SMHS Makin' Hay 10K & 5K
- Date Sat 18th April 2026
- Time 8:30AM EDT
- Location Middletown, Maryland
- Price $37.58 - $39.64
- Races 2 races
- Distances 10km, 5km
Event summary
Get ready for an exhilarating day of fitness and fun at the SMHS Makin' Hay 10K & 5K, taking place on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in the picturesque town of Middletown, Frederick. This exciting event invites runners of all levels to tackle two scenic courses that wind through the stunning farmland of Frederick County. Participants can choose between the challenging 10K route, which includes beautiful views along Catoctin Creek and two historic wooden deck bridges, or the more accessible 5K course, perfect for those looking for a shorter distance with less elevation change.
With early packet pickup available on April 15th and a race day schedule that ensures a smooth experience for all, this event promises to be a highlight of the spring running calendar. Awards will be given to the top finishers in both races, along with special recognition for age groups and a unique Mid-Pack Maven Award for the 10K participant finishing right in the middle. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to earn bragging rights and enjoy the beauty of nature while getting fit!
With early packet pickup available on April 15th and a race day schedule that ensures a smooth experience for all, this event promises to be a highlight of the spring running calendar. Awards will be given to the top finishers in both races, along with special recognition for age groups and a unique Mid-Pack Maven Award for the 10K participant finishing right in the middle. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to earn bragging rights and enjoy the beauty of nature while getting fit!
Organiser's Description
WELCOME BACK TO THE MAKIN' HAY 10K & 5K! WE CAN'T WAIT TO HAVE YOU CLAIM BRAGGING RIGHTS AFTER CONQUERING ONE OF THESE CHALLENGING BUT SCENIC COURSES ON SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2026.
The scenic and rolling 10K and 5k courses will take you on a journey through some of the prettiest farmland in Frederick County. Spring will be ushering forth as you run past numerous farms; along beautiful Catoctin Creek on a gravel road, and across two, historic one-lane wooden deck bridges spanning Catoctin Creek. 5-year age group awards!!!
Early packet pickup will be held at Charm City Run, Frederick [https://www.charmcityrun.com/shop/locations/frederick/], on the Wednesday prior to the race, April 15th, 2026, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.
RACE DAY SCHEDULE: 0700 - 0820 Bib Pickup; 0830-10K Start; 0835-5K Start; 1030-course closes for both events. RACE DAY ON-SITE REGISTRATION MUST BE ACCOMPLISHED VIA PERSONAL SMARTPHONE - NO CASH/CHECK TRANSACTIONS ACCEPTED.
Race day bib pickup closes at 8:20 sharp for both events, with vehicular access to the park closing at that time. No late starts - plan your arrival time accordingly. Running strollers are allowed, but the wearing of headphones/earbuds is strongly discouraged as both courses are held on open roads where vehicular traffic can be expected to be encountered.
OUR 5K OPTION OFFERS HALF THE DISTANCE AND HALF OF THE ELEVATION CHANGE OF OUR 10K, IS ALL ON PAVED SURFACES, CROSSES ONE WOODEN DECK BRIDGE TWICE, AND ALSO PROVIDES SOME AMAZINGLY SWEEPING VISTAS!
Race shirt is included with registration for those registering _before_ April 1, 2026. Those registering on or after after that date are not guaranteed to receive a shirt.
AWARDS: Overall top 3 male and female finishers in each race will receive a custom award (no double-dipping). In our 5-year age-groups, the top 3 in each will take home a custom glass acknowledging their achievement. The John Godinet Memorial Mid-Pack Maven Award will be presented to the 10K participant that finishes smack-dab in the middle of the pack!
Refund Policy: You will be given the opportunity to purchase event insurance during registration from a third-party provider. Makin' Hay registrants will be able to initiate a partial refund via their RunSignup profile up until 30 days prior to the event. After that, no individual refunds or transfers.
The scenic and rolling 10K and 5k courses will take you on a journey through some of the prettiest farmland in Frederick County. Spring will be ushering forth as you run past numerous farms; along beautiful Catoctin Creek on a gravel road, and across two, historic one-lane wooden deck bridges spanning Catoctin Creek. 5-year age group awards!!!
Early packet pickup will be held at Charm City Run, Frederick [https://www.charmcityrun.com/shop/locations/frederick/], on the Wednesday prior to the race, April 15th, 2026, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.
RACE DAY SCHEDULE: 0700 - 0820 Bib Pickup; 0830-10K Start; 0835-5K Start; 1030-course closes for both events. RACE DAY ON-SITE REGISTRATION MUST BE ACCOMPLISHED VIA PERSONAL SMARTPHONE - NO CASH/CHECK TRANSACTIONS ACCEPTED.
Race day bib pickup closes at 8:20 sharp for both events, with vehicular access to the park closing at that time. No late starts - plan your arrival time accordingly. Running strollers are allowed, but the wearing of headphones/earbuds is strongly discouraged as both courses are held on open roads where vehicular traffic can be expected to be encountered.
OUR 5K OPTION OFFERS HALF THE DISTANCE AND HALF OF THE ELEVATION CHANGE OF OUR 10K, IS ALL ON PAVED SURFACES, CROSSES ONE WOODEN DECK BRIDGE TWICE, AND ALSO PROVIDES SOME AMAZINGLY SWEEPING VISTAS!
Race shirt is included with registration for those registering _before_ April 1, 2026. Those registering on or after after that date are not guaranteed to receive a shirt.
AWARDS: Overall top 3 male and female finishers in each race will receive a custom award (no double-dipping). In our 5-year age-groups, the top 3 in each will take home a custom glass acknowledging their achievement. The John Godinet Memorial Mid-Pack Maven Award will be presented to the 10K participant that finishes smack-dab in the middle of the pack!
Refund Policy: You will be given the opportunity to purchase event insurance during registration from a third-party provider. Makin' Hay registrants will be able to initiate a partial refund via their RunSignup profile up until 30 days prior to the event. After that, no individual refunds or transfers.
Races
-
10k
Incl. $1.64 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 18th April 2026 (8:30AM EDT)
$39.64
The Makin' Hay 10K is a challenging but scenic rolling loop on quiet country roads (*see note) surrounding Catoctin Creek Park and Nature Center in Middletown Md. 5-year age group awards! * Note: The 10K and 5K are run on quiet country roads open to vehicular traffic on race day. Running strollers are permitted, however, 3/4ths of a mile of the course is on an unpaved, gravel road. *No late starts permitted -
5k
Incl. $1.58 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 18th April 2026 (8:32AM EDT)
$37.58
The 5K option has half the hills of the 10K, so it's not flat by any stretch of the imagination, but if you want to challenge yourself on a shorter course this is a fantastic option. You'll get the same swag and on-course accommodations as the 10Kers do, along with 5-year age group awards! Running strollers are permitted. *Note: The 5K course is run on quiet country roads that are open to vehicular traffic. The 5K course description: Start at Catoctin Creek Park, turn right onto Sumantown Rd. Climb up Sumantown then stay straight onto Paul Rudy Rd. Follow Paul Rudy Rd. to the "T" intersection at the end then reverse course back to the start/finish. *No late starts permitted There will be a water stop along the route located at the turnaround.
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