2025 NCR Marathon & NCR Half Marathon (36th Edition)

The 2025 NCR Marathon & NCR Half Marathon (36th Edition) takes place on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at Oldfields School in Sparks Glencoe, Maryland. This long-standing event, organized by the Baltimore Road Runners Club, showcases the scenic Northern Central Railroad Trail (Torrey C. Brown Trail), a crushed gravel and dirt path that winds alongside Big Gunpowder Falls. Late November weather in the Sparks Glencoe area typically ranges from 40–50°F (4–10°C) with possible morning frost and a chance of rain, so participants should prepare with appropriate layering and weather-resistant gear. The marathon and half marathon both follow an out-and-back course format on the same trail system, with the marathon starting at 8:30 AM and the half marathon at 9:00 AM. All finishers receive a sweatshirt blanket and finisher's medal, while registered runners also receive a fleece hoodie. The event is USATF certified and serves as a Boston Marathon qualifier for eligible runners.

What are the race start times and distance options?

• →Marathon: 8:30 AM start
• →Half Marathon: 9:00 AM start

What is the course terrain and scenery like?

The course follows an out-and-back route on the Northern Central Railroad Trail (Torrey C. Brown Trail), featuring crushed gravel and dirt surfaces alongside Big Gunpowder Falls. Runners begin with a downhill section on Glencoe Road (0.8 miles) before accessing the main trail, with a net elevation loss of 151 feet for the marathon distance.

What time limits apply to each race?

• →Marathon: 6-hour time limit
• →Half Marathon: 5.5-hour time limit

What support services are available during the races?

Water stops are positioned every 3–3.5 miles and include Gatorade. Energy gels are provided at miles 7, 14, 16, and 20 of the marathon course. Both races are chip-timed for accurate results tracking.

What certifications does this race hold?

The course is USATF certified and qualifies as a Boston Marathon qualifier for runners meeting the qualifying standards.

How much does registration cost?

• →Early registration (before July 1): Marathon $105 | Half Marathon $95
• →Mid-period registration (July 5 – September 30): Marathon $125 | Half Marathon $120
• →Late registration (October 1 – November 25): Marathon $150 | Half Marathon $140
• →BRRC member discount: $10 off any registration tier

What is included in race registration?

All finishers receive a sweatshirt blanket and finisher's medal. Registered runners also receive a fleece hoodie.

When and where is packet pickup available?

Packet pickup occurs on Friday, November 28, from 11 AM–5 PM at Falls Road Running Store (6247 Falls Road, Baltimore, MD 21209). Additional packet pickup is available on race day, Saturday, November 29, at Oldfields School.

What awards and prize categories are offered?

Marathon awards include:

• →Overall Male and Female (3 deep each)
• →Masters Male and Female (1 deep each)
• →Age group categories (2 deep each)
• →Special awards based on Northern Central Railway heritage
• →$150 bonus for breaking the marathon course record

Current course records include:

• →Open Men: Robert Marino (1995) – 2:25:18
• →Open Women: Joanna Zieger (1998) – 2:47:25
• →Masters Men: Patrick Blair (2024) – 2:33:58
• →Masters Women: Tracy Dzibela (2019) – 3:02:02

What is the history of the NCR Marathon?

The NCR Marathon originated at Old Sparks Elementary School and has been held annually since its inception. Following a school fire, the event relocated to Sparks Elementary School before moving to its current location at Oldfields School in 2017. The Marathon Relay division was added in 2003, and an 8K race was introduced for the event's 25th anniversary.

What weather conditions should participants expect in late November?

Late November weather in the Sparks Glencoe area typically ranges from 40–50°F (4–10°C). Participants should prepare for possible morning frost and a chance of rain. Layered, moisture-wicking clothing and weather-resistant gear are recommended.

What facilities are available at the start and finish locations?

Bag check services are available at Oldfields School. The school serves as both the start and finish point for both race distances. Family and friends may access limited parking in a nearby church field at the finish area.

How are shuttle buses organized on race day?

Shuttle buses operate from 6:45–7:45 AM, transporting runners from the satellite parking lot at Anytime Fitness (14630 York Road, Sparks-Glencoe, MD) to the start line at Oldfields School. Family members and friends may also ride the shuttle buses.