HalfRuns
NCR Marathon & Half Marathon

NCR Marathon & Half Marathon

Baltimore's oldest continuously running marathon and half, held on the NCR Trail.

Race Date

Nov 28, 2026

Location

Sparks Glencoe, MD

Standout73

Quick facts

Date
Saturday, November 28, 2026
Location
Sparks Glencoe, Maryland
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 26.2 Miles
Course
Out & Back
Terrain
Mixed
USATF certified
Not listed
Finishers on record
3,194

Highlights

Good For

PR FriendlyDestination Worthy

Atmosphere

Local CommunityGreat SwagWell Organized

Course

ShadedWell Marked

The Experience

The NCR Marathon and Half Marathon, presented by the Baltimore Road Runners Club, marks its 37th running in 2026. This event holds the distinction of being Baltimore's oldest continuously running USATF-certified marathon, traditionally held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The race traces its roots back to the historic Maryland Marathon of 1973, eventually finding its home on the Northern Central Railroad Trail in 1990.

The course unfolds along the Torrey C. Brown Trail, a scenic 20-mile stretch from Hunt Valley to the Mason-Dixon Line. Runners will experience an out-and-back journey on a crushed gravel and dirt path, tracing the waters of Big Gunpowder Falls through a wooded landscape. Historically, the start and finish have seen a few locations, including the old Sparks Elementary School and the Oldfields School camp, adding to the event's enduring legacy. With a median of around 917 finishers and a repeat-runner loyalty of approximately 26%, the NCR events have cultivated a dedicated following over the years.

Race-provided description

Welcome to the 37th running of the NCR Marathon presented by the Baltimore Road Runners Club. 

The 2026 NCR Trail Marathon & Half will be held on Saturday, November 28, 2026

NEW FOR 2026: $1- price increase across the board! Running is already expensive enough with carbon shoes & the cost of travel IN 2026.  We get it, so we've made the 2026 registration just a $1- increase from 2025.   The NCR Marathon is Baltimore’s oldest continuously running USATF certified marathon held annually on the Saturday following Thanksgiving.  BRRC also presented the historic Maryland Marathon dating back to 1973 before moving to the Northern Central Railroad Trail in 1990. The Northern Central Railroad Trail, officially known as the Torrey C. Brown Trail, covers nearly 20 miles in Maryland, stretching from Hunt Valley to the Mason-Dixon Line. The out and back marathon course offers a scenic wooded run on a crushed gravel and dirt trail alongside the waters of Big Gunpowder Falls—an idyllic setting to cruise 26.2 miles. During the first few years, the race originated at the Old Sparks Elementary School. After fire destroyed this historic school, the marathon start and finish moved to mile four on the trail before relocating up the hill to the new Sparks Elementary School. In 2003, the marathon relay was introduced. For the 25th anniversary, an 8K event was added to the marathon and marathon relay.  In 2017, the marathon course was re-certified and its start moved to the beautiful Oldfields School campus, our host site since. A lot has changed over the years, but one thing that has stayed the same: this is a runner’s race. And, as runners we take pride in continuing to make the NCR Marathon and Half Marathon a first-class event. This is a FAST course and a great fall Boston Qualifier. 

Race finishers receive a large blanket. This isn't your average beach blanket: this will be the most coveted piece in your home. Warm & soft, even your fur babies will lay claim to this piece once it's in your home. You will receive your finishers blanket after crossing the finish line.  You must present your race bib to receive your blanket. 

Every participant will receive a NCR hoody (unisex sizing) at packet pickup.   Additional information (including parking, packet pickup, etc) can be found on our website, brrc.com

Logistics

Race Day

Saturday, November 28, 2026

Start Time

9:00 AM

Giveaway

Hoodie

Start Location

1500 Glencoe Rd, Sparks Glencoe, MD, 21152

Directions

Course Info

Course Type

Out & Back

Terrain

mixed

Scenery

Forest, Lake River

Surface

Dirt Trail

Difficulty

Ultra-Flat

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Also Offers

26.2 Miles

Course Map

Quality Score

Standout73
Methodology
Heritage16/20

8 years running

Size15/15

~917 finishers a year

Momentum4/5

shrinking

Loyalty20/20

26% returning runners

Course & details8/15

5 timing sources · 6 photos

National draw7/10

runners from 16 states

Front-pack speed3/5

winner 1:16:28

Weather0/10

typical high 0°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

Afternoon (High)

Cool conditions — dress in layers, perfect for fast times

0.0"

Precipitation

0 mph

Wind

0%

Humidity

Historical Finish Times

How 3,194 finishers actually crossed the line across 8 years.

Most recent

2025

Total finishers

3,194

Median time

2:09:07

Latest turnout

454

States

28

10%
25%
75%
90%
1:05p50 median ≈ 2:054:45

Turnout by year

20172025

'17'18'19'21'22'23'24'25
See full results

Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.

Race Photos

Frequently asked

When is the NCR Marathon & Half Marathon?

The NCR Marathon & Half Marathon is held on Saturday, November 28, 2026, starting at 9:00 AM.

Where does the NCR Marathon & Half Marathon take place?

It takes place in Sparks Glencoe, Maryland.

What distances does the NCR Marathon & Half Marathon offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 26.2 Miles.

Is the NCR Marathon & Half Marathon course flat and good for a PR?

The NCR Marathon & Half Marathon is a ultra-flat, out & back course.

How many people run the NCR Marathon & Half Marathon?

HalfRuns has finish records for 3,194 runners who have completed the NCR Marathon & Half Marathon.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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