The Annapolis Running Festival Half Marathon was a scenic but somewhat challenging race through downtown Annapolis and along the B&A trail. I ran it as a tune up race for my upcoming marathon, and it ended up being a fun day with a decent outcome.
In this recap, I’ll break down the course, race-day conditions, what went well (and what didn’t), and tips if you’re thinking about running the Annapolis Half Marathon in the future.
Race Overview: Annapolis Running Festival Half Marathon 2026
The Annapolis Running Festival took place on March 21st, 2026. This is it’s 4th year, and I also ran it in 2024.
A while back there was a half marathon in the fall called the Annapolis Running Classic which I ran as well.
This is a nice early spring race in March in Maryland. It’s also the same day as the Rock n Roll DC half marathon, but other than that there aren’t many other half marathons around here this time of year.
Course Breakdown and Elevation
This is a fairly hilly course, but its manageable and scenic. My watch measured 659 feet of elevation gain.
It starts out at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, takes you through downtown Annapolis, and then over the Naval Academy Bridge. You run on some main roads for a couple miles and then a few more miles on the Baltimore and Annapolis (B&A) trail before the turnaround point.
The turnaround is about 8 miles in, so its not a true out and back. After getting back over the bridge you run directly back to the stadium.
Race Day Weather and Conditions
After the cold, miserable winter we had in Maryland, this turned out to be a beautiful day. It was a little warm for running, but to me it was better than pouring rain and wind like 2024.
At the start it was in the high 40s, and by the finish it was just about 60 degrees. The sun was shining but because of the early start it was just rising as we started running. I didn’t notice the humidity either, even though it had rained the night before.
My Race Strategy and Goals
This race was during week 12 of marathon training, so I wanted to run it hard but also tried to have realistic expectations. I was thinking I could maybe run around a 1:47-1:48, which would be fairly challenging on tired legs.
I wanted to practice pushing myself during a race, without it being an all-out effort.
My coach’s strategy was to break the race into four 3 mile sections, plus the last mile. Each section I would push a bit harder. I also wanted to work on controlling my effort over the hills and practice my fueling.
Miles 1–6: Early Race Experience
The race started at 7am, and I arrived at 6am. Parking was easy, but it was pitch black out when I arrived. We parked in a stadium parking lot which was close to the start line.
I stayed in my car for a bit getting ready and having a little more food. At 6:30 I got out to start my warm up. It was challenging jogging around the parking lot in the dark. There was lots of mud and puddles that I couldn’t really see!
I lined up for the porta potty at 6:40, and realized the line was not moving. I knew I need to go before the race so I waited it out, but ending up getting to the start line after the gun went off. I am not sure what pace group I started with, but it was several minutes slower than my goal pace.
Everyone was bunched together and it seemed like we were all running different paces which led to alot of slowing down throughout the first few miles. When I could I would jump onto a sidewalk to try to get ahead.
Around mile 4 we run over the Naval Academy Bridge which has nice views but is a challenge. Then there are a couple more big hills on the other side of the bridge. I felt like I finally settled into my pace around mile 6.
Miles 7–10: The Middle Miles
Once we got past some of the hills I tried to just settle into my pace and focus on passing people. The B&A trail is somewhat narrow and runners are going in both directions, so it takes some coordinating to pass other runners.
There are some nice downhill stretches here which felt great. I did notice that my watch was behind the mile markers, which is very unusual.
Miles 11–13.1: The Final Push
Mile 11 brings the bridge again, but this time I knew I was getting closer to the finish. The way back always feels easier for me. There are a few more rolling hills getting back to the stadium, and then a short, steep hill to get back into the parking lot. I was happy to see that my pace was faster over thee last few miles!
At the end my watch measured 13 miles flat, so I am not sure if the course was short. Usually I run at least 13.2 in a half-marathon, so this was significantly less.
What Went Well
I ended up running a 1:49:05, but considering how slow my first mile was I was happy with this. I think I paced the race well and was able to run negative splits.
My fueling also went well. I used Skratch High Carb (50g) and 3 gels (2 huma and 1 honey stinger).
I raced in the Brooks Hyperion Elite 5, which I loved! They were comfortable and made me feel like it was easier to run faster.
What I’d Do Differently
I always struggle with timing before races. I think I would have gotten in the porta potty line earlier so I didn’t start so far back. Also, maybe I would have brought a headlamp for my warm up!
Tips for Running the Annapolis Half Marathon
Even though parking is easy, get to the race early to use the porta potties and line up. The start is very congested and it can be hard to get to the right pace group even before the gun goes off.
Train for hills! If you are not used to running hills, this will be challenging.
Final Thoughts: Is the Annapolis Running Festival Half Marathon Worth It?
The Annapolis Running Festival is a fun event. The logistics are manageable if you know what to expect and plan ahead. It is not a flat course but has the potential to be a PR course if you are prepared for hills. I wish I knew if the course was short, and if so hopefully that is adjusted for next year.
Have you ever started a race late?
You may also like:
Half-Marathon Training Tips for Beginners
Race Fueling Strategies for New Runners: How to Get Started
The Top East Coast Marathons to Run This Fall
Now it’s time for the Runners’ Roundup! Link up your running and fitness posts below! Join myself, Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner and Runs with Pugs to post your favorite running tips, experiences, race and training recaps, workouts, gear, and coaching ideas.
Congrats on another strong race, Lisa!
But oh no… the porta potty situation 😅 Nothing like starting a race already slightly stressed and out of position. I had to laugh because for my last three races I gave up on the lines and went for the bushes. Only a quick “nervous wee”, so manageable, but still… not exactly ideal race prep!
You handled it really well though. Settling in by mile 6 and then finishing with negative splits on that course is seriously solid. And 1:49 on tired legs, with that start, is more than decent!
Oh my tummy would have been in knots! But you got through it and did amazing! Congratulations!
I have started a race late! It’s a terrible feeling! And I remember running the Peachtree and not even being on site when it started (the whole start takes about an hour with waves and so many people, but it’s wild to be getting off the train as people are already moving!).
This sounds fun! I need a Maryland race so I will keep it in mind!
I hate the porta pottie timing! I had a similar thing a few years ago at Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego half. A lot of logistical issues meant getting to the start late but I had to “go” before the race and ended up dashing to the start line after the gun went off. Chip timing made it okay but the start was a lot more crowded and just the stress of that dash made the first couple of miles tough.