MD Heat Trail Race
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MD Heat Trail Race, Elkridge, MD (Aug 15, 2026)
The event offers trail running in the Patapsco Pickall Area with two distance options:
- 50K - two loops of the 25K course
- 25K
The course is primarily rolling single track with more than 2000 ft of vertical gain and two river crossings. There is a very short paved section through a parking area, but otherwise the route stays off pavement. Terrain includes technical rocky sections and smoother runnable segments. The course uses three out-and-back sections, including a climb to Valley Overlook where competitors pick up mandatory wrist bands that are checked at the finish for an official completion confirmation.
Aid stations are placed at approximately 2 miles, 5.25 miles, 8 miles, 11.5 miles, and 16 miles. Stations provide Tailwind, water, and real food options; gels are not supplied, so athletes who prefer them should carry their own.
The 50K consists of two laps of the 25K loop. Competitors are not permitted to begin a second loop if the first loop is completed after 12:00 pm, effectively allowing about five hours per loop. Parking is adjacent to the pavilions at the start and finish area; on-site parking is available but limited. At the finish area there is access to bathrooms, shelter under pavilions, food, and craft beer for participants and guests. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
