October 18, 2025

Traffic Disruptions Expected for Baltimore Running Festival

News Summary

Baltimore is gearing up for significant traffic disruptions this weekend as the 25th annual Baltimore Running Festival takes center stage. With over 14,000 runners participating in various races, including a full marathon and a half-marathon, road closures and parking restrictions will be implemented starting Friday night. The festival coincides with the No Kings Day protests, adding further complications for residents and visitors. Public transit will also be limited, urging everyone to plan ahead for smooth travel throughout the weekend.

Baltimore is preparing for significant traffic disruptions this weekend due to the 25th annual Baltimore Running Festival, which will take place on Saturday, October 18. This popular event is set to attract over 14,000 runners participating in various races, including a full marathon, the CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Half-Marathon, a 5K, and the Pandora 10K.

The marathon will commence at 8:00 a.m. from the intersection of Paca and Camden Streets. However, this celebration of athletics coincides with the No Kings Day protests, which are expected to create additional complications for travel within downtown Baltimore.

Starting Friday night, October 17, road closures will begin to take effect, with significant traffic modifications commencing at 8:00 p.m. On Friday, Pratt Street will close from Charles to Light Streets starting at 9 p.m. and will remain closed until late Saturday afternoon. In addition to road closures, parking restrictions will be in place from 8:00 p.m. Friday through 6:00 p.m. Saturday, and commercial vehicle restrictions will apply from 2:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday.

Public transit options will also be limited, as the Charm City Circulator’s Orange, Green, Purple, and Banner routes will not be in operation from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. To navigate around the closures and disruptions caused by the marathon, residents and visitors are encouraged to consider using alternative transport options, such as Baltimore’s light rail and MTA Metro SubwayLink, which will operate unaffected by the event.

Motorists should note that access to Baltimore Penn Station requires travel via Charles Street, as St. Paul Street will be closed during the race. It is advisable for drivers to allow extra travel time—especially when traveling southbound on I-83 or the Jones Falls Expressway—and to use alternate routes where possible. To assist with navigating the changes, the Baltimore City Department of Transportation has released an interactive road closure map for easier planning.

The running festival is expected to draw crowds, resulting in heavy traffic conditions throughout the day, and residents are requested to practice patience amid any delays. Events will conclude later in the evening, highlighted by a dance party celebration at Penn Station from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Roads will start reopening around 3 p.m. on Saturday, following the conclusion of the festival activities.

In addition to the running festival, the No Kings Day protests are poised to create further travel complexities for those planning to head to Washington, D.C. on Saturday. Residents and visitors should remain informed about potential disruptions throughout the weekend.

Moreover, on Sunday, October 19, the Baltimore Farmers’ Market will close Holliday Street from E. Pleasant Street to E. Saratoga Street, adding another layer of traffic management to consider. Whether participating in the festivities or going about regular weekend activities, planning and awareness will be critical for smooth travel in Baltimore this weekend.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER

The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.

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