City Guide: Running in Frederick, Maryland

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

(Feature photo by iStock.com/Jon Bilous)

Article last updated: November 7, 2025

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

Frederick is the second-largest city in Maryland, located less than an hour’s drive from Baltimore and D.C. It’s a perfect weekend getaway from big city life, with a vibrant art and food scene, historic sites to visit, and scenic running paths.

History runs deep here. The county was founded in 1748, became home to many European settlers, and saw battlefield activity during the Civil War. But even before that, the area served as a throughway for Native American hunters.

Today, restaurants, breweries, distilleries, and shops are housed in historic downtown buildings. The brick pedestrian path along the Carroll Creek Linear Park is the perfect place for an easy run before grabbing a bite to eat on a connecting patio. It’s also the site for various art installations and events throughout the year.

Other running routes include Baker Park and Mount Olivet Cemetery — each is close to the city center. Annual destination races include a long-running women’s 5K, a half marathon tour of the city, and nearby trail races. Charm City Run is also host to regular weekly running events.

Bookmark this guide for your next trip to the Frederick area. Rather than researching where to go, you can spend more time relaxing on a downtown patio with a post-run beer.

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Running in Frederick, Maryland

Running in Frederick is a unique experience, especially for visitors. Within just a few miles, you’ll see the vibrant downtown area, a beautiful park, and even wooded trails. The running community is expansive and inclusive with a great mix of road and trail runners, both competitive and recreational.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Frederick, Maryland?

You can easily find a race in Frederick from May through October. The cherry blossoms around town are gorgeous and the massive weeping willow trees in the park make springtime especially exciting. During the winter, downtown is a beautiful place to run. It feels incredibly peaceful and you’ll see holiday lights decorating nearly every shop.

Where to Stay in Frederick, Maryland

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Where to Run in Frederick, Maryland

A canal with green grass and a running path on the back side with a bell tower in the background at sunset — (Baker Park; photo courtesy of Visit Frederick)

Baker Park Loop
This 5K loop around Baker Park and an adjacent neighborhood is great for any runner. Park anywhere along the park in marked spaces (there’s no fee). There are portable restrooms in several locations throughout the park. Along the route, you’ll see the bell tower, two parks, and Culler Lake. The path is nice and wide — perfect for running with a buddy. Follow the map here.

A canal with red brick paths on both sides and a bridge, green trees, and downtown buildings in the background on a sunny day — (Carroll Creek Linear Park; photo courtesy of Visit Frederick)

Carroll Creek Linear Park
The brick path measures about 1.5 miles and follows Carroll Creek through the city’s downtown section, acting as a pedestrian connector for many shops and restaurants. It’s a great place to run if you prefer city vibes and plan to find a bite to eat afterward (paid public parking is available throughout the city). Find more route information here.

Charm City Run 5-Miler
This route starts and ends at Charm City Run and weaves through downtown, along the famous Carroll Creek, and throughout a few neighborhoods. Park in the parking lot by the store (there is no time limit for parking and plenty of spaces). Follow the map here.

Mount Olivet Cemetery
Mount Olivet Cemetery welcomes runners to a beautiful and peaceful place to run. There is a 2-mile perimeter loop with very few cars and wonderful landscaping. You can park within the cemetery, either at the entrance or in the back by the mausoleum. There are two restrooms and a water pump if you need to cool off.

Find more running routes on Visit Frederick.

As with any running route, take the necessary precautions for a safe run. Whenever possible, run with a buddy. Tell someone you know well 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 Frederick, Maryland

A staff member handing a customer a shoe box inside a running store with shoes and apparel on display in the background — (Charm City Run; photo by Morgan McHenry)

Charm City Run
Charm City Run carries shoes, apparel, and nutrition for runners and all the accessories you may need. The team is trained on how to fit every runner and walker for their next pair of shoes. Expect to talk about running, receive advice as needed, and meet a happy crew excited to hear about your running experiences.
925 West 7th Street, Frederick; 301-620-8552

The Trail House
If trail running is your thing, The Trail House is your go-to shop for trail running shoes and gear. Brands include Altra, Keen, Merrell, Solomon, The North Face, Cotopaxi, Patagonia, Smartwool, Camelbak, and more. Plus, check out the shop’s online trail resources for the Frederick area.
17 South Market Street, Frederick; 301-694-8448

Run Clubs in Frederick, Maryland

We aim to keep this guide updated regularly, 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.

Charm City Run’s Wednesday Morning Group
When: Wednesdays at 6 a.m.
Distance: 4-5 miles
Starting Point: Charm City Run Frederick at 925 West 7th Street, Frederick
More Info: Follow @emrunsroutz on Instagram for updates

Charm City Run’s Thursday Evening Group
When: Thursdays at 6 p.m.
Distance: Endurance workouts (hills, intervals, etc.) Walkers and runners are welcome!
Starting Point: McClintock’s Back Bar at 35 South Carroll Street, Frederick (use street parking, post office parking lot, or parking garages)
More Info: Follow @runwithcoachkristen on Instagram for updates

Charm City Run’s Training Preview Runs
Throughout the year, Charm City Run Frederick coaches offer training preview runs that are free for runners to check out training programs. These training preview runs can be found on the Charm City Run Event calendar.

If you live in Frederick, check out the Frederick Steeplechasers Running Club, which offers group training runs and events for its members.

Destination Races in Frederick, Maryland

(Froggy Hollow 5 & 9; photo by Morgan McHenry)
(Photo courtesy of Corrigan Sports Enterprises/Frederick Running Festival)
(Photo by Kevin Sayers/courtesy of Catoctin 50K Trail Run & Half Cat)
(Photo courtesy of Frederick Women’s Distance Festival)
(Spook Hill Cider & Wine 4 Mile Run; photo by Gary Geernaert)

Froggy Hollow 5 & 9 | February | Clarksburg | 9 Hours, 5 Hours, Relay, 4.3 Miles
Test your endurance on the trail at Little Bennett Regional Park. Sign up for the 5- or 9-hour challenge solo or run it with friends in the relay division. There’s also an option to run the loop only once in the “More Than a 4-Miler” race. This event is produced by Charm City Run, in partnership with Altra.

Frederick Running Festival | May | Frederick | Half Marathon, Relay, 5K
Tour Frederick along a half marathon course that starts and ends at the Frederick Fairgrounds. You’ll run past the Harry Grove Stadium and Mount Olivet Cemetery, through downtown, along Carroll Creek, and past Hood College before crossing the finish line to receive your Maryland-themed medal.

Catoctin 50K Trail Run & Half Cat | June | Frederick | 50K, 25K
Perhaps not the best choice as your first ultra, but experienced long-distance trail runners will enjoy the challenge. The 50K is a rocky and hilly out-and-back course in Cunningham Falls State Park, and the Half Cat starts at the 50K turnaround.

Frederick Women’s Distance Festival | August | Frederick | 5K
Responding to the lack of women’s distance running events at the Olympics, the Women’s Distance Festival series of races began in 1980. Today, the races continue to celebrate women runners. In Frederick, the annual Women’s Distance Festival 5K is organized by the Frederick Steeplechasers Running Club.

Spook Hill Cider & Wine 4 Mile Run | October | Burkittsville | 4 Miles
A scenic hybrid race course featuring both road and cross-country terrain, this fall 4-miler takes runners past a vineyard, orchard, and cemetery. You’ll also run through the historic town of Burkittsville (where the Blair Witch Project was filmed).

Top Places to Eat in Frederick After a Run

Frederick Coffee Co. — After a morning run, settle on the large patio with a breakfast sandwich and specialty latte, or stop by later for a lunch sandwich, panini, wrap, or salad. This cafe has been serving the community since 1991. If you’re craving a sweet treat, Frederick Fudge & Ice Cream is just across the street and under the same ownership.
100 North East Street, Frederick; 301-698-0039

Frederick Social — Frederick Social provides a fun space to relax and mingle after a run along Carroll Creek. Choose your own adventure at this self-pour taphouse where you’ll pay by the ounce. Once you’ve made your selection, order a bite to eat — sliders, bowls, flatbreads, and more — to enjoy on the dog-friendly patio.
50 Citizens Way, Frederick; 240-629-8525

The outside of a coffee shop at night with its lights on inside — (Photo by Chris Mastrippolito/courtesy of Gravel & Grind)

Gravel & Grind —Find a cool vibe inside this half-coffee, half-bike shop. It’s a great stop after a downtown run. Grab a nitro cold brew or a latte with housemade syrup. To eat, try the toast (gluten-free available!) with goat cheese and jam; Brussels sprouts, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta; or lox and cream cheese. Waffles on the weekends.
15 East 6th Street, Frederick; 240-741-9524

Two brick buildings with a large patio in the foreground with tables, umbrellas, and people enjoying their food and drinks — (Photo by Chris Sands/courtesy of Idiom Brewing Co.)

Idiom Brewing Co. — The brewery’s large patio opens up to the Carroll Creek path, providing plenty of outdoor space to relax after a run. Choose from a wide selection of craft beers, including hazy and West Coast IPAs, fruit sours, and coffee stouts. For food, it’s pizza and wings (gluten-free pizza crust is available).
340 East Patrick Street, Frederick; 240-578-4152

A burger with two beef patties and lots of ingredients positioned on a counter with blue tiles in the background — (The Maxx Burger; photo courtesy of Maxwell’s Handcrafted Burgers & Shakes)

Maxwell’s Handcrafted Burgers and Shakes — An ideal spot to fuel up after a long run or a hard workout, Maxwell’s is located in downtown Frederick, a block north of Carroll Creek. Choose from a lineup of juicy specialty burgers, such as the Chimichurri or Beet burger, and pair it with a handcrafted milkshake.
57 East Patrick Street, Frederick; 240-651-3721

A pink cocktail with a pineapple slice held up by a hand in front of the sign for a bar on the side of a building — (Photo courtesy of McClintock’s Back Bar)

McClintock’s Back Bar — If you like craft cocktails and mocktails made with local and organic ingredients, this is your spot. It’s also where Charm City Run meets after its Thursday night runs!
35 South Carroll Street, Frederick; 301-825-5921

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