Rivers & Rails Marathon
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Rivers & Rails Marathon, Brunswick MD
Rivers & Rails Marathon Weekend on November 14, 2026 includes a full marathon, a half marathon, and the Veterans Challenge 5K in Brunswick, Maryland and nearby communities.
The marathon route crosses the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers twice each, follows the C&O Canal Towpath, and passes through Harpers Ferry, historic Bolivar, and Bolivar Heights before returning to Brunswick. The half marathon follows the same opening miles and crosses the Potomac River twice; it does not include the Harpers Ferry and Bolivar sections. The Veterans Challenge 5K remains entirely within Brunswick, is hilly, passes veterans memorials, and starts and finishes on E. Potomac Street adjacent to Square Corner Park; the 5K course does not use the C&O Canal Towpath.
The marathon and half marathon are USATF certified and begin near the entrance to the C&O Canal Towpath in Brunswick, between the MARC train parking lot and the Potomac River. No course crosses railroad tracks, though trains can affect travel to the event. Park services are working on a Byron Bridge access project; the bridge status is uncertain and organizers are developing an alternate marathon route. This construction does not affect the 5K.
Packet pickup for all races is at Smoketown Brewing, 223 W. Potomac Street, on Friday, November 13 from 2 to 8 p.m.; free street parking is available. The marathon and half marathon are cupless events; water will be available at aid stations and disposable cups will be provided for the 5K. Registered runners receive a commemorative race shirt and finishers receive a custom medal. A portion of proceeds will benefit Brunswick Main Street. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
