Maryland > LEAD Strong Half Marathon
Freeland, MD • Sunday, May 6, 2012 • Course Map
Hosted by Maryland's Towson University and run along the Northern Central Rail Trail that stretches all the way from the Hunt Valley in the south to the Pennsylvania border in the north, the LEAD Strong Half Marathon typically draws between 100 and 200 runners for its annual springtime running, along a course that's considered an optimal choice for first-time half marathoners thanks to its mostly flat and forgiving stone dust surface along the trail.
The race features an out-and-back course that starts and finishes in Freeland, Md., a small town that lies just a mile south of the Maryland-Pennsylvania state line, just off Freeland Road near the entrance to the trail. From there, runners make their way along the winding trail all the way southward past the town of Parkton, which lies just north of Gunpowder State Park. Once they hit the turnaround point between Parkton and Graystone, runners then turn around and run the exact course they've just run in reverse, all the way back up to Freeland for the finish.
With its 10-ft.-wide trail surface and mostly very gradual elevation change throughout the race (there's a long, gradual decline in the race's first half, followed by a long, gradual incline in the second half as runners are making their way back to the finish), the trail offers plenty of natural beauty through the woods of northern Maryland, and follows the Gunpowder Falls River for much of its winding route through the rural countryside in this part of the state.
Proceeds from the race go to benefit the Maggie's Light Foundation, a locally based nonprofit organization devoted to families, children and young adults with special needs. The foundation provides support for families ranging from camp and recreational services for children with special needs, as well as respite for families and caregivers.
Race
Weather & Climate
Located in central northern Maryland, just south of the state line with Pennsylvania and roughly 38 miles north of Baltimore, Freeland typically sees May temperatures that average between 72°F and 50°F, while rainfall totals average just over 4.2 inches for the month, making May the town's second-wettest month of the year. On the day of the race (May 6), the average high is 69°F and the average low is 47°F.
Course Map
View the race route map for the LEAD Strong Half Marathon
Fees
$25 for the half marathon, for Towson University students
$30 for alumni, faculty and staff
$35 for entrants not affiliated with Towson University
Registration
To reserve your spot in the late spring 2012 running of Freeland's LEAD Strong Half Marathon, register online at the event website.
Official Race Website
www.towson.edu
Leave a Comment
Ever run in Maryland's annual LEAD Strong Half Marathon? Share your impressions, stories and tips from the event.
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