Maryland Half Marathon in Fulton, Maryland

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I always appreciate free race photos!


I just returned from a quick weekend getaway to Maryland for the Maryland Half Marathon in Fulton, Maryland. It was about a four-hour drive for me from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I ran into some bad weather/traffic though, and the drive down took me six hours! I almost turned around, but I am glad I kept going because I had a very nice experience at this race.

I stayed at Homewood Suites by Hilton in Columbia, which was about five minutes from the start. It was convenient and nice enough, I only ended up spending seven hours there in total, six of which I was asleep! This was a smaller race, packet pick up in the morning, it was based in a small community shopping area. I got to hang out in my car, which was nice because it was drizzling.




This was my first experience running with a pace group. I really enjoyed that they had a Galloway pacing team! I met Floyd and Marilyn who were pacing the 3:30 group using 15:30 intervals. It felt really sustainable to me and I enjoyed chatting during the race (she even let me hold the sign to pose for a picture while she was getting out her nutrition)!




This race was hot, humid, and had very sneaky neighborhood hills that I didn't always realize until I was in the middle of it. I also didn't find it to be particularly back-of-the-pack or walker friendly, as they were pretty much breaking everything down and closing up shop when I crossed the finish line. Minimal snacks left for us. But, the medal is extremely "Maryland-y," which I appreciate.


While a last minute decision, I am very glad I decided to run this race. Overall, it was a positive experience. I even stuck around to go out to a lovely brunch with two new running friends, Marilyn and Mitsy!






4 down, lots to go!


Maryland complete! State #4, Half #9

Date: 6/7/2025
Bib: 1534
Time: 3:22:39
Pace: 15:28

 

Next up is the Missoula Half in Missoula, Montana!

 


Location: Fulton, MD

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