Narrow Way

  • Date Sat 8th November 2025
  • Time 8:30AM EST
  • Location Cumberland, Maryland
  • Price $16.90 - $32.80
  • Races 6 races
  • Distances 10km, 5km, 1km

Event summary

Join us for the exhilarating Narrow Way race on Saturday, November 8, 2025, in the picturesque Cumberland, Allegany! This annual event, hosted by the Allegany County FCA, brings together runners and walkers of all ages to support a noble causeβ€”generating scholarship funding for students to attend transformative FCA camps. Participants can choose from three exciting race distances: a 10K for the competitive runners, a 5K for those seeking a challenge, and a fun-filled 1K walk/run perfect for families and casual participants.

The Narrow Way race course winds through the scenic Great Allegheny Passage Trail, renowned for its breathtaking views of the steep-sided valley known as 'The Narrows.' This unique event not only promises an invigorating physical experience but also embodies a deeper spiritual significance, echoing the message of finding the narrow path to eternal life. The start and finish line will be at the charming Canal Place Festival Grounds, a vibrant area filled with local businesses and restaurants, making it the perfect backdrop for this uplifting community event. Mark your calendars and get ready to run for a purpose while enjoying the beautiful trails of Cumberland!

Organiser's Description

The ALLEGANY COUNTY FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) has hosted the Narrow Way race annually since 2019 to generate scholarship funding to send more students to local and regional FCA camps. Students that attend these camps often have life changing experiences. The race include 10K, 5K, and 1K fun run/ walk options. We are looking for competitive runners as well as casual runners/walkers for our 1K. All ages are welcome and encouraged!

The race's name (Narrow Way) has dual meaning. The race course follows the GAP (Great Allegheny Passage) Trail through a steep sided valley west of Cumberland called 'The Narrows'. Narrow Way also references the path to eternal life, "You can enter God's Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it" (Matthew 7:13-14 NLT).

The start/finish will still be in front of the stage in the Canal Place Festival Grounds. Canal Place is a charming public space, speckled with small businesses and restaurants located at the intersection of two celebrated trails, the C&O Canal Towpath and the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP). The C&O canal towpath extends 184.5 miles to Washington DC, winding alongside the Potomac River for much of its length. The Visitor Center for the C&O Canal National Park is also located at Canal Place (https://www.nps.gov/choh/index.htm). The GAP Trail follows the former path of the Western Maryland Railroad and a branch of the Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad 148 miles to Pittsburgh, PA. The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad (https://wmsr.com/) still shares the GAP corridor between Cumberland and Frostburg (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaOAiQ-WRd0). Most of the GAP is crushed stone. However, the GAP is paved between Cumberland and the trestle bridge west of the Narrows (~2.5 miles).

There are two good routes to access Canal Place coming _FROM_ THE EAST: 1) I68 TO EXIT 43B (MD51/Industrial Boulevard/Airport). There is parking on the left at the end of the exit ramp under I-68. 2) I68 TO EXIT 43C (Downtown), turn left of W Harrison St, cross intersection into Canal Place. Public parking is on the right & overflow parking is available is also available on the SW corner of Baltimore St & Mechanic St (one block west of the Canal Place entrance).

The best route to access Canal Place _FROM_ THE WEST: I68 TO EXIT 43C (Downtown), turn left on Queen City Drive, turn L at the 1st stoplight on W Harrison St, continue on W Harrison St to Canal Place. Public parking is on the right and overflow parking is available is also available on the SW corner of Baltimore St & Mechanic St (one block west of the Canal Place entrance).

There are many lodging options in Cumberland, including Fairfield Inn & Suites (located adjacent to Canal Place) @ 21 North Wineow Street Cumberland, Maryland 21502 (301-722-0340); Hampton Inn @ 109 Welton Dr, Cumberland, MD 21502 (301-729-4028); Holiday Inn Express & Suites @ 1076 National Hwy, La Vale, MD 21502 (301-729-4800); Comfort Inn & Suites @ 1216 National Hwy, La Vale, MD 21502 (301-729-6400); and Best Western Braddock Inn @1268 National Hwy, La Vale, MD 21502 (301-729-3300).

Races

  • 10k

    Incl. $2.80 Fee & T-Shirt

    Sat 8th November 2025 (8:30AM EST)

    $32.80

    OPENS SOON
  • 10K (Student Pricing)

    Incl. $1.90 Fee & T-Shirt

    Sat 8th November 2025 (8:30AM EST)

    $16.90

    OPENS SOON
  • 5k

    Incl. $2.80 Fee & T-Shirt

    Sat 8th November 2025 (8:30AM EST)

    $32.80

    OPENS SOON
  • 5K (Student Pricing)

    Incl. $1.90 Fee & T-Shirt

    Sat 8th November 2025 (8:30AM EST)

    $16.90

    OPENS SOON
  • 1K Fun Run

    Incl. $2.80 Fee & T-Shirt

    Sat 8th November 2025 (8:30AM EST)

    $32.80

    OPENS SOON
    This is not a timed event. Kids under 11 may register free for this event on Race Day. Kids will not receive a t-shirt.
  • 1K Fun Run (Student Pricing)

    Incl. $1.90 Fee & T-Shirt

    Sat 8th November 2025 (8:30AM EST)

    $16.90

    OPENS SOON

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Location

13 Canal Street, Cumberland, 21502, MD, United States

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