What
The Baltimore 10-Miler is considered a kick off to summer race. Home base for the race is the Maryland Zoo, and each year, the race chooses an animal mascot. For this year’s race being held on June 2, 2018, the chosen animal is the polar bear. Through this partnership, the race and the zoo are able to create awareness about the featured animal. Those who finish the race will receive a medal with a portrait of a polar bear on it.
The course runs a loop that starts and ends at Druid Hill Lake Park. Runners depart from the park and head north towards Lake Montebello. Much of the course is the same path taken in the Baltimore Marathon. This is a great training race for those wishing to run that marathon. As runners approach the turnaround point, they will be greeted with a band or DJ set up to help ensure stamina doesn’t wane. The turnaround is a flat area around the lake with stunning views of the scenic lake area.
The race must be completed in three hours, which comes out to 18 minutes per mile. The start is done in waves to give runners some room as they begin at 7:30 a.m. Runners age 13 and older are welcome to participate. Bibs must be picked up at Dick’s Sporting Goods in White Marsh, Columbia and Gaithersburg the week before the race at the scheduled times. The first 200 people to register may qualify for limited race day bib pick up at the zoo. The race has partnered with the following charitable organizations: Signal 13, Soccer Without Borders, Back On My Feet and Athletes Serving Athletes.
Upon reaching the finish line, runners are treated to watermelon, adult beverages and cold towels. Runners also get two beach-themed gifts for finishing. They include a custom logo Under Armour Tech t-shirt and a custom beach towel with the marathon logo.
Where: Druid Hill Lake Park Baltimore, MD
How: Those interested can learn more and register for the race here: https://www.athlinks.com/event/5321
What Else?
During the race, runners have access to six water stations, which also offer Gatorade, fruit and snacks. After the race, runners get additional snacks, water, cold cloths and fruit. Each runner gets a free beer and can attend the post race party, which features live music.
Awards up for grabs include trophies and gift cards for the top three male and female finishers. There are also awards per age group from Dick’s Sporting Goods for each first place winner.
Runners completing the race and who also complete the Frederick Running Festival and the Baltimore Run Fest are eligible for the King Crab Challenge. Those wishing to be a part of the challenge must sign up ahead of time. Upon completing all the required events, participants get special gifts and can attend the Royal Banquet.