant gift exchange encourages community interaction. The event, which also includes 10K and 5K options, is known for its enthusiastic volunteers and clear course markings, contributing to a well-organized race day.
Race-provided description
ASK THE RACE DIRECTOR LIVE 6PM THURSDAY NIGHT https://youtube.com/live/rlvIJ1Q71x0?feature=share Your Athlete Guide is up to date and ready for you! Take some time and look over all of the details for your event! Our Half Marathon and 10k will notice a small change around Mile 2 (you run straight to Bladen then right on College to the circle, instead of Northwest). The Guide can also be found at www.NaptownRun.com BUT our 5k should REALLY take a look. A whole new course for you this year, so that you join with the excitement of the other runners! And be sure to note that you START at 740, so be there and be ready to go with everyone else at 730!! We've also got some exciting things lined up for the Holiday themed run, with Santa Hats for all and a visit by the Big Man himself!!! We also have a WHITE ELEPHANT gift exchange. Bring a present (under $10) and leave it under the tree for another runner. Wrapped, unwrapped (though let's face it, they are better wrapped), whatever. The only thing we ask if that IF YOU BRING A PRESENT, THEN YOU CAN TAKE A PRESENT. We hope that everyone enjoys this and that everyone who wants to participate can do so (honor system here folks....). ASK THE RACE DIRECTOR LIVE Be sure to join us by clicking the link below, or check out the Rev3 YouTube Channel on THURSDAY AT 6PM (EST) to ask any questions you may have! We will talk about the changes to the course mentioned above, and talk through the White Elephant Gift Exchange, and answer any of your burning questions! Join us at https://youtube.com/live/rlvIJ1Q71x0?feature=share ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Join us on December 20th for a HOLIDAY HUSTLE themed event! Show off your holiday spirit and join us on Saturday, December 20th, 2025 as we Run Naptown! The Half Marathon, 10k, or 5k distances are the perfect way to wrap up your year of running, with our USATF certified half marathon course. Set your PR for 2025 as we start from the US Naval Academy and travel in to downtown Annapolis, finally venturing out to the Baltimore-Annapolis trail (for the half marathon). This year we are partnered with the FRIENDS OF ANNE ARUNDEL TRAILS to help their mission in promoting, protecting and enhancing the multimodal trails of Anne Arundel County. Be sure to show off your Holiday Cheer this year, as we will be giving out Santa Caps to all! Prizes for the most festive runners will also be given out too! We can't wait to spend the holiday with you!! And who knows, we might have a special visitor for the young at heart to wish us all a Happy Holiday! Also check out our White Elephant program this year! When you join us for the festivities, and you bring a gift for someone else, you can also TAKE a gift from the White Elephant table! Who knows what you will get. (We do ask that you only take a gift if you've brought a gift to exchange) Start Location: USNA Stadium - 550 Taylor Avenue, Annapolis, MD HALF MARATHON/10K Start Time 0730 am 5k Start Time 0740 UPDATED TIME!!!!!
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, December 19, 2026
Start Time
7:30 AM
Giveaway
Race T-Shirt
Start Location
550 Taylor Ave, Annapolis, MD, 21401
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Urban
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Rolling Hills
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
MD23020NP · Naptown Half Marathon
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.
Course Map
5 other maps for this race
Quality Score
Standout744 years running
~761 finishers a year
shrinking
18% returning runners
USATF certified · 5 timing sources
runners from 21 states
winner 1:07:38
typical high 48°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
33°
Afternoon (High)
48°
Cool conditions — dress in layers, perfect for fast times
0.2"
Precipitation
12 mph
Wind
70%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 1,546 finishers actually crossed the line across 4 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
1,546
Median time
2:02:23
Latest turnout
362
States
39
Turnout by year
2022–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Naptown Half Marathon & 10K/5K?
The Naptown Half Marathon & 10K/5K is held on Saturday, December 19, 2026, starting at 7:30 AM.
Where does the Naptown Half Marathon & 10K/5K take place?
It takes place in Annapolis, Maryland.
What distances does the Naptown Half Marathon & 10K/5K offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 10K, 3.1 Miles.
Is the Naptown Half Marathon & 10K/5K course flat and good for a PR?
The Naptown Half Marathon & 10K/5K is a rolling hills, loop course course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the Naptown Half Marathon & 10K/5K?
HalfRuns has finish records for 1,546 runners who have completed the Naptown Half Marathon & 10K/5K.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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