Race Info

The Bagel2Beer (B2B) Marathon is a free, informal, self-supported marathon and half in Columbia, Maryland. It started in 2002 as a celebration of a friend's 50th birthday and never really stopped. There is no entry fee, no chip timing, and no medals — just a great course, family-run aid stations, and a beer at the finish.

The basics

Distances

Full marathon (26.2), a half (13.1), or whatever you're up for.

Start

Wilde Lake Village Center, Columbia, MD — early morning.

Cost

Free. Really.

Timing

Informal. If you can climb the steps to the finish, who cares about your time?

Support

Legendary family aid stations along the way.

The course

The route changes a little from year to year, but it's a scenic tour of Columbia's paths and roads. See the Course Maps page for the interactive map, cue sheets, and GPX download for the current year.

Familiarization runs

In most years there are one or two informal "fam" runs a few weeks before race day so you can preview sections of the course. When they're scheduled, they'll be posted on the Course Maps page.

The finish (and the beer)

The tradition ends with a post-race gathering at happy-hour pricing — historically on the deck at the Rams Head, more recently at Sonoma's. Bring a change of clothes and stick around.

Ready?

Head to the Register page to read the waiver and sign up.