45th Annual Gary Brown Memorial C&O Canal Five Mile Run
- Date Sat 6th June 2026
- Time 8:00AM EDT
- Location Williamsport, Maryland
- Price $22.20 - $32.80
- Races 2 races
- Distances 5 Mile
Event summary
Get ready for an exhilarating day of running at the 45th Annual Gary Brown Memorial C&O Canal Five Mile Run, taking place on Saturday, June 6, 2026, in the picturesque town of Williamsport, Maryland. This beloved event, set along the scenic C&O Canal Towpath, welcomes runners of all abilities—from beginners to seasoned pros—making it the perfect opportunity to challenge yourself while honoring the legacy of Gary Brown.
Since its inception in 1970, the Gary Brown Memorial run has celebrated the spirit of competition and camaraderie. Participants can look forward to a well-organized race experience complete with a technical race t-shirt (guaranteed for those who register by July 11th), custom awards for podium winners, and instant results thanks to chip timing. With music to keep the energy high, this event is not just a race, but a celebration of community and fitness. Whether you’re aiming for a personal best or simply enjoying a day outdoors, the C&O Canal Five Mile Run promises a fantastic experience for all. Don’t miss out on this chance to be part of a tradition that pays tribute to a remarkable athlete and educator!
Since its inception in 1970, the Gary Brown Memorial run has celebrated the spirit of competition and camaraderie. Participants can look forward to a well-organized race experience complete with a technical race t-shirt (guaranteed for those who register by July 11th), custom awards for podium winners, and instant results thanks to chip timing. With music to keep the energy high, this event is not just a race, but a celebration of community and fitness. Whether you’re aiming for a personal best or simply enjoying a day outdoors, the C&O Canal Five Mile Run promises a fantastic experience for all. Don’t miss out on this chance to be part of a tradition that pays tribute to a remarkable athlete and educator!
Organiser's Description
*NEW DATE IN 2026! RUN WITH US ON JUNE 6TH!
The 45th Annual Gary Brown Memorial C&O Canal Five Mile Run event will be held on the C&O Canal Towpath in Williamsport, MD. This event is geared towards all levels from beginners to advanced runners.
THE LEGACY OF GARY BROWN
In the 1960's, Gary Brown was a star distance runner for Martinsburg High School, Shepherd College and the Cumberland Valley Athletic Club.
Gary went into high school teaching and coaching after graduating from Shepherd College. He developed one of the nations top distance programs. In the mid-1970's his Handley High School Boys Cross Country Team was the number one ranked High School Cross Country Team in the United States.
Sadly, Gary passed way from cancer in the winter of 1981-82, prior to his 35th birthday.
The C&O Canal Five Mile Run which dates back to 1970 was re-named in Garys honor in 1982. Garys high school runners would use the late-August-held C&O Canal Five Mile Run as an End-of-Summer-Training Fitness Test. His teenage boys would routinely take six-to-eight of the top-ten places running against collegiate and post-collegiate standouts.
Mike Spinnler GBM 5-Mile Director 1996-2023
GBM 5-Mile Winner 1985
INCLUDED WITH THE PRICE OF YOUR 5 MILER REGISTRATION:
WELL ORGANIZED AND PROFESSIONAL EVENT
RACE TECHNICAL T-SHIRT (MUST REGISTER BY JULY 11TH TO GUARANTEE SHIRT AND/OR SIZE)
CUSTOM AWARDS FOR PODIUM WINNERS
MUSIC
BIB CHIP-TIMED WITH INSTANT RESULTS PROVIDED BY RACINE TIMING
SATISFACTION OF FINISHING A RACE!
PARKING FOR RACE PARTICIPANTS:
ALL PARTICIPANTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO PARK EITHER IN THE CUSHWA BASIN PARKING LOT, THE LOCK HOUSE 44 PARKING LOT, LEGAL STREET PARKING ON N COMMERCE ST OR W SALISBURY ST. WE ASK THAT, UNLESS YOU ARRIVE BEFORE 7:00 AM, YOU NOT DRIVE ACROSS THE WOODEN BRIDGE LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO PARK ON RACE MORNING.
The 45th Annual Gary Brown Memorial C&O Canal Five Mile Run event will be held on the C&O Canal Towpath in Williamsport, MD. This event is geared towards all levels from beginners to advanced runners.
THE LEGACY OF GARY BROWN
In the 1960's, Gary Brown was a star distance runner for Martinsburg High School, Shepherd College and the Cumberland Valley Athletic Club.
Gary went into high school teaching and coaching after graduating from Shepherd College. He developed one of the nations top distance programs. In the mid-1970's his Handley High School Boys Cross Country Team was the number one ranked High School Cross Country Team in the United States.
Sadly, Gary passed way from cancer in the winter of 1981-82, prior to his 35th birthday.
The C&O Canal Five Mile Run which dates back to 1970 was re-named in Garys honor in 1982. Garys high school runners would use the late-August-held C&O Canal Five Mile Run as an End-of-Summer-Training Fitness Test. His teenage boys would routinely take six-to-eight of the top-ten places running against collegiate and post-collegiate standouts.
Mike Spinnler GBM 5-Mile Director 1996-2023
GBM 5-Mile Winner 1985
INCLUDED WITH THE PRICE OF YOUR 5 MILER REGISTRATION:
WELL ORGANIZED AND PROFESSIONAL EVENT
RACE TECHNICAL T-SHIRT (MUST REGISTER BY JULY 11TH TO GUARANTEE SHIRT AND/OR SIZE)
CUSTOM AWARDS FOR PODIUM WINNERS
MUSIC
BIB CHIP-TIMED WITH INSTANT RESULTS PROVIDED BY RACINE TIMING
SATISFACTION OF FINISHING A RACE!
PARKING FOR RACE PARTICIPANTS:
ALL PARTICIPANTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO PARK EITHER IN THE CUSHWA BASIN PARKING LOT, THE LOCK HOUSE 44 PARKING LOT, LEGAL STREET PARKING ON N COMMERCE ST OR W SALISBURY ST. WE ASK THAT, UNLESS YOU ARRIVE BEFORE 7:00 AM, YOU NOT DRIVE ACROSS THE WOODEN BRIDGE LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO PARK ON RACE MORNING.
Races
-
Gary Brown Memorial 5 Mile Run
Incl. $2.80 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 6th June 2026 (8:00AM EDT)
$32.80
OPENS 20 JAN 26 -
Gary Brown Memorial 5 Mile Run- STUDENT
Incl. $2.20 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 6th June 2026 (8:00AM EDT)
$22.20
OPENS 20 JAN 26
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Riverbottom Park, 1979 US-11, Williamsport, 21795, MD, United States
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45th Annual Gary Brown Memorial C&O Canal Five Mile Run
