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Marathon Details - North Central Trail Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > MD > Sparks > North Central Trail Marathon

North Central Trail Marathon

North Central Trail Marathon & Half Marathon

Sparks, MD USA

November 30, 2024

http://www.ncrtrailmarathon.com

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Race Details

The 26.2 mile certified out and back course travels along the Northern Central Railroad Trail through rural and beautiful northern Baltimore County, Maryland. We cant promise cheering crowds, music, or the other big city marathon perks. However, we can promise a pleasant tree lined course and a friendly atmosphere on one of the best rail trails in Maryland. The NCTM course starts with 2 miles of gently rolling roads before accessing the basically flat NCR Trail. Once on the trail runners will travel 12 miles north on a dirt and crushed stone surface before turning around for the 12 mile slight downgrade back to the finish. The finish line will be at the NCR Trail and Sparks Rd. intersection. Finishers will be transported by bus back to the parking area. Due to the limited access of the NCR Trail the marathon entries will close at 500 runners and the relay team entries will be capped at 50. No exceptions will be made. A portion of the proceeds from this years race will be used to help fund amenities along the NCR Trail such as, port-o-pots, rest areas, and water fountains. Marathon Entry Fee: $45 Late Entry: $55After October 30th Relay Entry Fee: $70Per Team Late Entry: $80After October 30th Sorry No Refund

Contact Information

Name:	BRRC
Address:	P.O. Box 9825 Baltimore, MD 21284
Phone Number:	410-377-7327
Email:	Email the organizers

Runner Reviews (128)

Course 4.4

Organization 4.3

Spectators 3.3

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Number of comments: 128 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 .. 13 > ]

J. S. from Teaneck, NJ (11/26/2018) "I love this trail marathon that did I did it 9X." (about: 2018) 50+ previous marathons \| 6+ North Central Trail Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Respectfully request for early start to allow time for senior & slower runners as well as the management. This year I finished last. Be so grateful & much obliged if name is included in results list; bucket list is counting full marathons completed. From a satisfied oldie marathoner.
S. D. from Cedar Rapids, IA (11/25/2018) "Fast course but mentally challenging" (about: 2018) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 North Central Trail Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 The organization of this race was really well done and I was very impressed by the efficiency of packet pickup, bag check, and the awards ceremony. The course is ideal for fast times with the first half having a slight uphill grade and the second half then being downhill. However, there isn't much in terms of scenery change and it can get a little monotonous out there, especially once the runners thin out and you spend large sections with few others around you. I ranked the spectators a 3/5 just because there weren't a ton of them (think a handful every mile or two) but the ones out there were terrific. Since it is an out and back course there is also the chance to cheer on fellow runners you meet along the way which provided a big boost. Great swag with the quarter zip and fleece blanket. Overall, I would definitely do this race again because of the people involved and the PR I got here.
J. R. from Cherry HIll, NJ (12/5/2017) "Great trail marathon! Would do it again." (about: 2017) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 North Central Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I participated in the 2017 NCR Trail marathon and really enjoyed it. I have done one other trail marathon and enjoy running out and back nature trails type marathons. I enjoy these rail trails because as you go through the old train stations you come to crowds of spectators and usually water stops. Then you return to a more secluded run where you can take in the surroundings. This marathon was well organized and the volunteers were super friendly and helpful. If you are looking for crowds, this is not the marathon to sign up for. If you want to get in a 26.2 that is flat, scenic and not crowded, then this is for you. The price was great and the swag was the best. Very nice quarter zip under armour and a gigantic cozy sweatshirt blanket at the finish. This is handy because you have a bit of a walk to the gym for your post race refreshments. The hot vegetable soup was tremendous! I would have been fine without the veggies in the broth, but still wonderful. The results were immediately available in the gym too. I would definitely do this one again. Great way to burn off the Thanksgiving calories. It was an easy morning drive from NJ to the race, but allow for holiday traffic on the drive home.
p. e. from valatie, ny (12/5/2016) "Nice Race Well Organiized" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 North Central Trail Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 Well organized race with really responsive race directors handling all the race day issues professionally . Great run for 50 staters looking to avoid the large race largesse while getting in a late November race. Agree with other runners that the warm gym is nice and ample restrooms provided. Slight up on the half out and slight down except for the last 2 miles which have some moderate hills at 24.5-26. Nice swag with a no ad sweat shirt and finisher blanket, medal is unique. Don't miss the post race soup in the warm gym . Would do again, A well run race for runners, organized by runners, looking for a nice run not glitz.
D. H. from Washington, DC (11/27/2016) "Awesome small marathon" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 North Central Trail Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I ran this marathon as my first 23 years ago and revisited it just yesterday. The course has changed only slightly, and I have nothing but great things to say about it. It is small but well run. There is a warm gym and easily accessible bathrooms to start, along with a bag drop at the school. The start and finish roll, though the ending has some climbing. The course is basically an out and back along a lovely trail along a river/stream. There are enough people in the middle pack to keep you company and not be alone for huge periods of time (that may not be the case if you are running at a 10+ minute pace). The support in water/gatorade was spot on, plus I carried a handheld just to be sure. Slight incline out, meaning slight decline back until the road. This is a great run if you want small and well done.
K. S. from Forest, VA (1/20/2015) "Mostly flat, very scenic course" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 North Central Trail Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 Decided to run this marathon in an attempt to achieve a BQ time and because it hit at a perfect time for me training-wise. I knew what to expect from others' reports-flat, scenic rails to trails course along a river, relatively small number of runners (500), warm gym before and after, etc. It was all of those things and more! Nice long sleeved shirt and very nice medal! And I got my BQ time too!
L. S. from Michigan (12/3/2014) "The good, the bad and the ugly" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 North Central Trail Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 The good. This marathon has a lot of positives. The shirts were very nice, unique and NO ADS!! The course is a rail to trail and scenic. The volunteers are great. Maps to places where spectators could find you were detailed and very helpful. Awards were cute. The ugly. I experienced bad back cramps and had to walk the last 4-5 miles. The bad. No results available for finishers over 5 hrs and 23 minutes and award master didn't want to give out award. In brochure it states in capital letters that no awards will be mailed. I sat for over an hour. in moderate discomfort trying to wait the situation out. The timer told my husband to check the website later I was finally reluctantly given my award. I was my age group. For a group with 25 yrs experience, I was really disappointed that so little thought and regard was given to us slower runners.
T. O. from Philadelphia, PA (12/7/2013) "Great local running club race" (about: 2013) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 North Central Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 A very well organized race because the Baltimore Road Runners have been putting it on for years. Warm school gym for before and after is perfect. Downhill road mile to start, uphill road mile to finish. The middle 24 miles are on a mostly flat smooth packed dirt trail through the woods along a creek. 500 runners, so you are never totally alone, but never crowded. Terrific mock turtleneck winter running shirt, but the swag is different every year, so check ahead. Reasonable registration price with easy packet pickup either in advance at a running store or on race morning in the school gym. Thanks especially for the thick homemade vegetable soup at the end, just what we needed! They also have a man who personally fills out a customized finisher's certificate on the spot calligraphy style with your finish time on it!
G. B. from Maryland (12/28/2012) "Positive and what running is about" (about: 2012) 50+ previous marathons \| 6+ North Central Trail Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Having ran this race for 18 times and reading comments some fine points are missed. The BRRC started the race to fill a void and it was not to become a mega race. The race delivers what running is about. All seem to over look the volunteers who drive the event year after year and the sponsors. The BRRC take good care of the runners given the limitations along the trail. The race is small and that's a nice change and it makes you run faster so you are not last. Enjoy the race!
W. C. from upstate NY (11/27/2012) "Nothing special!" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 North Central Trail Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 The NCT marathon is a very simple out-n-back route, mostly on trail, with very few spectators. The trail is pretty enough, but became a bit mundane after 20 miles. My only complaint about this marathon is that there are not enough water stops along the route!!!

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 .. 13 > ]



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J. S. from Teaneck, NJ (11/26/2018) "I love this trail marathon that did I did it 9X." (about: 2018) 50+ previous marathons \| 6+ North Central Trail Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Respectfully request for early start to allow time for senior & slower runners as well as the management. This year I finished last. Be so grateful & much obliged if name is included in results list; bucket list is counting full marathons completed. From a satisfied oldie marathoner.
S. D. from Cedar Rapids, IA (11/25/2018) "Fast course but mentally challenging" (about: 2018) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 North Central Trail Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 The organization of this race was really well done and I was very impressed by the efficiency of packet pickup, bag check, and the awards ceremony. The course is ideal for fast times with the first half having a slight uphill grade and the second half then being downhill. However, there isn't much in terms of scenery change and it can get a little monotonous out there, especially once the runners thin out and you spend large sections with few others around you. I ranked the spectators a 3/5 just because there weren't a ton of them (think a handful every mile or two) but the ones out there were terrific. Since it is an out and back course there is also the chance to cheer on fellow runners you meet along the way which provided a big boost. Great swag with the quarter zip and fleece blanket. Overall, I would definitely do this race again because of the people involved and the PR I got here.
J. R. from Cherry HIll, NJ (12/5/2017) "Great trail marathon! Would do it again." (about: 2017) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 North Central Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I participated in the 2017 NCR Trail marathon and really enjoyed it. I have done one other trail marathon and enjoy running out and back nature trails type marathons. I enjoy these rail trails because as you go through the old train stations you come to crowds of spectators and usually water stops. Then you return to a more secluded run where you can take in the surroundings. This marathon was well organized and the volunteers were super friendly and helpful. If you are looking for crowds, this is not the marathon to sign up for. If you want to get in a 26.2 that is flat, scenic and not crowded, then this is for you. The price was great and the swag was the best. Very nice quarter zip under armour and a gigantic cozy sweatshirt blanket at the finish. This is handy because you have a bit of a walk to the gym for your post race refreshments. The hot vegetable soup was tremendous! I would have been fine without the veggies in the broth, but still wonderful. The results were immediately available in the gym too. I would definitely do this one again. Great way to burn off the Thanksgiving calories. It was an easy morning drive from NJ to the race, but allow for holiday traffic on the drive home.
p. e. from valatie, ny (12/5/2016) "Nice Race Well Organiized" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 North Central Trail Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 Well organized race with really responsive race directors handling all the race day issues professionally . Great run for 50 staters looking to avoid the large race largesse while getting in a late November race. Agree with other runners that the warm gym is nice and ample restrooms provided. Slight up on the half out and slight down except for the last 2 miles which have some moderate hills at 24.5-26. Nice swag with a no ad sweat shirt and finisher blanket, medal is unique. Don't miss the post race soup in the warm gym . Would do again, A well run race for runners, organized by runners, looking for a nice run not glitz.
D. H. from Washington, DC (11/27/2016) "Awesome small marathon" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 North Central Trail Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I ran this marathon as my first 23 years ago and revisited it just yesterday. The course has changed only slightly, and I have nothing but great things to say about it. It is small but well run. There is a warm gym and easily accessible bathrooms to start, along with a bag drop at the school. The start and finish roll, though the ending has some climbing. The course is basically an out and back along a lovely trail along a river/stream. There are enough people in the middle pack to keep you company and not be alone for huge periods of time (that may not be the case if you are running at a 10+ minute pace). The support in water/gatorade was spot on, plus I carried a handheld just to be sure. Slight incline out, meaning slight decline back until the road. This is a great run if you want small and well done.
K. S. from Forest, VA (1/20/2015) "Mostly flat, very scenic course" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 North Central Trail Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 Decided to run this marathon in an attempt to achieve a BQ time and because it hit at a perfect time for me training-wise. I knew what to expect from others' reports-flat, scenic rails to trails course along a river, relatively small number of runners (500), warm gym before and after, etc. It was all of those things and more! Nice long sleeved shirt and very nice medal! And I got my BQ time too!
L. S. from Michigan (12/3/2014) "The good, the bad and the ugly" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 North Central Trail Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 The good. This marathon has a lot of positives. The shirts were very nice, unique and NO ADS!! The course is a rail to trail and scenic. The volunteers are great. Maps to places where spectators could find you were detailed and very helpful. Awards were cute. The ugly. I experienced bad back cramps and had to walk the last 4-5 miles. The bad. No results available for finishers over 5 hrs and 23 minutes and award master didn't want to give out award. In brochure it states in capital letters that no awards will be mailed. I sat for over an hour. in moderate discomfort trying to wait the situation out. The timer told my husband to check the website later I was finally reluctantly given my award. I was my age group. For a group with 25 yrs experience, I was really disappointed that so little thought and regard was given to us slower runners.
T. O. from Philadelphia, PA (12/7/2013) "Great local running club race" (about: 2013) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 North Central Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 A very well organized race because the Baltimore Road Runners have been putting it on for years. Warm school gym for before and after is perfect. Downhill road mile to start, uphill road mile to finish. The middle 24 miles are on a mostly flat smooth packed dirt trail through the woods along a creek. 500 runners, so you are never totally alone, but never crowded. Terrific mock turtleneck winter running shirt, but the swag is different every year, so check ahead. Reasonable registration price with easy packet pickup either in advance at a running store or on race morning in the school gym. Thanks especially for the thick homemade vegetable soup at the end, just what we needed! They also have a man who personally fills out a customized finisher's certificate on the spot calligraphy style with your finish time on it!
G. B. from Maryland (12/28/2012) "Positive and what running is about" (about: 2012) 50+ previous marathons \| 6+ North Central Trail Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Having ran this race for 18 times and reading comments some fine points are missed. The BRRC started the race to fill a void and it was not to become a mega race. The race delivers what running is about. All seem to over look the volunteers who drive the event year after year and the sponsors. The BRRC take good care of the runners given the limitations along the trail. The race is small and that's a nice change and it makes you run faster so you are not last. Enjoy the race!
W. C. from upstate NY (11/27/2012) "Nothing special!" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 North Central Trail Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 The NCT marathon is a very simple out-n-back route, mostly on trail, with very few spectators. The trail is pretty enough, but became a bit mundane after 20 miles. My only complaint about this marathon is that there are not enough water stops along the route!!!

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Marathon Details - North Central Trail Marathon