Site Map

Nov 8, 2024

☰

Premium Listings

Verified Accounts

Free Race Organizer Account

Become An Advertiser

Marathon Details - Queen City Marathon for Active Water

North America Marathons > USA > MD > Cumberland > Queen City Marathon for Active Water

Queen City Marathon for Active Water

Queen City Marathon for Active Water & Metric Marathon 26.2K

Cumberland, MD USA

April 8, 2017

http://www.runthequeencity.com

News

Marathon Results

By Year:

2017 2016 2015 2014 Top 3 Finishers

Race Details

Beautiful 26.2 miles on the scenic C&O Canal Towpath and Great Allegheny Passage Rail Trail. Or,new this year, run 26.2 Kilometers on the same beautiful course.

Contact Information

Name:	Staci Calder
Address:	P.O. Box 31 Cumberland, MD, 21502
Phone Number:	301-268-2673
Email:	Email the organizers

Runner Reviews (10)

Course 4.2

Organization 4.1

Spectators 3.7

Write a review

Number of comments: 10

N. K. from Lancaster, PA (4/9/2017) "Excellent Small Town Marathon" (about: 2017) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I chose this race as my Maryland marathon because I have family in the area that we wanted to visit. I'm REALLY glad I picked this one. The race director was really easy to work with. I asked if I could have a certain number and she was happy to accommodate me. The shirt was nice and packet pick-up was a breeze. The course itself was fantastic...an out and back on a gravel trail along railroad tracks. This was one of the most mentality-positive courses I've ever run. Miles 6-16 were uphill, but it was such a low grade that you could hardly tell unless you turned around to look. The gradual elevation made for great views, and my last 10 miles were ridiculously fast! The course didn't have many spectators, which I couldn't care less about, so please run this race if you enjoy a quiet, scenic run. Running through a tunnel near miles 13 and 19 was very unique, as well as running by a passenger train toward the end. Post-race food was great, including chicken and rice soup and donuts. The race director was also on her game at the finish. She knew if you won an age group award when you finished, so no need to wait around.
C. H. from Charleston, WV (4/12/2016) "Logistically Friendly" (about: 2016) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Queen City Marathon for Active Water COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 So many things to say. Great race! I signed up the day before, they still were able to get me a shirt! Hotel was right off the exit- they still gave me the special rate even the day before! Go Fairfield Inn! Pasta dinner was fantastic, thank you culinary students. Course was beautiful- where else do you get to run with trains, through a tunnel, see windmills, and birds. As for the comment below- he may have been so fast that the marathon turn around might not have been there, but they were literally in the middle of the trail when I got there, but I didn't see the metric turn around, just a sign stating that it was up ahead... Thank you for a great race.
P. N. from Indiana (4/3/2016) "Pastoral beautiful run" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Queen City Marathon for Active Water COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This was a small, well run marathon. A bonus is that the funds go toward charity to provide clean water to those in need. The event started with a nice pasta buffet prepared by local culinary students. A late (8 am) start immediately behind the Fairfield Inn allowed for a good night's sleep. The scenery along the tow path and rail trails was superb. There is very little crowd support on the trail, but the race volunteers were incredibly encouraging and helpful. Because the course was off road on rail trails, volunteer bikers rode the trail to check on the runners to make certain all were ok. My only suggestion is that if you choose to take advantage of an after race shower at the YMCA, you need to bring your own towel!
Jeremy Pevahouse from West Virginia (4/2/2016) "No one at the 2nd turnaround" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Queen City Marathon for Active Water COURSE: 1 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 1 First time running this 'Boston Certified Course' and got to run an extra 4 miles as no one was at the 2nd turn around. Instead of running sub 3 and winning, I got to claw my way to 3rd place in over 3:25 for my first ever 30 mile run. It is not as if I can just turn around anywhere I want on a 'certified course.' There was no cone on the trail and no one to judge if I had cut the course short or not. The next runner behind me ran the course longer too but got turned around sooner. For his efforts he got 2nd and male overall. The Race Director offered me free entry into next year's race but I'm likely to pass on that one. Was able to get compensated for my registration into this year's race and for race director to post an apology on race Facebook page which better be included with the results as well. Glad to say this is not the key race I was training for, but I still expected to be rewarded for my efforts with the race win and BQ/PR/course record. The weather was absolutely perfect this year, in my opinion, and I finally ran for me the perfect race, at least until I had to run the extra miles. I ran my 30th mile stronger than the first six miles with my watch displaying no worse than 6:53 then. My legs feel better immediately after this marathon than many of my previous 12 finishes, a testament to my improved training regimen I guess. I'm sure running angry provides its own source of energy. For now it has to be about the training process for I did not get the product I deserved. Needless to say, I would not recommend this race.
B. W. from South Carolina (4/2/2016) "Great, small race with beautiful course" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Queen City Marathon for Active Water COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Returning from knee surgery and a hiatus of several years from marathoning found this Marathon in Cumberland, MD. The course was on the C & O Tow path (out and back about 6 miles) and then the Great Allegheny Passage (out and back about 20 miles). Both were primarily packed gravel trails with a few short portions of pavement. The previously noted elevation increase from mile 6 to 16 was very gradual and the return slightly downhill making for a decent last half split. Scenery was beautiful. Aid stations were limited to road access to the trails, but were adequate in number and very well staffed with enthusiastic and helpful workers. Brought wife and son with me and they were assisted by race staff with directions to the various spectator friendly locations. Organization was strong with a well implemented website and thorough/clear communication from the race director. The chicken wraps and chicken & rice soup (and chocolate milk)at the finish hit the spot. Just a overall good experience. Highly recommended.
T. K. from Cincinnati, OH (5/27/2015) "Beautiful course, great volunteers" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Queen City Marathon for Active Water COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Top 10 Bests 1) Yes, it was bitterly cold but once we got running, not bad at all 2) An authentic running experience - not many spectators and on portions of this course you will be alone 3) Beautiful scenery - rounding the big bend at mile 9-10 and looking at the Maryland hills was extraordinary 4) You get to run through a train tunnel 5) The start line is right next to your hotel room 6) The finish line is therefore right next to your hotel room as well! 7) The course running surface is finely ground gravel/dirt - very soft on your legs 8) The long incline from miles 6-16 isn't very steep and not that bad at all 9) The last 6 miles are a gentle downhill 10) If you can somehow manage to afford it, Nemacolin Resort makes for a great post-race splurge!
S. B. from MD (3/31/2015) "Decent low-key marathon" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Queen City Marathon for Active Water COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 The good: parking 100 yards from the start/finish, access to the adjacent Fairfield Inn (and bathrooms). The less good: bitterly cold temperatures (wind chills in the mid- to high teens at the start, and still in the low 20s at noon; only one aid station appeared to have food or other non-liquid fuel. My impression of this race undoubtedly would've been more favorable had the weather been a bit warmer. I had intended to run it as a long supported training run before a 100-miler, but the cold temperatures put a damper on those plans. I scrapped my plan to practice run/walking because it was so cold that I thought I'd freeze and my muscles would seize up if I stopped running. I liked the idea of a cup-free race, but it became a dicey proposition in such cold weather; my water bottles froze by the middle of the race, making them unusable, and at least one of the water stops was also unusable because the valve on the cooler had frozen solid. The course wasn't bad; I knew there would be a 10-mile incline from miles 6 to 16. The slope wasn't too steep, and it helped knowing that I'd get to run back downhill for the last 10 miles. I can't say it was especially scenic, but that's true of lots of marathons. The only spectators were clustered at the water stops, so it wouldn't be good if you were used to relying on crowd support. I was impressed by how many volunteers there were for a race this small. There were only about 100 runners, but it felt like there were that many people helping out in some form. Overall, it wasn't a bad race, especially if you think of it as largely being directed toward a charitable cause. I wouldn't go out of my way to run it again, it isn't close to home for me and it's definitely not a PR course with that long incline, but I'd consider it again as a training run, particularly if the weather was more pleasant.
E. S. from Bethesda, Maryland (3/29/2015) "Friendly, organized, scenic, basic marathon" (about: 2015) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Queen City Marathon for Active Water COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 I enjoyed this scenic run on the C&O Trail and Allegany Passage. It was a small well organized and friendly marathon. The weather for late March in the Maryland mountains was bitterly cold and windy and the 10 mile incline was challenging. Didn't mind carrying my own water and not sliding through water stops.
J. M. from Thorntown,indiana (11/6/2014) "Great small marathon!" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Queen City Marathon for Active Water COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I'm a 50-stater, but if I weren't I'd return again. First small out and back is sort of dull, but then you start uphill for about 10 miles. I don't know what the grade was, but I'm from flat Indiana, and it wasn't too bad. Downhill coming back can be tough on the knees, but some great views. Wonderful crowd support, aid stations could have been closer together. If it had been hotter it would have been ugly. Great run!
S. L. from Harrisburg, PA (6/24/2014) "Scenic Cumberland was worth the trip!" (about: 2014) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Queen City Marathon for Active Water COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Awesome experience for a first time marathoner in a first year event. Double out and back on the C&O Canal Trail and the Great Allegheny Passage. Long steady incline going out and decline coming back. Definitely need to train well or this one will wear you down. Tremendous community support as evidenced in the volunteers at each and every aid station. It is on my plan for 2015!



Getting ready for this event? Get a personalized adaptive training plan and 1:1 coach assistance.	Get Your Plan

Quick Links

Marathon Search
Upcoming US Marathons
Upcoming International Marathons
Search Marathon Results
Latest Running News
Recent Newsletters
Race Director Tools

Calendars

US/Canada

International

World Marathon Majors

N. K. from Lancaster, PA (4/9/2017) "Excellent Small Town Marathon" (about: 2017) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I chose this race as my Maryland marathon because I have family in the area that we wanted to visit. I'm REALLY glad I picked this one. The race director was really easy to work with. I asked if I could have a certain number and she was happy to accommodate me. The shirt was nice and packet pick-up was a breeze. The course itself was fantastic...an out and back on a gravel trail along railroad tracks. This was one of the most mentality-positive courses I've ever run. Miles 6-16 were uphill, but it was such a low grade that you could hardly tell unless you turned around to look. The gradual elevation made for great views, and my last 10 miles were ridiculously fast! The course didn't have many spectators, which I couldn't care less about, so please run this race if you enjoy a quiet, scenic run. Running through a tunnel near miles 13 and 19 was very unique, as well as running by a passenger train toward the end. Post-race food was great, including chicken and rice soup and donuts. The race director was also on her game at the finish. She knew if you won an age group award when you finished, so no need to wait around.
C. H. from Charleston, WV (4/12/2016) "Logistically Friendly" (about: 2016) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Queen City Marathon for Active Water COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 So many things to say. Great race! I signed up the day before, they still were able to get me a shirt! Hotel was right off the exit- they still gave me the special rate even the day before! Go Fairfield Inn! Pasta dinner was fantastic, thank you culinary students. Course was beautiful- where else do you get to run with trains, through a tunnel, see windmills, and birds. As for the comment below- he may have been so fast that the marathon turn around might not have been there, but they were literally in the middle of the trail when I got there, but I didn't see the metric turn around, just a sign stating that it was up ahead... Thank you for a great race.
P. N. from Indiana (4/3/2016) "Pastoral beautiful run" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Queen City Marathon for Active Water COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This was a small, well run marathon. A bonus is that the funds go toward charity to provide clean water to those in need. The event started with a nice pasta buffet prepared by local culinary students. A late (8 am) start immediately behind the Fairfield Inn allowed for a good night's sleep. The scenery along the tow path and rail trails was superb. There is very little crowd support on the trail, but the race volunteers were incredibly encouraging and helpful. Because the course was off road on rail trails, volunteer bikers rode the trail to check on the runners to make certain all were ok. My only suggestion is that if you choose to take advantage of an after race shower at the YMCA, you need to bring your own towel!
Jeremy Pevahouse from West Virginia (4/2/2016) "No one at the 2nd turnaround" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Queen City Marathon for Active Water COURSE: 1 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 1 First time running this 'Boston Certified Course' and got to run an extra 4 miles as no one was at the 2nd turn around. Instead of running sub 3 and winning, I got to claw my way to 3rd place in over 3:25 for my first ever 30 mile run. It is not as if I can just turn around anywhere I want on a 'certified course.' There was no cone on the trail and no one to judge if I had cut the course short or not. The next runner behind me ran the course longer too but got turned around sooner. For his efforts he got 2nd and male overall. The Race Director offered me free entry into next year's race but I'm likely to pass on that one. Was able to get compensated for my registration into this year's race and for race director to post an apology on race Facebook page which better be included with the results as well. Glad to say this is not the key race I was training for, but I still expected to be rewarded for my efforts with the race win and BQ/PR/course record. The weather was absolutely perfect this year, in my opinion, and I finally ran for me the perfect race, at least until I had to run the extra miles. I ran my 30th mile stronger than the first six miles with my watch displaying no worse than 6:53 then. My legs feel better immediately after this marathon than many of my previous 12 finishes, a testament to my improved training regimen I guess. I'm sure running angry provides its own source of energy. For now it has to be about the training process for I did not get the product I deserved. Needless to say, I would not recommend this race.
B. W. from South Carolina (4/2/2016) "Great, small race with beautiful course" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Queen City Marathon for Active Water COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Returning from knee surgery and a hiatus of several years from marathoning found this Marathon in Cumberland, MD. The course was on the C & O Tow path (out and back about 6 miles) and then the Great Allegheny Passage (out and back about 20 miles). Both were primarily packed gravel trails with a few short portions of pavement. The previously noted elevation increase from mile 6 to 16 was very gradual and the return slightly downhill making for a decent last half split. Scenery was beautiful. Aid stations were limited to road access to the trails, but were adequate in number and very well staffed with enthusiastic and helpful workers. Brought wife and son with me and they were assisted by race staff with directions to the various spectator friendly locations. Organization was strong with a well implemented website and thorough/clear communication from the race director. The chicken wraps and chicken & rice soup (and chocolate milk)at the finish hit the spot. Just a overall good experience. Highly recommended.
T. K. from Cincinnati, OH (5/27/2015) "Beautiful course, great volunteers" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Queen City Marathon for Active Water COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Top 10 Bests 1) Yes, it was bitterly cold but once we got running, not bad at all 2) An authentic running experience - not many spectators and on portions of this course you will be alone 3) Beautiful scenery - rounding the big bend at mile 9-10 and looking at the Maryland hills was extraordinary 4) You get to run through a train tunnel 5) The start line is right next to your hotel room 6) The finish line is therefore right next to your hotel room as well! 7) The course running surface is finely ground gravel/dirt - very soft on your legs 8) The long incline from miles 6-16 isn't very steep and not that bad at all 9) The last 6 miles are a gentle downhill 10) If you can somehow manage to afford it, Nemacolin Resort makes for a great post-race splurge!
S. B. from MD (3/31/2015) "Decent low-key marathon" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Queen City Marathon for Active Water COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 The good: parking 100 yards from the start/finish, access to the adjacent Fairfield Inn (and bathrooms). The less good: bitterly cold temperatures (wind chills in the mid- to high teens at the start, and still in the low 20s at noon; only one aid station appeared to have food or other non-liquid fuel. My impression of this race undoubtedly would've been more favorable had the weather been a bit warmer. I had intended to run it as a long supported training run before a 100-miler, but the cold temperatures put a damper on those plans. I scrapped my plan to practice run/walking because it was so cold that I thought I'd freeze and my muscles would seize up if I stopped running. I liked the idea of a cup-free race, but it became a dicey proposition in such cold weather; my water bottles froze by the middle of the race, making them unusable, and at least one of the water stops was also unusable because the valve on the cooler had frozen solid. The course wasn't bad; I knew there would be a 10-mile incline from miles 6 to 16. The slope wasn't too steep, and it helped knowing that I'd get to run back downhill for the last 10 miles. I can't say it was especially scenic, but that's true of lots of marathons. The only spectators were clustered at the water stops, so it wouldn't be good if you were used to relying on crowd support. I was impressed by how many volunteers there were for a race this small. There were only about 100 runners, but it felt like there were that many people helping out in some form. Overall, it wasn't a bad race, especially if you think of it as largely being directed toward a charitable cause. I wouldn't go out of my way to run it again, it isn't close to home for me and it's definitely not a PR course with that long incline, but I'd consider it again as a training run, particularly if the weather was more pleasant.
E. S. from Bethesda, Maryland (3/29/2015) "Friendly, organized, scenic, basic marathon" (about: 2015) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Queen City Marathon for Active Water COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 I enjoyed this scenic run on the C&O Trail and Allegany Passage. It was a small well organized and friendly marathon. The weather for late March in the Maryland mountains was bitterly cold and windy and the 10 mile incline was challenging. Didn't mind carrying my own water and not sliding through water stops.
J. M. from Thorntown,indiana (11/6/2014) "Great small marathon!" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Queen City Marathon for Active Water COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I'm a 50-stater, but if I weren't I'd return again. First small out and back is sort of dull, but then you start uphill for about 10 miles. I don't know what the grade was, but I'm from flat Indiana, and it wasn't too bad. Downhill coming back can be tough on the knees, but some great views. Wonderful crowd support, aid stations could have been closer together. If it had been hotter it would have been ugly. Great run!
S. L. from Harrisburg, PA (6/24/2014) "Scenic Cumberland was worth the trip!" (about: 2014) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Queen City Marathon for Active Water COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Awesome experience for a first time marathoner in a first year event. Double out and back on the C&O Canal Trail and the Great Allegheny Passage. Long steady incline going out and decline coming back. Definitely need to train well or this one will wear you down. Tremendous community support as evidenced in the volunteers at each and every aid station. It is on my plan for 2015!

Become a better runner

Marathon Details - Queen City Marathon for Active Water