Frederick Running Festival
Frederick Running Festival’s net-downhill half is a PR-friendly hidden gem.
Race Date
May 1, 2027
Location
Frederick, MD
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, May 1, 2027
- Location
- Frederick, Maryland
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 13.1 Miles, 3.1 Miles, Nut Job Challenge (Half & 5k), Kids Fun Run - 7 and Under, Kids Fun Run - Kids 8 to 12, Nut Job Challenge (Half & 5k) - Charity Registration, Kids Fun Run - Charity Registration
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 27,882
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
Tucked away in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., the Frederick Running Festival has earned its reputation as a hidden gem after 18 editions. Each October, about 2,400 runners from 34 states gather for a weekend of racing, with a third returning year after year. The half-marathon offers big-race energy with small-town charm, finishing at the Frederick Fairgrounds.
The USATF-certified course is net downhill and remarkably flat—ideal for runners chasing a personal best. Starting in suburban Maryland, the route winds through tree-lined streets and downtown Frederick. Typical race-day temperatures in the 50s to 70s provide near-perfect running conditions.
After crossing the line, runners enjoy a festive post-race celebration with local food and drinks. The weekend also includes a 5K, a two-person half-marathon relay, and kids' runs, making it a destination for families and competitive runners alike. Affordable entry fees and strong organization round out the appeal.
Race-provided description
Tucked away in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., the Frederick Running Festival is one of the hidden gems of the running community. The festival features four races, which all finish at the Frederick Fairgrounds. Runners can experience a big time race with small town charm with the added value of off-site packet pick-up in the suburbs of Maryland. Choose between a half-marathon and two-person team relay on Sunday or the 5K and Kids Fun Run on Saturday. To shop our FULL merchandise store visit www.shoppesatcorrigansports.com
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, May 1, 2027
Start Time
7:00 AM
Start Location
Frederick Fairgrounds, Frederick, MD, 21701
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Small Town
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
-0.14 m
Separation
1.4%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
MD16013NP · Frederick Running Festival Half Marathon
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.
Quality Score
Runner Favorite8918 years running
~2,441 finishers a year
growing or steady
33% returning runners
USATF certified · 5 timing sources · 9 photos
runners from 34 states
winner 1:12:24
typical high 72°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
51°
Afternoon (High)
72°
Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively
0.2"
Precipitation
11 mph
Wind
70%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 27,882 finishers actually crossed the line across 8 years.
Most recent
2026
Total finishers
27,882
Median time
2:10:48
Latest turnout
3,096
States
49
Turnout by year
2018–2026
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Frederick Running Festival?
The Frederick Running Festival is held on Saturday, May 1, 2027, starting at 7:00 AM.
Where does the Frederick Running Festival take place?
It takes place in Frederick, Maryland.
What distances does the Frederick Running Festival offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 13.1 Miles, 3.1 Miles, Nut Job Challenge (Half & 5k), Kids Fun Run - 7 and Under, Kids Fun Run - Kids 8 to 12, Nut Job Challenge (Half & 5k) - Charity Registration, Kids Fun Run - Charity Registration.
Is the Frederick Running Festival course flat and good for a PR?
The Frederick Running Festival is a ultra-flat, loop course course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the Frederick Running Festival?
HalfRuns has finish records for 27,882 runners who have completed the Frederick Running Festival.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
Explore More Journeys
Can't make it to Frederick? Discover other experiences that match your running style.
Search All Races
