MD Heat Trail Race
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Event overview
The MD Heat Trail Race takes place Saturday, Aug 15, 2026, in the Patapsco Pickall Area at 8125 Johnnycake Road, Elkridge, Maryland. The event offers the following distances:
- 50K
- 25K
The 50K is run as two loops of the 25K course. Organizers allow roughly five hours per loop; competitors who complete the first loop after noon may not be permitted to start a second loop. Registration closes the evening before the event.
Course and aid stations
The course is primarily rolling single track with two river crossings and a short paved section through a parking area. Runners should expect more than 2000 ft of total vertical gain, a mix of technical rocky sections and smoother runnable stretches, and three out-and-back sections. One out-and-back reaches Valley Overlook, where athletes must pick up a wrist band to be credited for that section; 50K competitors pick up one wrist band per loop.
Aid stations are located at approximately 2.0, 5.25, 8.0, 11.5, and 16.0 miles. Aid stations provide Tailwind, water, and real food options; gels are not supplied.
Facilities and finish
The start/finish is at Shelter #707 near the pavilions. Parking is available on site but limited. Bathrooms are adjacent to the pavilions. The finish area includes food, beer, shelter, water, and restroom access. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
