NCR Marathon
Race snapshot
Race Day
32–50°F · Feels cold
Total elevation gain
Relatively flat course · Net elevation change −151 ft
Crowd Rating
Quiet course sections
The Lowdown
The NCR Marathon is run on Saturday, November 28, 2026, its 37th running, from Oldfields School in Sparks Glencoe, Maryland. The Baltimore Road Runners Club puts it on, and it is billed as Baltimore's oldest continuously running USATF certified marathon, held each year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The out-and-back course drops about 0.8 miles down Glencoe Road, then follows the Northern Central Railroad Trail, a crushed gravel and dirt rail trail beside the Gunpowder River. The course is a net downhill of 151 feet and a Boston Marathon qualifier. Water and Gatorade are offered every 3 to 3.5 miles, with energy gels at miles 7, 14, 16 and 20. The start is at 8:30 am with a 6-hour limit, and every finisher gets a medal and a sweatshirt blanket. A half marathon runs alongside it. The marathon is currently full and has a waiting list.
Questions about the NCR Marathon 2026
When is the NCR Marathon 2026?
Saturday, November 28, 2026.
Where is the NCR Marathon?
Sparks Glencoe, Maryland, United States.
What time does the NCR Marathon start?
The race starts at 8:30 AM, local time.
What is the NCR Marathon time limit?
6 hours.
How do I enter the NCR Marathon 2026?
The race is sold out. Nov 27, 2026: Registration closes. Ways in: Register online through RunSignup; the marathon is full and a waiting list is open; Registrations made on or after November 17 cannot be downgraded to the half marathon.
How much does the NCR Marathon 2026 cost?
Marathon: $151.
When and where is packet pickup for the NCR Marathon?
Nov 25, 2026: 11 am to 6 pm at Falls Road Running Store, with a second day on November 27.
What is the NCR Marathon elevation gain?
60 m (197 ft) of total elevation gain. Net elevation change: −46 m (151 ft). Relatively flat course.
What is the NCR Marathon course like?
It passes Oldfields School, Glencoe Road and Northern Central Railroad Trail.
What is the weather like at the NCR Marathon?
Race-day temperatures are usually 0–10 °C (32–50 °F). Feels cold.
Where are the NCR Marathon results?
The official 2025 results are on the organizer's site. Official results
Is the NCR Marathon a Boston qualifier?
Yes. This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event.
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