Where to Run — Live. Give. Run. Blog — Charm City Run

Where to Run

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Best Way to Kick Off Race Season: Under Armour Kelly Benefits St. Patrick's Day Shamrock 5K!

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Best Way to Kick Off Race Season: Under Armour Kelly Benefits St. Patrick's Day Shamrock 5K!

For Charm City Run Events, the festivities begin with the arrival of March and the Under Armour Kelly Benefits St. Patrick’s Day Shamrock 5K. I can’t imagine any better way to kick off the racing season than with the first race of the B3 Distance Series. The Shamrock 5K is one of the most celebrated annual Baltimore City events with support from thousands of city residents who, despite road closures and other logistic challenges, not only accept it, but embrace it! This can be seen by the large crowds that show up to cheer participants and celebrate Irish heritage. Shamrock is an absolute blast for everyone involved and having the ability to hold the race in person after two years of virtual events adds to the excitement. It’s the precursor to the warmer days of Spring around the corner and a calendar of amazing running Events.

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Happy Fall! Happy Trail Running!

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Happy Fall! Happy Trail Running!

If you haven’t tried trail running before or even if you’re already a trail runner, autumn is an absolutely beautiful time for it. Trail running provides many benefits to all runners and walkers.

We asked two of our Charm City Run team members, Troy Workman and Kevin O’Grady, who are trail running gurus to give us their tips, hints and recommendations!

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Now is the Time to Join a 5K Training Group - It's Your Year to Shine!

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Now is the Time to Join a 5K Training Group - It's Your Year to Shine!

When was the last time you did something for you? Yes, you, the person who has talked for years about “one day” completing a 5K and says they’ll complete a 5K race “next year” every year. Have I stopped you in your tracks for a moment? Good. Let’s chat…

Whether you run or walk, being a part of a 5K training group means you have set a personal goal you intend on meeting.

Dear (New To) Baltimore Runner

Dear (New To) Baltimore Runner

Since I find myself writing this email or having some version of this conversation over the phone at least a few times each month, I figured it’s (years) overdue that I put all of this information into one spot.  This is in response to the many versions of “Hi! I’m looking for some places and/or some groups to run with in the area…” that I hear regularly.

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More Than You Ever Needed to Know about Running with a Stroller

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More Than You Ever Needed to Know about Running with a Stroller

I get a lot of questions about running with babies-- these questions run the gamut of suggestions from which kind of stroller, to good running routes in the area, to tips for making it the experience comfortable for the runner and the passenger(s).  I will try and touch on all of these here, with the disclaimer that -- this is my first baby, and like the rest of my running and momming -- this is a work in progress.

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Places to Run in the Baltimore Area

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Have you ever wondered about the best places for a run or walk in the Baltimore area?  Or maybe you are just bored with your usual run. Here are a few places to run near each of our stores to change up the routine.

Charm City Run Annapolis (Anne Arundal County)

B&A Trail– This trail is flat and fast with water fountains every few miles.  Running Distance (Out and Back) 0-26 miles (more if you use it to connect to the BWI Trail)

Quiet Waters Park–. With its wooded trails and beautiful grounds makes it one of the favorites in the area.  A big plus is the big playground for the kids afterwards if you running buddy is a little one.  Running Distance – 6 mile loop

Kinder Park Farm — While most of the route is paved, there are several places throughout the park to duck into the woods and run along the dirt trails used by Arch Bishop Spalding’s Cross Country Team.  This park also has a couple of water fountains, bathrooms, and two playgrounds. Running Distance3-5 mile loop

USNA -–Almost half of the route is run along the water and is beautiful in all weather, so much so that it seems too special not to share with a running buddy.  Things to remember – No Headphones Allowed and You must have your ID with you. Running Distance 4mile loop


Charm City Run McHenry Row (Baltimore City)

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Inner Harbor Run – Start from Charm City Run McHenry Row and head down the promenade towards the Science Center and Aquarium.  You can run the promenade and docks all the way to Canton and back for any distance from 1-15 miles.

Fort McHenry Run – Start at Charm City Run McHenry Row and run to the entrance of Fort McHenry.  It’s a mile from the store with a mile loop around the Fort.  It’s a great way to see the water and city.  Water fountains and bathrooms are at the park. Running Distance3-5 Miles

Patterson Park – A challenging loop with hills to get a great workout.  The loop makes it convenient to your car and allows you to vary the distance. Running Distance 1-6 Miles


Charm City Run Bel Air  (Harford County)

Ma & Pa Trail – The MA & PA Trail is a walking, running & bicycle trail/pathlocated on portions of the former Maryland & Pennsylvania Railroad corridor in Bel Air and Forest Hill, Maryland.  The MA & PA Trail is 3.3 miles long from Edgeley Grove in Fallston to Williams St. in the Town of Bel Air. The Forest Hill segment is 1.75 miles long.

Susquehanna State Park – Susquehanna State Park contains over 15 miles of marked and maintained trails; ideal for hikers, trail runners, mountain bikers, equestrians and nature lovers. The terrain varies throughout the river valley. The different trails have ratings ranging from easy to difficult.


Charm City Run Columbia (Howard County)

Lake Elkhorn – Located right near our Columbia store, this 37-acre lake, in the village of Owen Brown, was built by the Columbia Association in 1974 with a watershed of about 2,500 acres.  The path around Lake Elkhorn is 2 miles.  There are also connecting trails to add on to the distance around the lake. Running Distance 2 miles and up

Patapsco Valley State Park – The park is nationally known for its trail opportunities and scenery.  They have 170 miles of trails, with 70 of those miles identified as maintained trails.  A great place to get away from it all and walk, hike or run. Park includes both technical trails and paved paths. All distances available.

Centennial Park – This park makes up 325 of Howard County's 7,000+ acre scenic park system. It features a 2.4-mile paved pathway that circles the lake as well as the 7.3-miles of interconnecting paved pathway that links to surrounding neighborhoods. These trails are great for walking, riding, or biking, and make for a perfectly serene place for some exercise. 


Charm City Run Timonium (Baltimore County)

NCR Trail -The Northern Central Railroad Trail (NCRT) extends 20 miles, stretching from Ashland Road in the Hunt Valley area to the state line. The trail is 10 feet wide with a stone dust surface. The most popular activities on the trail are hiking, jogging, bicycle riding and horseback riding. Out and back trail allows for any distance from 1 mile to 40 miles.

Loch Raven Reservoir – This weekend running spot provides paved road and off-road running north of Towson.  Park at the corner of Morgan Mill Road and Loch Raven Drive to enjoy beautiful scenery on a Saturday or Sunday morning.  You will see many runners on the road as well as on the extensive hiking trails throughout the woods. On weekends Loch Raven Drive between Morgan Mill Road and Providence Road is closed to cars to allow use by pedestrians.  Please note that it is not safe to run during the week as traffic is heavy with commuters.  You can walk/run 1-30 miles along this route.

ENJOY!