North Central Trail Marathon

4.0

WhereSparks, MD, United States

Start time08:00

Website

Sub-events

29November

Marathon

Distance: Marathon

Start time: 08:00

29November

Half Marathon

Distance: Marathon

Start time: 08:00

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Race Details

The 26.2 mile certified out and back course travels along the Northern Central Railroad Trail through rural and beautiful northern Baltimore County, Maryland. We can’t promise cheering crowds, music, or the other big city marathon perks. However, we can promise a pleasant tree lined course and a friendly atmosphere on one of the best rail trails in Maryland. The NCTM course starts with 2 miles of gently rolling roads before accessing the basically flat NCR Trail. Once on the trail runners will travel 12 miles north on a dirt and crushed stone surface before turning around for the 12 mile slight downgrade back to the finish. The finish line will be at the NCR Trail and Sparks Rd. intersection. Finishers will be transported by bus back to the parking area. Due to the limited access of the NCR Trail the marathon entries will close at 500 runners and the relay team entries will be capped at 50. No exceptions will be made. A portion of the proceeds from this years race will be used to help fund amenities along the NCR Trail such as, port-o-pots, rest areas, and water fountains. Marathon Entry Fee: $45 Late Entry: $55—After October 30th Relay Entry Fee: $70—Per Team Late Entry: $80—After October 30th Sorry No Refund

Training Plan

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Reviews

general:3.9

course:4.4

organization:4.2

spectators:3.2

Joseph Saley

November 26, 2018

I love this trail marathon that did I did it 9X.

Respectfully request for early start to allow time for senior & slower runners as well as the management. This year I finished last. Be so grateful & much obliged if name is included in results list; bucket list is counting full marathons completed. From a satisfied oldie marathoner.

5.0

Sarah Dickes

November 25, 2018

Fast course but mentally challenging

The organization of this race was really well done and I was very impressed by the efficiency of packet pickup, bag check, and the awards ceremony. The course is ideal for fast times with the first half having a slight uphill grade and the second half then being downhill. However, there isn't much in terms of scenery change and it can get a little monotonous out there, especially once the runners thin out and you spend large sections with few others around you. I ranked the spectators a 3/5 just because there weren't a ton of them (think a handful every mile or two) but the ones out there were terrific. Since it is an out and back course there is also the chance to cheer on fellow runners you meet along the way which provided a big boost. Great swag with the quarter zip and fleece blanket. Overall, I would definitely do this race again because of the people involved and the PR I got here.

4.0

Jennifer Ropka

December 05, 2017

Great trail marathon! Would do it again.

I participated in the 2017 NCR Trail marathon and really enjoyed it. I have done one other trail marathon and enjoy running out and back nature trails type marathons. I enjoy these rail trails because as you go through the old train stations you come to crowds of spectators and usually water stops. Then you return to a more secluded run where you can take in the surroundings. This marathon was well organized and the volunteers were super friendly and helpful. If you are looking for crowds, this is not the marathon to sign up for. If you want to get in a 26.2 that is flat, scenic and not crowded, then this is for you. The price was great and the swag was the best. Very nice quarter zip under armour and a gigantic cozy sweatshirt blanket at the finish. This is handy because you have a bit of a walk to the gym for your post race refreshments. The hot vegetable soup was tremendous! I would have been fine without the veggies in the broth, but still wonderful. The results were immediately available in the gym too. I would definitely do this one again. Great way to burn off the Thanksgiving calories. It was an easy morning drive from NJ to the race, but allow for holiday traffic on the drive home.