Buzz Sawyer Western Maryland Marathon/Half Marathon/10k
Sun, Oct 18, 2026, 3:30 AM EDT
- Type
- Run
Finish signup on the organizer site (check fees and dates there).
Race feel
Run a USATF certified course on the scenic Western Maryland Rail Trail, with Boston Marathon qualifying potential and rich C&O Canal history.
- Scenic
- Competitive
Scenic
CompetitiveExperience the 11th edition of this beloved Western Maryland event, now honoring local legend Buzz Sawyer. Choose from a Marathon, Half Marathon, or 10K, all taking place entirely on the fantastic Western Maryland Rail Trail. Runners will enjoy a course rich with C&O Canal history and scenic views, starting and finishing in the charming trail town of Hancock. The Marathon and Half Marathon are USATF Certified Courses, offering a good opportunity for Boston Marathon qualification.
What to expect
- Run entirely on the fantastic Western Maryland Rail Trail, known for its scenic beauty.
- Enjoy a course with rich C&O Canal history, starting and finishing in Hancock.
- Marathon and Half Marathon courses are USATF certified, offering Boston Qualifier potential.
Standout details
- USATF Certified Courses
- Boston Qualifier potential
- Fantastic Western Maryland Rail Trail
- Rich C&O Canal history & scenery
Distances & registration
3 optionsUse the official signup link above for all distances.
Marathon
1 option · closes Oct 18, 2026, 3:59 AM EDT
5mo 18d 18h 40m leftGeneral entry
Closes Oct 18, 2026, 3:59 AM EDT · From $85.80
Half Marathon
1 option · closes Oct 18, 2026, 3:59 AM EDT
5mo 18d 18h 40m leftGeneral entry
Closes Oct 18, 2026, 3:59 AM EDT · From $64.60
10K
1 option · closes Oct 18, 2026, 7:59 AM EDT
5mo 18d 22h 40m leftGeneral entry
Closes Oct 18, 2026, 7:59 AM EDT · From $48.70
Summaries use public event text. Confirm schedule, fees, and rules on the official page before you sign up.
From the organizer
The WMRT Marathon/half marathon/10k is back for the 11th edition in 2026. The course is the same, the history is the same, BUT the race has been renamed for one of Washington County Maryland's greatest distance runners and the creator of the JFK50 Miler, Buzz Sawyer . Frank and Mike of Altis Endurance have passed the race on to Katie and Adam Lowe of 2Lowe Run Company to continue the race's traditions. The Buzz Sawyer Western Maryland Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K is set for Sunday October 18th, 2026. This race takes place in its entirety on the fantastic Western Maryland Rail Trail (WMRT) located in - wait for it - Western Maryland. The race start/finish is located in the wonderful town of Hancock. The town of Hancock is a super trail town with great C&O Canal history and scenery in addition to the WMRT. Hancock is definitely a place to visit for those who love trails. The marathon MD17006NP and half marathon MD17005NP courses are USATF Certified Courses. This is a good Boston qualifying course!
The marathon starts at 7:30 AM, the half marathon starts at 8:00 AM, and the 10K start at 8:15. The start/finish is located on the Western Maryland Rail Trail just north of C&O Bicycle at 9 S Pennsylvania Ave Hancock, MD 21750.