City Guide: Running in Baltimore, Maryland

Looking for the top places to run, local running stores, group runs, and more? Here’s your guide to running in Baltimore.

(Feature photo by iStock.com/Sean Pavone)

Article last updated: November 7, 2025

The Baltimore City Guide is developed in partnership with Charm City Run. Read more about Charm City Run in the Running Stores section below!

Baltimore is rich in history and home to a strong running community. Experience both by running along Charles Street or Baltimore’s waterfront. The Inner Harbor is a popular area to visit and the Promenade takes runners and walkers through historical neighborhoods and past landmarks with waterside views.

After your run, stop by a local coffee shop before exploring more of the city’s sites. Destination races in Baltimore may prompt a return trip or a reason to plan your first running adventure here.

Bookmark this guide for your next trip to the Baltimore area. Rather than researching where to go, you can spend more time exploring the city.

Planning your upcoming running vacations?
Find more destination running guides.

Running in Baltimore, Maryland

You’ll find more than 30 run clubs throughout Baltimore with runners meeting just about any day of the week. Several running specialty stores act as community anchors, including Charm City Run.

As for races, Charm City Run’s B3 Distance Series includes three popular events: Kelly Benefits St. Patrick’s Day Shamrock 5K in March, Sole of the City 10K presented by Kelly Benefits in April, and Charles Street 12 and 2-Person Relay presented by Kelly Benefits in September.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Baltimore, Maryland?

Any time is a great time to run in Baltimore. There are local festivals, farmers markets, and races throughout the year. Summers can get hot and humid, but you can still get in a nice run in the early morning and around sunset. These are great times to experience the city’s skyline! Winter can be pretty chilly from December through early March, but Baltimore averages only about 20 inches of snow annually.

Where to Stay in Baltimore, Maryland

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Where to Run in Baltimore, Maryland

The Baltimore waterfront with a red brick path on the right and a view of the city in the background at sunset — (Baltimore Waterfront Promenade; photo by iStock.com/Sean Pavone)

Baltimore Waterfront Promenade
The popular path along the waterfront attracts visitors and locals alike. It’s bike-friendly and can be quite busy during good weather days. The flat brick and paved path follows the Inner Harbor, which means the distance on this out-and-back route is up to you. For a 4.5-mile run, consider starting from Canton Waterfront Park and turning back at Fells Point (refer to this map for more details).

An aerial view of Charles Street in Baltimore and Washington Monument — (Washington Monument on Charles Street, photo by iStock.com/Sean Pavone)

Charles Street
Start from the Inner Harbor corner, make your way across McKeldin Plaza to East Pratt Street, and then head west on East Pratt Street for one block to Charles Street. This is an out-and-back route on Charles Street, one of the oldest streets in America. You’ll pass the Washington Monument, The Walters Art Museum, Miriam A. Friedberg Concert Hall, and various restaurants, hotels, and businesses along this downtown route. The mapped 3.3-mile option turns around at Penn Station, but it’s possible to tack on extra mileage. Find the route map here.

A view of Druid Hill Park in Baltimore with a running path in the forefront and a lake in the background on a blue sky day — (Druid Hill Park, photo courtesy of Visit Baltimore)

Falls Road to Druid Hill Park
Start from Penn Station and head north on Charles Street to Falls Road. Take a left on Falls Road and follow the path until you reach Jones Falls Trail on your right (be sure to check out Horseshoe Falls!). Take the switchbacks up and continue across Wyman Park Drive which turns into East Drive and leads you into Druid Hill Park. This 5-mile route takes you halfway around the lake before returning the way you came. Find the 5-mile route map here.

If you’re starting from within Druid Hill Park, there are a variety of routes you can take, including past the Maryland Zoo.

Herring Run Trail
Park along Chesterfield Avenue at Harford Road and walk down to the paved Herring Run Trail. The 3.7-mile loop starts at the far corner of the soccer field; its far end runs along Sinclair Lane before looping back up. The route is tree-covered and mostly flat. Find the trail map here.

A four-story observatory in a park with cherry blossoms in bloom in the forefront — (Patterson Park; photo by iStock.com/Wirestock)

Patterson Park
This park is not far from Fells Point and Canton Waterfront Park. Several run clubs meet here for their weekly runs. It’s a green oasis in the city and a great place to see colorful leaves during the fall. One loop around The Drive is about 2 miles. There are plenty of sites to explore within the park and options to add additional mileage. Be sure to check out the Observatory, designed in 1890!

Stadium Loops
Start from the Inner Harbor corner for a 3.5-mile downtown Baltimore stadium tour. You’ll turn left on Light Street at East Pratt Street, then west (right) on Conway Street. Oriole Park at Camden Yards (OPACY) is your first stop. Loop around here and continue south along Ravens Walk to circle M&T Bank Stadium. Heading back out, take a right on West Hamburg Street, run north through Solo Gibbs Park, then hop on South Sharp Street. Make a right on West Lee Street a few blocks up, and this will take you back to the Baltimore Waterfront. Turn left at the harbor to finish where you started. This route can get a little weird with construction in the area and it’s easy to get lost if you haven’t run it before, so be sure to follow the map here.

Looking for more places to run? If you’re a history buff, consider running the nearly 1-mile Fort McHenry Seawall Trail. And if it’s trail you’re after, Gwynns Falls Trail is just west of the city center, and there are plenty more trails within Patapsco Valley State Park.

As with any running route, take the necessary precautions for a safe run. Whenever possible, run with a buddy. Tell someone you know where you’re going and when you expect to return, bring your cell phone and an ID, and remain aware of your surroundings.

Running Stores in Baltimore, Maryland

A large group of runners posing for a group photo in front of a brick building — (Charm City Run Fells Point; photo by Morgan McHenry)

Charm City Run
This local running specialty shop carries shoes, apparel, and nutrition for runners, as well as all the accessories you may need. The team trains its staff on how to fit all customers and provide incredible service. Expect to talk about running, receive advice, and meet a happy crew excited to hear about your running experiences.
Fells Point: 1500 Thames Street, Baltimore; 410-601-3761
1313 York Road, Timonium; 410-561-3570
7090 Deepage Drive, Columbia; 410-531-6846

Falls Road Running Store
Located north of the city center, Falls Road Running Store has been serving the community since 2000. Find brands such as Brooks, Saucony, Hoka, Nike, Asics, Altra, Mizuno, Rabbit, Smartwool, Garmin, Nathan, GU, Skratch, and more.
6247 Falls Road, Baltimore; 410-296-5050

Holabird Sports
A multisport shop northeast of the city center, Holabird carries a wide selection of running and hiking shoes and apparel, in addition to gear for racquet sports.
9220 Pulaski Highway, Baltimore; 410-687-6400

Group Runs in Baltimore, Maryland

We aim to keep this guide updated, but things can change quickly! Before attending a run club on this list, call the associated store or check the group’s social media to confirm the date, time, and location.

A Tribe Called Run
When: Mondays at 6 p.m.
Distance: Varies
Starting Point: R. House at 301 West 29th Street, Baltimore

Baltimore Frontrunners Monday Run
When: Mondays at 6:30 p.m.
Distance: 5K
Starting Point: Patterson Park at Eastern and South Patterson Park Avenues

Canton Run Club
When: Mondays at 6:30 p.m. (spring through fall)
Distance: 2-3 miles
Starting Point: Patterson Park at the intersection of South Linwood and Eastern Avenue

R.U.N (Rebuild Uplift Nurture)
When: Tuesdays at 6 p.m.
Distance: 3 and 5 miles (all paces welcome)
Starting Point: 1135 Brentwood Avenue, Baltimore

Manor Hill Tavern Beer Run
When: Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m.
Distance: 3.7 miles
Starting Point: Manor Hill Tavern at 3733 Old Columbia Pike, Ellicott City

November Project Baltimore Wednesdays
When: Wednesdays at 6 a.m.
Distance: Workout varies
Starting Point: Rash Field Park

Faster Bastards Wednesday Night Run
When: Wednesdays at 6 p.m.
Distance: 6 miles
Starting Point: Druid Hill Park; meet near the William Wallace statute

RIOT SQUAD Running Wednesday Run
When: Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.
Distance: 2-4 miles
Starting Point: Under Armour Brand House at 700 South President Street, Baltimore

Baltimore Frontrunners Wednesday Run
When: Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.
Distance: 5.2-6.2 miles
Starting Point: Washington Monument (Mt. Vernon) at the corner of Washington Place and East Mount Vernon Place

Charm City Run Rise and Run
When: Thursdays at 6 a.m.
Distance: 3-5 miles (all paces welcome); the route follows the promenade to the Inner Harbor
Starting Point: Charm City Run at 1500 Thames Street, Baltimore

Believe Run Club
When: Thursdays at 6 p.m. (6:30 p.m. in the warmer months)
Distance: 3 or 5 miles
Starting Point: Believe in the Run HQ at 1805 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore; parking is available on the street or the lot down the street

Bmore Running
When: Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.
Distance: 3-6 miles
Starting Point: Harry’s at 1036 East Fort Avenue, Baltimore

November Project Baltimore Fridays
When: Fridays at 6:30 a.m.
Distance: Workout varies
Starting Point: Patterson Park at the corner of East Baltimore Street and South Linwood Avenue

Pigtown Brew Runners
When: First and third Fridays at 6 p.m.
Distance: 1-4 miles
Starting Point: Pickett Brewing Company at 1130 S. Paca Street, Baltimore

A Tribe Called Run
When: Saturdays at 7:30 a.m.
Distance: Varies
Starting Point: The steps in front of the Baltimore Museum of Art at 10 Art Museum Drive, Baltimore

Faster Bastards Saturday Morning Run
When: Saturdays at 8 a.m.
Distance: 10 miles
Starting Point: Canton Waterfront Park

Harbor East Run Club
When: Saturdays at 8:45 a.m.
Distance: 1-3 miles
Starting Point: 700 South President Street, Baltimore

Baltimore Frontrunners Saturday Run
When: Saturdays at 9 a.m.
Distance: Varies (runs along the waterfront)
Starting Point: Panera Bread at 3600 Boston Street, Baltimore

Leakin Park parkrun
When: Saturdays at 9 a.m.
Distance: 5K
Starting Point: Leakin Park at Winans Meadow on North Franklintown Road, Baltimore

RIOT SQUAD Running Sunday Run
When: Sundays at 8 a.m.
Distance: 3-7 miles
Starting Point: Rash Field Park at 201 Key Highway, Baltimore

Baltimore-Annapolis Hash House Harriers
When: Sundays at 3 p.m.
Distance: Varies; expect running mixed with beer drinking
Starting Point: Varies

Charm City Run Training Preview Runs
Throughout the year, Charm City Run coaches offer training preview runs — free for runners to check out training programs. Find these training preview runs on the Charm City Run Event calendar.

More Baltimore-area run clubs include Black Men Run Baltimore, Black Girls RUN! Baltimore, Latinos Run Baltimore, Baltimore Pacemakers, and Baltimore Road Runners Club.

Destination Races in Baltimore, Maryland

(Little Patuxent River Trail Half Marathon; photo courtesy Rip It Events/Little Patuxent River Half Marathon)
(St. Patrick’s Day Shamrock 5K; photo by Morgan McHenry)
(Sole of the City 10K; photo by Morgan McHenry)
(The Maryland Half Marathon; photo by Hypnotic Imagery Photography)
(Charm City Run 5K at Boordy Vineyards; photo by Morgan McHenry)
(Charles Street 12; photo by Morgan McHenry)
(Baltimore Running Festival; photo courtesy of Corrigan Sports Enterprises/Baltimore Running Festival)
(NCR Marathon and Half Marathon; photo by John Roemer IV / courtesy of Baltimore Road Runners Club)

Little Patuxent River Half Marathon | February | Columbia | Half Marathon, 10K, 5K
A great trail race for beginner trail runners, the course runs along the Little Patuxent and Middle Patuxent rivers, located just southwest of Baltimore in Columbia. The race is limited to 1,000 participants and has a track record of selling out!

Altra Kelly Benefits St. Patrick’s Day Shamrock 5K | March | Baltimore | 5K
Wear your best green running apparel, race through the streets of downtown Baltimore, and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at the post-run party. This is an Altra B3 Distance Series event, organized by Charm City Run.

Altra Sole of the City 10K | April | Baltimore | 10K
Starting at Harbor Point, this 6.2-mile course runs along the Inner Harbor and through downtown and Patterson Park. Run with a pace group and enjoy a free beer at the finish line (21+). This is an Altra B3 Distance Series event presented by Kelly Benefits and organized by Charm City Run.

MedStar Health Baltimore Women’s Classic | June | Baltimore | 5K
The second-oldest women’s race in the U.S. encourages camaraderie among women runners, joggers, and walkers. The 5K, presented by New Balance, runs through the streets of downtown Baltimore, has a 1.5-hour time limit, and celebrates runners with a rose and a complimentary alcoholic beverage (21+) after they cross the finish line. This race is organized by Charm City Run.

The Maryland Half Marathon & 5K | June | Howard County | Half Marathon, 5K
The race starts and ends at the Maple Lawn in Howard County, about 20 miles southwest of Baltimore. Proceeds support the University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Charm City Run 5K at Boordy Vineyards | August | Hydes | 5K
This evening 5K runs along the vineyards and finishes with live music and food trucks. Participants 21+ enjoy a complimentary glass of wine and a wine glass keepsake. The community of Hydes is less than a 40-minute drive north of Baltimore. This race is organized by Charm City Run.

Altra Charles Street 12 and 2-Person Relay | August | Baltimore | 12 Miles, Relay
Run down Baltimore’s historic Charles Street, starting at the Shops at Kenilworth and finishing in the city’s center. Tackle the 12 miles on your own or find a buddy for the relay option. Enjoy the post-race party and complimentary beer (21+) at the finish line. This is an Altra B3 Distance Series event presented by Kelly Benefits and organized by Charm City Run.

ASICS Susquehanna River Running Festival | September | Havre de Grace | Half Marathon, 10K, 5K
Starting at Millard Tydings Memorial Park, about 40 miles northeast of Baltimore, the half marathon course takes runners through the town of Havre de Grace and on both sides of the Susquehanna River. Find snacks and a complimentary beer (21+) at the finish. This race is presented by University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health and organized by Charm City Run.

Baltimore Running Festival | October | Baltimore | Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K
Running for 25 years and counting, choose your race distance and celebrate with a Maryland-themed “crack the crab” finisher’s medal. The marathon course runs along the Inner Harbor and Fells Point, past the Maryland Zoo, and around Lake Montebello. While you’ll have some uphill challenges, the last 5 miles are mostly downhill.

NCR Marathon and Half Marathon | November | Sparks Glencoe | Marathon, Half Marathon
This race is scheduled for the Saturday after Thanksgiving and is the longest-running USATF-certified marathon in the Baltimore area (about 20 miles north of the city center). The course is a scenic out-and-back dirt trail that’s flat and fast — and a Boston-qualifier. This race is organized by the Baltimore Road Runners Club.

After a Run: Where to Eat in Baltimore

BMore Licks Ice Cream — Just across the street from Patterson Park, swing by after your run and choose from 30 flavors of homemade hard ice cream. A few favorites include Cuban Coffee Oreo, Butter Pecan, and Cookie Monster. Be sure to check back whenever you’re in town for seasonal flavors!
2437 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore; 410-732-5425

An aerial view of several plated pastries and a latte — (Ceremony Coffee Roasters; photo by Terragold Photo)

Ceremony Coffee Roasters — This specialty coffee shop has a location in Harbor Point’s old Domino Sugar building, which features a beautiful view. The shop’s other locations are convenient if your run starts from the Inner Harbor corner (Cross Street Market) or you’re sightseeing along Charles Street (Mount Vernon). Food options at Ceremony Coffee Roasters include avocado toast and granola parfaits.
Harbor Point: 1312 Point Street, Baltimore; 410-601-3561
Cross Street Market: 1605 South Charles Street, Baltimore; 443-708-5284
Mount Vernon: 520 Park Avenue, Baltimore; 443-835-1659

Koba Café — Plenty of space to gather and relax after a run, while sipping on a latte and filling up with a breakfast sandwich, morning bun, Powerhouse wrap, or BLT sandwich. The cafe is located in Federal Hill/Riverside, not far from the Inner Harbor.
644 East Fort Avenue, Baltimore; 410-986-0366

Kooper’s Tavern — Named after a yellow lab who overcame parvo as a puppy, this homey pub in Fells Point serves great burgers and brews on tap. Stop by for lunch or dinner after a run at Patterson Park.
1702 Thames Street, Baltimore; 410-563-5423

Plates of Brussels sprouts and hot wings with two colorful cocktails in the center — (Photo courtesy of Manor Hill Tavern)

Manor Hill Tavern — The tavern is housed in Old Ellicott City’s historic Taylor’s Row and serves brick-oven pizzas, salads, and sandwiches. Join the Tuesday evening run club!
3733 Old Columbia Pike, Ellicott City; 410-465-8500

A glass of beer on a table inside a restored old church — (Photo courtesy of Ministry of Brewing)

Ministry of Brewing – Located north of Fells Point, just a few blocks west of Patterson Park, this brewery is housed in Baltimore’s historic St. Michael’s church. Stop by after your run to enjoy a pint in this unique space.
1900 East Lombard Street, Baltimore; 410-624-5623

Monument City Brewing Company — A hike on the Appalachian Trail inspired the idea for Monument City Brewing, located east of Patterson Park. Choose from a variety of mainstays, seasonals, and limited craft beers, and be sure to check the schedule for free group workouts.
1 North Haven Street, Baltimore

A person's hand holding a plate with a burrito on it in front of a brick coffee shop — (Photo courtesy of Morning Mugs Coffee)

Morning Mugs — The mission at Morning Mugs is to inspire moments of joy for customers. Come in after your run for a smile, and enjoy a handcrafted latte and a breakfast burrito.
15 West Hughes Street, Baltimore; 443-693-3038
1644 Beason Street, Baltimore; 443-830-3150

A brewery with a garage door open to an outdoor patio with people enjoying beers at small whiskey barrel tables — (Pickett Brewing Company; photo by Madison Short)

Pickett Brewing Company — Located a few blocks west of the Raven’s stadium, relax with a pint after the Pigtown Brew Runners run club every other Friday. Pours include a hazy IPA, pilsner, brown ale, black IPA, cider, and more.
1130 South Paca Street, Baltimore

Sláinte Irish Pub & Restaurant — Neighbors to Kooper’s Tavern and under the same ownership, Sláinte is a fun Irish-themed pub with classic Irish dishes and bar fare.
1700 Thames Street, Baltimore; 410-563-6600

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