Runners from all over the region celebrate the start of October – and with good reason. It’s race season in Baltimore. As the temperature starts to dip and summer’s humidity disappears, it’s prime time for running in Charm City.
Avid runners have several downtown walks and races to choose from this month and many of them are associated with great causes.
Walkathon to End Hydrocephalus on October 7
Hydrocephalus is a condition involving accumulation of fluid in the brain; it occurs in both children and adults.
On Saturday, October 7, locals will join together for a walk to raise awareness and funds to fight hydrocephalus. The walk is the Hydrocephalus Association’s biggest fundraising event; last year it raised $1.6 million.
The walk starts at West Shore Park in the Inner Harbor, with registration beginning at 8 a.m.
http://support.hydroassoc.org/site/TR?fr_id=1160&pg=entry Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure on October 15
This annual race, which raises money to cure breast cancer, is a 5K, traveling through some of the most storied parts of the city. The race starts on Fort Avenue, outside McHenry Row, and proceeds to Fort McHenry, where it will loop around the seawall, then back to McHenry Row.
Race-goers should know that driving in the race area will be tough, with Fort Avenue’s closure for the race, and parking will be at a premium. However, race organizers have made arrangements with city transportation to get participants to and from the race easily, even if they park in other parts of the city.
The Water Taxi, for example, will run from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m., running only between Pier 5 and Anthem House, and will be free for race participants.
Baltimore Running Festival .05K Benefiting One Love Foundation on October 19
That’s not a typo: marathon weekend actually does kick off with a 0.05 kilometer race, starting at Power Plant Live! The race, which is sponsored by Power Plant Live! and 98 Rock, starts at 8 p.m. that Thursday evening.
The $15 entry fee will benefit One Love Foundation, the local non-profit group that seeks to educate and end relationship violence and abuse.
There will be prizes for winners and for best costumes, so there are plenty of opportunities to show off your best stuff.
http://www.thebaltimoremarathon.com/race-information-2/05k-presented-by-98rock/ https://www.joinonelove.org/ Baltimore Running Festival on October 21
The Baltimore Running Festival itself – now in its 17th year – takes place on Saturday, October 21. The day includes five different distance options, from a kids’ fun run to a full marathon.
The course traverses some of the most historic parts of the city, from the waterfront to Federal Hill and Fells Point. This year the race will end with with a spectacular finish at the Inner Harbor.
http://www.thebaltimoremarathon.com/
***
Whether you’re running or cheering on the racers, it’s important to plan ahead, to figure out the best spot to start and end your day.
Harbor Park garage, located at 55 Market Place in downtown Baltimore, is a convenient spot for all the local races. It’s an ideal place to park when cheering on the marathoners – the garage is located near the finish line, but access to and from the garage will not be blocked for cars. To prepay for your inner harbor parking, simply click on the Prepay For Parking buttons you see across the site or follow this link – https://goo.gl/mDibI9.
In addition to being convenient, Harbor Park is reasonably priced and staffed with a helpful, knowledgeable crew who can point you in the right direction after you park, wherever you’re headed.