Executive Director Letter

from 2022 Baltimore Race Guide

Celebration Village

RETURN TO NORMAL

There’s no day in Charm City quite like marathon day. This year, though, has a very special meaning for a couple reasons; we are finally back to normalcy in Baltimore and this year we will celebrate the 21st Anniversary of the Baltimore Running Festival!

We are starting to feel a sense of revitalization as our old way of life begins to open back up. Live races are resuming, and the world of running is starting its journey back to business as usual. Once again, on October 15, the city of Baltimore will transform into what we are accustomed to seeing on this Saturday morning. And for the 22nd time, the streets will be lined with eager runners, families and volunteers cheering loudly, and a city filled with pride.

In 2022, the Baltimore Running Festival will be bringing back all 16 aide stations. The course will be complete with fully-stocked and volunteer led water stops. The village area will be lively with sponsors, vendors, food options and of course… Dogfish Head Beer & Truly Hard Seltzer.

This year at the Baltimore Running Festival we want to bring back a sense of community and unity. One of the many things Baltimore is known for is its sense of Baltimore Pride. The neighborhoods and community coming out again to support their local runners is a staple of this event and what makes the Baltimore Running Festival unique.

Last year was the introduction of the 10K distance and it was a smashing success. The amount of positive feedback we received from this distance for experienced runners and casual fans alike was overwhelming. The first few miles of the 10K will again coincide with the marathon as runners start on Eutaw Street, climb toward Druid Hill Park and finish with that all too familiar final turn onto Pratt Street.

Another staple to the Baltimore Running Festival has been Sid Busch. A participant in the first ever Baltimore Marathon, Sid has always been a member of the Baltimore RunFest community and will be finishing his marathon career with us. A member of the military community, Sid dedicates all his marathons and half marathons to Fallen Heroes. To honor them he wears a picture of them on his back and carries an American Flag during the duration of the run. When looking back at all the memories during his runs, his favorite was his 200th marathon in Baltimore, where he had a police escort and the honored military member’s family was waiting for him at the finish line. We are happy Sid chose to finish out his marathon career with us.

Another individual highlight to our 22nd edition is Alabama native: Daniel Chaplin. A leader in the community and ray of hope to those who need it, Daniel Chaplin has had to overcome challenges his entire life. Chaplin looks to become the first ever person with Down Syndrome to complete 50 half marathons in 50 states. Daniel will be joining us as he continues his quest at the Baltimore Marathon. On October 15, Daniel will toe the line at the Inner Harbor to complete his 40th Half Marathon. His journey to spread awareness of Down Syndrome and the inspiration he gives to everyone will be on full display this weekend.

We’d be remiss if we did not talk about all the wonderful charities associated with this powerful event and how they help individuals and their families during their personal time of crisis. The Baltimore Running Festival has raised more than $15 million total for local charities and generated over $450 million dollars of economic impact over the last 20 years. While we all celebrate on a crisp fall Saturday in October, it’s evident the festival impacts some lives forever.

So, that’s who we are. This is the city we know and why we have Baltimore Pride. Enjoy the 21st Anniversary of the Baltimore Running Festival.

LEE CORRIGAN President, Corrigan Sports Enterprises Baltimore Running Festival Executive Director