Discover How the 25th Annual Baltimore Running Festival Causes Major Road Closures and Traffic Changes
The Baltimore City Department of Transportation announced significant changes to road traffic due to the 25th Annual Baltimore Running Festival. The event includes the main marathon, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Half-Marathon, 5K race, and Pandora 10K race. It kicks off this weekend and will see major road closures and restrictions across Baltimore City.
Details of the Running Festival
The marathon starts at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 18, at the intersection of Paca and Camden Streets. The event features multiple races held at different times and locations:
- 5K race at 7:30 a.m., beginning from Light & Pratt Streets/McKeldin Square.
- Marathon & 10K race at 8:00 a.m., beginning at Paca & Camden Streets near Brooks Robinson Statue.
- Half-Marathon at 9:30 a.m., starting from Pratt & Calvert Streets.
All courses will wrap up by 3:00 p.m. on the same day.
Road Closures and Parking Restrictions
Street closures begin ahead of the festival to ensure safety and smooth operation. On Thursday, October 16, the southbound left lane on Light Street between Pratt and Conway Streets closed at 10 a.m. On Friday, October 17, significant closures will start at 9:00 p.m. on Pratt Street between Charles and Light Streets, stretching into Saturday afternoon.
Parking restrictions will be effective from Friday, October 17, 8:00 p.m. until Sunday, October 18, at 6:00 p.m. Key impacted streets include Linwood Avenue, Madison Street, Washington Street, Eastern Avenue, and many others.
Road and Parking Restrictions Overview
| Street | Closure Date & Time |
|---|---|
| Russell Street | October 18, 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. |
| Camden Street | October 18, 6:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
| Eutaw Street | October 18, 6:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
| Paca Street | October 18, 6:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. |
Commercial Vehicle Restrictions
Commercial vehicles face restrictions from 2:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 18. Prohibited vehicles, such as tanker trailers, cannot access downtown or Inner Harbor areas. Exceptions are in place for cabs, buses, and mass transport. Key restricted areas include Fayette Street, President Street, Light Street, and several others.
Emegypt advises residents and visitors to consult the interactive road closure map to plan their journeys during the festival. The community is encouraged to anticipate delays and use alternative routes where possible.
