The B & A Trail course is mostly flat and can be a good course to PR on or qualify for the Boston Marathon (BQ).
The course is an out-and-back on mostly on a rails to trails path. The first mile of the marathon course is on residential streets and the remainder is on the B & A Trail which is an asphalt bike and running path. The course is on gentle railroad grade and only has one moderate hill at mile seven.
The typical race day temperature is conducive for fast marathon times. However, it is early Spring or late Winter (depending on the race date) in the northern Mid-Atlantic, so snow or very chilly weather is possible.
The B and A Marathon was the 205th largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 200th largest in 2022.
This year 22% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 18.1% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the B and A Marathon the 69th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 39th highest percentage so far in 2024.
Its Course Score of 98.75 ranks it as the 250th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 4th fastest course in Maryland.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the B and A Marathon a PR Score of 98.75. This PR Score ranks it as the 188th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 4th fastest in Maryland.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
B and A Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 128 feet (39m) Min Elevation: 28 feet (8m)
Course updated 02/11/2023
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Great local race put on by runners for runners. Fast course. Lots of aid stations. Plenty of food at the finish.
Race Tips
Make sure you're mentally prepared for the second half. The full marathon field is small. There is a high likelihood you will be alone for the majority of the miles from 12.75-26.2.
Very nice small (400 full, 600 half) race. Race day packet pick-up at a high school where you can stay warm and use real toilets. Free massages afterward and you can use the schools showers. In 2012 they gave track pants rather than a T-Shirt. Good quality too!
Race Tips
The course is about 2 miles on the roads to thin out the crowds then entirely on a paved bike path. The scenery is pleasent but unchanging. No hills to speak of, only gradual inclines. Plenty of water stops. The race is two out and backs so that can be mentally tough. No spectators but that's to be expected on a race of this size.
I drove down from PA on race day so I can't comment on local ammenities but you're not far from Annapolis so I'm sure folks could find hotels and restaurants, etc.
4.5 Stars from 2 Reviews
