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Annapolis Running Festival

March 21, 2026
Annapolis, MD 21401 US

PRESENTED BY MEDSTAR HEALTH

Race Location

550 Taylor Avenue
Annapolis, MD 21401 US View Location on Map

COUNTDOWN TO RACE DAY

START TIME:  7:15 am
TIME LIMIT:  75 minutes


WHAT THEY ARE SAYING

Annapolis RunFest Makes You Smile

Absolutely loved how organized this race was!  Best part was we parked on Friday at our hotel and could walk to everything from shops, restaurants, and the race! 

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All in all, a really well organized and professional event. Corrigan events are always first class. Thank you!

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Fabulous job by everyone! The sock burning tradition was awesome! Will definitely be back next year!


REQUIREMENTS

Registrants must be at least 5 years of age and be able to complete the full 3.1 mile course in under 1 hour and 15 minutes (24 min/mile pace).  Those who are under 5 may still be eligible to participate but must seek a waiver by contacting customerservice@corrigansports.com

The following items are not permitted on the course: baby strollers or baby joggers, pets, skateboards, bicycles, roller blades, or any other type of wheeled vehicle (other than official race vehicles). 

Headphones are strongly discouraged.

FIELD SIZE

The MedStar Health 5K field will be capped at 1,500 runners, with a total of 3,750 runners in all events; although the Race Director reserves the right to make changes the size of the 5K field.

Run in the Maryland State Capital
Cross the Water at the Annapolis RunFest

REGISTRATION

Online registration for the Annapolis Running Festival™ will close March 20, 2026 at 3:00 pm or earlier if the field is filled.  In-Person Registration will be available at packet pick up if space remains. Please register early to take advantage of the best pricing and to avoid a sellout.

Once you have registered, please take the time to confirm the accuracy of the information. You may be able to look up and edit your information by following the instructions HERE.  Many of your questions can be answered by visiting our FAQs page or within the Runner Information Packet that will be published just before race week.

Opportunities to Upgrade to  a longer distance, downgrade to a shorter distance or defer your entry until 2027 are available with specific deadlines.  Details and deadlines are available on our FAQs page.

 

NO MAILED, FAXED OR EMAILED ENTRIES | NO REFUNDS | NO RACE TRANSFERS

THE 3.1 MILE COURSE

The MedStar Health 5K course will start Navy Marine Corps Stadium.   The 5k is an out and back course through downtown Annapolis to the City Dock and back to the stadium for the post reac festivities.  Keep in mind that the city of Annapolis has specific rules as it relates to when events need to be out of the downtown/city dock area, as well as which roads can be used in order to avoid unsafe travel conditions for residents.  

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JOIN A SOCIAL TEAM

Joining a Social Team is one of the easiest ways to make your race experience even better. Whether you’re running with friends, coworkers, a fitness group, or your neighborhood crew, being part of a team adds motivation, accountability, and a whole lot more fun to race day. Plus, you’ll unlock rewards that solo runners don’t get.

Gather your people, register as a team, and enjoy extra savings, shared goals, and an unforgettable race experience!

Run Annapolis as a Social Team
REASONS TO JOIN

💰 Teams of 10 or more = save $10 per team member

🎪 Teams of 40 or more = get a tent at the finish line

🎁 Prizes for things like the biggest & most festive teams

✨ Increase the fun by running together

🥇 Members can sign up for any live race distance and still be eligble for your team!

To See What Social Teams Have Already Registered CLICK HERE.


RACE SWAG

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We’re thrilled to welcome New Balance as the official gear sponsor of this year’s event! Known for their commitment to performance, comfort, and style, New Balance is helping us elevate the race experience by providing every registered runner with an exclusive New Balance race shirt. We can’t wait for participants to hit the streets sporting premium gear from one of the most trusted names in running—get ready to look great, feel great, and run your best!

YOUR 2026 RACE SHIRT

A ship’s wheel is a rich symbol of guidance, control, and the journey through life’s unpredictable waters. It represents the power and responsibility of steering one’s own course, even amid uncertainty.
 
You choose to run with us despite the unprediciblity of what is on the other side.  Yet you push on, through the ups and downs much like a sailor on the high seas.  We hope you think of this each time you wear this race shirt.
Awesome gear from the Annapolis RunFest

YOUR 2026 RACE MEDAL

Much like your running journey, A Message in a Bottle represents a leap of faith—sending things into the vast unknown with no guarantee they will ever be returned.
 
We appreciate that you have taken a leap of faith to run with us at the 2026 Annapolis Running Festival.  Here's to understanding what is available to you at the end of your journey.  
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BE A PART OF THE TRADITION

ENOUGH WITH WINTER,
BRING ON THE SPRING RACE SEASON!
A Tradition of Sock Burning at the Annapolis RunFest

It all began in Annapolis in the Spring of 1978. After a snowy winter, boatbuilder Bob Turner bid his oppressive sock-wearing days farewell by throwing them into a campfire. This annual rite to celebrate the end of winter has persisted on boat docks around the globe.

We will continue this local tradition at the Annapolis Running Festival with a twist! We invite you to mark the beginning of the Spring race season by kicking off your running shoes and throwing your socks into the fire in hopes of bringing PRs and good weather to the rest of your race calendar.

We will have a fi re pit in the Celebration Village stoked for the occasion. Traditionalists frowns upon putting new socks on once you’ve burned yours so remember to check your flip flops at bag check to wear for the rest post-race celebration!

Sock Burning at the Annapolis RunFest

COURSE SUPPORT

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HYDRATION STATIONS
The 5k course will consist of 1 water stop which each being staffed by a wonderful local volunteer group and stocked with water and Gatorade.  Runners are permitted to bring your own hydration system (such as a camelbak) if you prefer.

The water station will also offer port-a-pots for runner use.

MEDICAL SUPPORT
Our wonderful medical partner Medstar Sports Health is there for you, even during your race.  Learn more HERE.

MedStar Sports Health will provide medical support on the course and in the finish line area. The MedStar staff will include certified doctors, registered nurses, physician assistants and EMTs and will provide the necessary medical attention to any patient in need. We are grateful to have MedStar Sports Health associated with the event.  On the course, medical support is located approximately every two miles .

Each waterstop is stocked with a self-help bin of band-aids, vasoline and other over the counter self-care items.

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RACE SNACKS
The 5k runners will have full access to the post race celebration that includes bananas, apples, salty snacks from Herr's, and other treats and snacks from our friends at Giant Food.

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LOG YOUR MEDICAL HISTORY

Participants are strongly encouraged to securely store and share personal medical history in case of emergency for any race using RaceSafe.

We encourage all runners, especially those who have a previous medical history to log on and complete the form.  

RaceSafe is secure, private, and takes less than 5 minutes. For your health and safety, please add your medical information by visiting the link below.

RaceSafe respects your privacy and is committed to maintaining your confidentiality.

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AWARDS

Overall Winners:  Trophies will be awarded to the overall male and female champions as well as to the and the second and third place finisher.

Awards Ceremony: The Awards Ceremony will take place at the Main Stage at Navy-Marine Corps Stadium at 9:00am. Only the Overall Winners will be awarded at the ceremony. Age group awards will be mailed. (10K & Half-Marathon Awards Ceremony will be at 12:00pm).

Age Groups: Prizes go to the top overall non-elite male and female age group finishers for the marathon in each of the following divisions: 16 and under, 17-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35- 39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, and 70+

Age group awards are mailed in April after race results are declared official.

NO DUPLICATION OF AWARDS. We will not ship age group awards internationally. VIRTUAL PARTICIPANTS ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR RACE AWARDS.   Awards will be issued to those who complete the official course live on race day.

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