Baltimore Running Festival Prompts Traffic Delays and Road Closures Oct. 18

The 25th annual Baltimore Running Festival is set for Saturday, October 18, 2025. The event will cause major traffic disruptions across the city. Over 14,000 participants are expected for the day of races.

The Baltimore City Department of Transportation has issued a full traffic advisory. They urge drivers to plan for significant delays and use public transit.

Major Road Closures and Key Timings for Race Day

Street closures begin as early as Thursday for race setup. Major full closures start on Friday evening. According to the Baltimore City DOT, Pratt Street from Charles to Light Streets will close at 9:00 p.m. Friday.

On Saturday, extensive closures will be in effect. Camden Street will be shut from 6:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Key Highway will close from 6:30 a.m. until noon. These closures will impact travel throughout the downtown area.

Motorists are strongly advised to seek alternate routes. Officials suggest using roadways north of 33rd Street or south of McComas Street. Travel across the race footprint will be very difficult.

Navigating the City and Public Transit Options

Public transportation is the best alternative for getting around. The MTA Metro SubwayLink will not be affected by the race routes. It is a reliable option for bypassing street-level traffic.

The Charm City Circulator will have severely limited service. Most routes will not operate from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Service will resume later in the afternoon once the event concludes.

Parking restrictions will be strictly enforced on dozens of streets. Vehicles in violation will be ticketed and towed. Commercial vehicle restrictions will also be in place downtown for most of the day.

The Baltimore Running Festival traffic disruptions are a significant annual event requiring careful public planning. Residents and visitors should check the official interactive closure map before traveling. Expect a return to normal traffic patterns by Saturday evening.

Info at your fingertips

What time do the road closures start?

Major closures begin Friday at 9:00 p.m. on Pratt Street. Widespread, multi-hour closures start at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday morning. Most roads will reopen by late afternoon.

Which public transit is best during the marathon?

The MTA Metro SubwayLink is the most reliable option. It runs underground and avoids all street-level race traffic. The Charm City Circulator will have limited service for much of the day.

Where can I find a map of the road closures?

The Baltimore City DOT provides an interactive road closure map online. This map helps the public track neighborhood impacts in real time. The link is available on the official event website.

What happens if my car is parked on a closed street?

Vehicles parked on streets with posted restrictions will be ticketed. They will also be towed at the owner’s expense. To find a towed vehicle, call 311 for assistance.

Are commercial trucks allowed downtown during the race?

Strict commercial vehicle restrictions are in effect from 2:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This prohibits most large trucks and tanker trailers in the downtown core. The rules are for participant and public safety.