Gary Brown Memorial C&O Canal Run

Williamsport, United States • 6 Jun 2026

Event Overview

The Gary Brown Memorial C&O Canal Five Mile Run is a road race event held in Williamsport, Maryland. It will be its 45th annual edition in 2026. The event is named in honor of Gary Brown, a former high school distance running coach. The original C&O Canal Five Mile Run dates back to 1970 and was renamed in his honor in 1982.

Event Details

The race takes place on the C&O Canal Towpath. The course is described as a flat, fast "out and back" route, with most of it being shaded.

Two event options are available:

  • Gary Brown Memorial 5 Mile Run
  • Gary Brown Memorial 5 Mile Run- STUDENT (a student-priced entry)

Registration includes a race technical t-shirt, chip timing by Racine Timing with instant results, custom awards for podium winners, music, and packet pickup. A special "Distinguished Participant" award is available for runners who complete five out of seven designated events in the organizer's 2026 race series.

Location and Parking

The event is based at Riverbottom Park in Williamsport. Parking for participants is available in the Cushwa Basin parking lot, the lock house 44 parking lot, or legal street parking on N Commerce St or W Salisbury St. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

Race information

5 mi
Gary Brown Memorial 5 Mile Run
Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Trail runs nearby

Enjoy a cross country style 5k run or walk through the scenic Hauser Hill Event Center. Participants receive a finisher medal and a pour of wine in a collectible glass at the finish line.

A *100-mile* ultramarathon on the C&O Canal towpath near the Potomac River, run as one ~40-mile loop plus two ~30-mile loops. Aid stations appear every 3–6.9 miles and the event is a WSER 2027 qualifier.

Experience the fourth annual trail run at Mount Aetna Adventist School in Hagerstown. Choose between a 3k or 5k course to support student projects and enjoy fitness within a community setting.

Join the Ed Poling Memorial HARC Hike for Hunger & Hope, now in its 14th year. Choose from scenic C&O Canal Towpath hikes in May or a challenging Appalachian Trail hike. This fundraising event supports local community programs.