MD Heat Trail Race
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Event overview
The MD Heat Trail Race takes place on August 15, 2026 in Elkridge, Maryland. The event offers two distances:
- 50K
- 25K The event includes an after-party with craft beer, food, bathrooms, water, and shelter under two large pavilions.
Location and logistics
The start and finish are at the Patapsco Pickall Area, 8125 Johnnycake Rd, shelter #707. There is on-site parking adjacent to the pavilions and start/finish, but spaces are limited. Bathrooms are adjacent to the pavilions.
Course and aid stations
The course is rolling single track with two river crossings and a short paved section through a parking area. Runners will encounter more than 2000 ft of vertical gain, some very technical rocky sections, and smoother runnable sections. The route includes three out-and-back sections; one leads to Valley Overlook where runners pick up a wrist band that must be shown at the finish to be credited with a finish. Aid stations are located at approximately 2 miles, 5.25 miles, 8 miles, 11.5 miles, and 16 miles. Aid stations provide Tailwind, water, and real food; gels are not provided.
50K format
The 50K is two loops of the 25K course. Each loop requires picking up the wrist band at the Valley Overlook, so 50K finishers will have two wrist bands. Athletes are generally allotted about five hours per loop. Volunteers help staff the event. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
