It's almost that time of year again: The Charles St. 12 is only about a month away. Haven't registered yet? Click here to claim your spot before the race sells out! Not only is a great way to race 12 miles, it's a great way to experience a route filled with historic, religious and social Baltimore landmarks that you don't want to miss. Check out our favorite spots!
The Shops at Kenilworth
Wave goodbye to the comfort of the Towson-based mall as you take your first steps of the race. This marks one of the few points during the race that you won’t find yourself striding down Charles St. Enjoy the spring in in your step as you prepare for the miles ahead.
Towson University
As you continue to run through Towson, you can’t miss the TU campus. College students sporting Towson gear and bulging backpacks are your first clue that you are getting close to the University.
Cathedral of Mary Our Queen
Once you have made it out of Towson and settled into a comfortable rhythm on Charles St., turn your head to the right to appreciate the scale of the third largest cathedral in the United States. Cathedral of Mary Our Queen also serves as the seat of the Archbishop of Baltimore.
Loyola University Maryland
You’ll know you’ve made it to the next academic checkpoint when you run under the bridge emblazoned with the University’s name. You can celebrate with a brief break from the sun.
Johns Hopkins University
Now that you’re really starting to appreciate the abundance of colleges and universities in the Baltimore area, don’t miss the first research university in the United States. Hopkins’ campus will transition into our next historic spot on Charles St.: The Baltimore Museum of Art.
The Baltimore Museum of Art
As Maryland’s largest art museum, there is a lot of to see at the B.M.A. You may be able to just peek into the Sculpture Gardens as you run by. Don’t worry too much about soaking in the art as you go though, the museum has free admission so there are plenty of opportunities to return and experience the variety of artwork.
The Charles Theatre
Make sure to glance to your left to catch a glimpse of Baltimore’s oldest movie theatre. The Charles has managed to mostly preserve its original and largest screening room and continues to play a variety of Hollywood, specialty and foreign films for its visitors.
Washington Monument
This historic landmark was built in the 1800s and celebrates George Washington. Take a few moments to reflect on our nation’s first president as you run through Mount Vernon with the Washington Monument looming closer.
Baltimore Basilica
Don’t surge past America’s first cathedral! As the first Roman Catholic Cathedral built in the United States, this religious building has seen a lot. Try focusing on the beautiful architecture instead of the pain starting to build in your legs as the miles of the race add up.
Belvedere Hotel
Once upon a time, this hotel was the place to be for all of the most talked about social events of the season. Now if you stop by the Belvedere, you can enjoy a post-race drink at the Owl Bar that was once a speakeasy.
The Inner Harbor
When you see the familiar docks of the Harbor, you can breathe a sigh of relief because you truly are almost there! Take in the Science Center and the National Aquarium in the distance as you push yourself around the harbor for the final mile of the Charles Street 12.
Power Plant Live!
You’ve sprinted across the finish line and proudly collected a medal while you gulp down a cup of water. Now it’s time to head over to Power Plant Live! for a beer and some much needed post-race fuel. Congratulations on finishing the Charles Street 12!
About the Author: Lizzy Peper
Lizzy is the Marketing Coordinator for Charm City Run. She has also worked as a Sales Associate in the Timonium store since 2014. Lizzy ran competitively as a member of the cross country and indoor and outdoor track and field teams at Towson High School and Marist College. She co-captained the Marist women's cross country team in 2015 and graduated in 2016 with a degree in Communication and a concentration in Public Relations.
