2026 Saint Marys Lake Trail Series

The 2026 Saint Marys Lake Trail Series will take place on February 28, 2026, in Leonardtown, United States, centered at Saint Mary’s Lake within St. Mary's County. The event is held in the Southern Maryland region, with access to the trail system available via Camp Cosoma Road and Indian Bridge Road. The course is a fast, runnable trail with varied natural surfaces, including 75% single track featuring dirt, roots, rocks, and wooden bridges, 20% forest road, and 5% crushed gravel along the dam section. The terrain is generally flat with rolling small hills, and runners should anticipate potential mud and wet sections depending on the February weather in Leonardtown, which is expected to be cool with a possibility of light precipitation.

What is the event classification and type?

The event is classified as a trail event, specifically a modular loop course with participants completing 1, 2, or 3 laps to achieve their desired race distance.

What is the venue location and access points?

The event is centered at Saint Mary’s Lake within the St. Mary's River watershed. Access to the trail system is available via Camp Cosoma Road and Indian Bridge Road. The park is open to the public, and runners will share the trail with mountain bikers, hikers, leashed pets, and horseback riders.

What is the terrain profile of the course?

The course features a fast, runnable trail system with varied natural surfaces. The terrain includes 75% single track (dirt, roots, rocks, and wooden bridges), 20% forest road (packed dirt paths through Salem Forest), and 5% crushed gravel located along the dam section.

What distances are available for this event?

• →31.5 Miles (50K): 3 Laps
• →21 Miles (Approx. 34K): 2 Laps
• →10.5 Miles (Approx. 17K): 1 Lap

What is the registration status for each distance?

• →31.5 Miles (50K): Open for Registration
• →21 Miles (Approx. 34K): SOLD OUT with a waitlist available at no charge
• →10.5 Miles (Approx. 17K): SOLD OUT with a waitlist available at no charge

How much does registration cost?

• →$25.00 base fee ($28.50 total including taxes & fees) for all distances

What is the maximum number of participants?

The event is capped at 100 participants total across all three distances.

What are the start and finish locations?

The start/finish line is at the main entrance to St. Mary’s Lake on Camp Cosoma Road. A small 10x10 shelter is provided by the Race Director.

What facilities are available at the event?

Restrooms are available at the start/finish line. A secondary aid station is located halfway through the loop at the Salem Forest entrance on Indian Bridge Road, which also has a porta-potty available.

What aid is provided during the event?

Aid stations provide warm food and drinks, with a famous post-race pancake breakfast served for runners and guests. A secondary aid station offers food and drink as well.

What are the timing and cutoffs for the event?

Check-in begins at 07:00, with all distances starting together at 08:00. Runners must start their final lap by 13:30, and the overall cutoff is 16:30 (8.5 hours total).

What is the policy on drop bags?

Drop bags are accepted at the secondary aid station, which closes at 15:00 (7.5 hours after the start). Runners must retrieve their own bags post-race.

What is the park entry fee?

A day-use charge is collected at the automated gate on Camp Cosoma Road. MD Residents pay $3.00/vehicle, and out-of-state vehicles pay $5.00/vehicle. Passholders with MD Passport, Golden Age, or Universal Disability passes can obtain a free swipe card by contacting the park office prior to the event.

What is the weather policy for the event?

The race proceeds as long as the park is open. No refunds are issued, but runners may change their distance during the event by notifying staff.