Trail Running in Maryland
Maryland has 12 upcoming trail-running races scheduled for 2026. No single city dominates the calendar. Derwood leads with 2 races, followed by Germantown (2), Gaithersburg (1), and Clarksburg (1). The remaining 50% of the calendar is spread across smaller cities.
Showing all 12
Trail Running
Rick O'Donnell Memorial 5 Mile Trail Run and Ultra Challenge
October 11, 2026
Mount Airy, MD
Trail Running in Nearby States
Frequently asked questions
What is trail running?▾
Trail running takes place on unpaved surfaces like dirt paths, mountain trails, and forest roads. Distances range from 5K to 100+ miles. Trail running emphasizes scenery, elevation, and technical terrain over pace.
What shoes do I need for trail running?▾
Trail running shoes have aggressive lugs for traction, rock plates for protection, and a more durable outsole than road shoes. Popular brands include Hoka, Salomon, and Altra. Choose shoes based on your local terrain.
How is trail running different from road running?▾
Trail running involves more elevation change, uneven footing, and slower paces than road running. Expect to run 20-40% slower on trails compared to roads. The focus shifts from pace per mile to effort and time on feet.
What are the best trail running destinations in the US?▾
Colorado, California, Oregon, and Utah offer world-class trail running. Iconic areas include the Sierra Nevada, Rocky Mountains, Pacific Northwest forests, and Appalachian trails. Browse trail events by state on RACE.