Rivers & Rails Marathon
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Rivers & Rails Marathon
Rivers & Rails Marathon Weekend on November 14, 2026 in Brunswick, MD offers multiple race distances and highlights the natural and historic features of Brunswick, Harpers Ferry, and Bolivar. The event features endurance running alongside exploration of Civil War history and railroad heritage.
Distances:
- Full Marathon: route through Brunswick, Harpers Ferry, Bolivar, crosses Potomac and Shenandoah twice
- Half Marathon: shares opening miles, crosses the Potomac twice, returns to Brunswick
- Veterans Challenge 5K: hilly course within Brunswick, passes veterans memorials
The marathon route travels along the C&O Canal Towpath beside the Potomac River, through the streets of Harpers Ferry and historic Bolivar, and across the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers twice before returning to Brunswick. The half marathon follows the same opening miles but does not include the Harpers Ferry and Bolivar sections. The Veterans Challenge 5K stays entirely within Brunswick, starts and finishes on E. Potomac Street adjacent to Square Corner Park, and 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. No course crosses railroad tracks, though train activity may affect travel to and from the event. Packet pickup for all races will be at Smoketown Brewing in Brunswick on Friday, November 13. Registered runners receive a commemorative race shirt and every finisher receives a custom finisher medal. Races will be professionally timed. Aid stations and restroom locations will be announced closer to race day. A portion of proceeds benefits Brunswick Main Street, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
