Baltimore Marathon 2025: Route, Closures, and What Runners and Residents Need to Know

Every October, Baltimore comes alive with energy and anticipation, but in 2025, the city’s pulse will beat even stronger. The 25th annual Baltimore Running Festival is set for Saturday, October 18, and with over 14,000 runners expected to lace up, the city’s streets will transform into a sprawling racecourse for marathoners, weekend warriors, and enthusiastic supporters alike.

Race Day Schedule: What Happens When

The festival kicks off early, with a variety of races tailored to different skill levels and interests. The full marathon, a 26.2-mile challenge, begins at 8 a.m. from Paca and Camden Streets, marking the start of an event that will wind through some of Baltimore’s most recognizable neighborhoods and landmarks. For those seeking shorter distances, the 5K race starts at 7:30 a.m. at Light & Pratt Streets (McKeldin Square), while the Pandora 10K shares the marathon’s starting point and time. The half-marathon, sponsored by CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, begins at 9:30 a.m. at Pratt & Calvert Streets. By 3 p.m., all courses will officially close, and the city will gradually return to its regular rhythm.

Road Closures and Traffic: The Heart of the Challenge

With thousands of runners traversing the city, road closures and parking restrictions are a major consideration for residents, visitors, and anyone planning to travel through downtown Baltimore. According to the Baltimore City Department of Transportation, moving between areas inside and outside the race footprint will be extremely difficult throughout Saturday. Streets will close in phases starting as early as Thursday, October 16, with significant disruptions peaking on race day.

Here’s a look at the most impacted areas:

• Early Closures: Light Street’s southbound left lane closes at 10 a.m. on Thursday, October 16. Pratt Street, from Charles to Light Streets, will be fully closed from 9 p.m. Friday, October 17, through late Saturday.
• Parking Restrictions: Multiple stretches, including Linwood Avenue, Madison Street, Eastern Avenue, Boston Street, Lancaster Street, 33rd Street, St. Paul Street, and more, will have parking bans from Friday evening through Saturday evening.
• Race Route Closures: Streets such as Russell, Camden, Eutaw, Paca, Key Highway, Charles, McCulloh, Gwynns Falls Parkway, North Avenue, Light Street, President Street, Lancaster Street, Boston Street, and dozens more will see closures ranging from early morning until mid-afternoon, depending on the segment.
• Commercial Vehicle Restrictions: From 2 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 18, most commercial vehicles will be barred from downtown and the Inner Harbor. Exceptions are made for cabs, buses, and other forms of public transportation.

Residents are strongly advised to avoid driving in and around the race footprint. If travel is unavoidable, plan for significant delays and use alternate routes outside the race zone—north of 33rd Street, south of McComas Street, west of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, and east of Highland Avenue.

Public Transit and Navigation: How to Get Around

Given the scale of closures, Baltimore officials and event organizers strongly encourage using public transportation. The MTA Metro SubwayLink is an excellent option, as it remains unaffected by the marathon. The Charm City Circulator’s Orange, Green, Purple, and Banner routes will be suspended from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on race day but will resume service from 4 p.m. to midnight. The Cherry route will operate normally south of Henrietta Street.

For visitors attending other major events, like the Baltimore Comic-Con (October 17–19 at the Baltimore Convention Center), organizers recommend using mass transit and pre-purchasing parking to minimize stress. Light rail stops and Metro SubwayLink stations such as Lexington Market and Metro Charles Center West provide convenient access to downtown venues.

The city’s Department of Transportation has also created an interactive map to help residents and visitors plan their movements on race day. Those parking in restricted areas should heed posted signs—violators will be ticketed and towed. For information about towed vehicles, residents should contact 311.

The Human Side: Community Impact and Local Spirit

For many Baltimoreans, the Running Festival is more than a sporting event—it’s a celebration of perseverance, community, and civic pride. Neighborhoods along the marathon route come alive with cheering crowds, music, and a palpable sense of camaraderie. Local businesses often see an uptick in activity as participants and spectators fuel up before or after the race.

However, the festival’s logistical footprint is considerable. Residents in affected neighborhoods must adjust their routines, whether that means waking up early to move their cars, rerouting daily errands, or simply planning to stay in and enjoy the spectacle from their front steps. The city’s approach to balancing public safety, efficient transportation, and event excitement reflects a broader commitment to supporting both local traditions and the needs of a dynamic urban population.

Preparation Tips: What You Need to Do

For runners, preparation means more than just training—it’s about knowing the race logistics. Arrive early, familiarize yourself with the starting locations, and plan post-race transportation. For residents, check the interactive map, move vehicles before restrictions begin, and consider using public transit for essential trips. Visitors should anticipate crowded streets, limited parking, and embrace the city’s vibrant festival atmosphere.

Ultimately, whether you’re racing, supporting, or simply navigating Baltimore’s busy streets, a little planning goes a long way toward making the day enjoyable and stress-free.

The Baltimore Running Festival’s impact stretches beyond the marathon route, touching neighborhoods, businesses, and daily routines. Its success hinges not just on athletic achievement, but on the city’s ability to work together—residents, officials, and visitors alike—to celebrate a shared moment and manage the complexities of a major urban event.