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Buzz Sawyer Western Maryland Marathon

Hancock, MD
Sunday, October 18, 2026


  5 Stars from 1 Reviews

Course Description
The Buzz Sawyer Western Maryland Marathon is a race that honors the legacy of Buzz Sawyer, a celebrated distance runner from Washington County and the creator of the JFK 50 Miler. This event unfolds entirely on the scenic Western Maryland Rail Trail (WMRT), a flat and out-and-back course Boston qualifying course.  

The marathon features a 6.56-mile out-and-back section that participants complete twice, totaling 26.2 miles. The start and finish line are located on the Western Maryland Rail Trail, just north of C&O Bicycle at 9 S Pennsylvania Ave.

October Other Marathons in October Other Marathons in Maryland Marathons near Hancock, MD



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Race Information

Race Dates

2026: Sunday, October 18, 2026
2025: Sunday, October 19, 2025

Course Information

Profile: Mostly Flat
Type: Multiple Out and Backs
Surface: Road/Pavement

Boston Qualifier?: Yes
World Marathon Major Qualifier?: No

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 50°F (10°C)
Average High: 62°F (16°C)
Average Low: 39° F (3°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 99.40
Course Score: 99.40

Race Size

2025: 43 Finishers
2024: No Results
2023: 41 Finishers
2022: 57 Finishers
2021: 47 Finishers
2020: No Results

BQ Percentages

2025: 20.9%
2024: N/A
2023: 4.9%
2022: 8.8%
2021: 19.2%
2020: N/A

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: No

Weather Averages for Last 0 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 0°F  (°C)
Low: 0°F  (°C)

Race Start Conditions

0°F  (°C)
Humidity: 0%


 0 mph

PR Score

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Course Score

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Buzz Sawyer Western Maryland Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Buzz Sawyer Western Maryland Marathon was the 479th largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers.

In 2025, 20.9% of Buzz Sawyer Western Maryland Marathon finishers achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Buzz Sawyer Western Maryland Marathon ranked 37th among marathons in the U.S. in 2025. In Maryland, it ranked 1st in 2025. This provides a useful benchmark for runners comparing Boston Marathon qualifying potential across different races.

The Buzz Sawyer Western Maryland Marathon has a Course Score of 99.40, ranking it as the 133rd fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 4th fastest marathon course in Maryland.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Buzz Sawyer Western Maryland Marathon a PR Score of 99.40. The PR Score ranks the Buzz Sawyer Western Maryland Marathon as the 94th best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 2nd best marathon for a PR in Maryland.

Together, these rankings provide a quick snapshot of how the Buzz Sawyer Western Maryland Marathon compares with other marathons in the U.S. and Maryland for speed, PR potential, Boston Marathon qualifying success, and overall participation.

Buzz Sawyer Western Maryland Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed133rd fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 4th fastest marathon course in Maryland
Top 29% Nationally#4 of 7 in Maryland
PR Potential94th best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 2nd best marathon for a PR in Maryland
Top 21% Nationally#2 of 7 in Maryland
Boston Qualifier Rate37th highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 1st highest BQ percentage in Maryland
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 8% Nationally#1 of 10 in Maryland
Race Size479th largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 9th largest marathon in Maryland
Based on 2025 results
Top 81% Nationally#9 of 11 in Maryland

Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.



Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 481 feet (146m)
Min Elevation: 413 feet (125m)

Elevation Gain: 286 feet (87m)
Elevation Loss: 286 feet (87m)


Buzz

Course updated 05/12/2025




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Race Reviews


5.0
Based on 1 reviews
Write Your Own Review

A true "runner's race

Full Review:

This is a small marathon with not much swag and aide stations attended to by local high school students. Because of this, it is truly a runner's race, no fluff. The trail is paved and relatively flat, and it's an out-and-back twice for the marathoners. There was only one clock, at the start, at 13.1, and the finish. There weren't any mile markers as well, so if you are concerned about pace and such, bring your Garmin or other GPS device. Overall, I LOVED this race and am considering it again to attempt a better BQ time. Very fast course, possibly the fastest course in Maryland. The other runners and volunteers were friendly and encouraging throughout, as there aren't any places for spectators it was nice to have the comaraderie. I personally enjoyed the lack of spectators and fairly empty running path.

Race Tips:

Bring a Garmin if you want to keep track of your miles and pace as there isn't much on the trail. It's out and back twice for marathoners. The aide stations had water and gatorade and a couple had gummy bears and cookies.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

I stayed at the Super 8 which is within walking distance to the start and finish, but the hotel was not a pleasant experience. If I do this race again, I'd definitely stay in Berkley Springs instead.
Reviewed by CB About 2018