THE FOREST OF NEEDWOOD RACE
- Date Sat 14th March 2026
- Time 1:00PM EDT
- Location Knoxville, Maryland
- Price $11.60 - $32.80
- Races 2 races
- Distances 5 Mile
Event summary
Get ready for the 43rd Annual Forest of Needwood Race, taking place on Saturday, March 14, 2026, in the scenic Knoxville area of Frederick, Maryland! This exciting event offers a 5-mile loop course that winds through the historic Forest of Needwood, featuring rolling hills on a paved road—perfect for runners of all levels. With race day registration starting at 11:00 AM and the race kicking off at 1 PM, participants will have the chance to honor the legacy of American hero Jennifer Shafer Odom, while enjoying a spirited community atmosphere.
Whether you're a seasoned runner or just starting out, this event is open to all, with registration prices of just $10 for participants aged 18 and younger and $30 for those 19 and older if pre-registered. Don't miss your chance to snag a commemorative shirt by registering before February 26, 2026! Awards will be given for top finishers in various categories, making this not only a race but a celebration of community spirit and athletic achievement. Join us for a day of fun, camaraderie, and a commitment to honoring those who serve—mark your calendars for March 14th and be part of this cherished tradition!
Whether you're a seasoned runner or just starting out, this event is open to all, with registration prices of just $10 for participants aged 18 and younger and $30 for those 19 and older if pre-registered. Don't miss your chance to snag a commemorative shirt by registering before February 26, 2026! Awards will be given for top finishers in various categories, making this not only a race but a celebration of community spirit and athletic achievement. Join us for a day of fun, camaraderie, and a commitment to honoring those who serve—mark your calendars for March 14th and be part of this cherished tradition!
Organiser's Description
THE 43RD ANNUAL FOREST OF NEEDWOOD!!!
YOU CAN REGISTER ON RACE DAY IN PERSON IF YOU'D LIKE!!!
THE FOREST OF NEEDWOOD RACE ON MARCH 14TH, 2026. WILL BE AN IN PERSON RACE. (SNOW/WEATHER date if needed will be Saturday March 21, 2026) Race day registration starts at 11:00AM. Gun goes off at 1PM.
Address of race day registration, starting line, and the finish line is:
Saint Mary Catholic Church 4231 Catholic Church Road, Petersville, MD 21758
This is a FREDERICK STEEPLECHASERS GRAND PRIX EVENT. This event honors a true American Hero, Jennifer Shafer Odom. She gave her life in the service of our country while serving in the United States Army in 1999. She was a Brunswick High School and West Point graduate.
The Forest of Needwood Race is Frederick County's Oldest road race!!! (est. 1983).
COURSE RECORDS
MALE: TOM NAVE @ 25:52 IN 1989
FEMALE: LAURA NELSON @ 29:48 IN 1995
COURSE: 5 MILE LOOP, ROLLING HILLS ON PAVED ROAD THROUGH THE HISTORIC PROPERTY CALLED FOREST OF NEEDWOOD.
FOREST OF NEEDWOOD COURSE MAP CLICK HERE ---> CLICK ME [https://www.plotaroute.com/route/1419608]
2026 Pre-Registration Prices
$10 for 18 and younger
$30 for 19 and older
2026 Race Day Registration Prices
$15 for 18 and younger
$35 for 19 and older
Shirts & Prizes
43RD ANNUAL COMMEMORATIVE NEEDWOOD SHIRT GUARENTEED TO ALL PRE-REGISTERED RUNNERS IF THEY PRE-REGISTER BEFORE FEBRUARY 26, 2026. IF YOU REGISTER AFTER 11:59PM FEBRUARY 25, 2026 IT WILL BE FIRST COME FIRST SERVED ON RACE DAY. ALSO FUN RANDOM PRIZES AT AWARD CEREMONY.
Awards
1ST & 2ND PLACE GENDER PLAQUES FOR 19 & OVER. 1ST & 2ND PLACE GENDER PLAQUE FOR 18 & UNDER. AGE GROUP MEDALS 1ST & 2ND PLACE IN 6 ADULT AGE GROUPS.
Race is sponsored by Express Run Club & Brunswick Area Recreation Council (BARCMD.COM [http://barcmd.com/]) Please visit their website and think about helping the Brunswick Community by volunteering with them!
The BARC Mission is to provide events for the southwest section of Frederick County Maryland ranging from recreation events to fundraisers for local charities. The Brunswick Area Recreation Council (BARC) meets the second Monday of EACH month. Contact us for more details @ 301-834-8045.
Some of Our Activities: Forest of Needwood Race to benefit Jennifer Shafer Odom Scholarship Fund, Haunted Hayride, Scottish First Footing, and Freezin for a Reason.
Connect with us:
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: @barcmaryland
YOU CAN REGISTER ON RACE DAY IN PERSON IF YOU'D LIKE!!!
THE FOREST OF NEEDWOOD RACE ON MARCH 14TH, 2026. WILL BE AN IN PERSON RACE. (SNOW/WEATHER date if needed will be Saturday March 21, 2026) Race day registration starts at 11:00AM. Gun goes off at 1PM.
Address of race day registration, starting line, and the finish line is:
Saint Mary Catholic Church 4231 Catholic Church Road, Petersville, MD 21758
This is a FREDERICK STEEPLECHASERS GRAND PRIX EVENT. This event honors a true American Hero, Jennifer Shafer Odom. She gave her life in the service of our country while serving in the United States Army in 1999. She was a Brunswick High School and West Point graduate.
The Forest of Needwood Race is Frederick County's Oldest road race!!! (est. 1983).
COURSE RECORDS
MALE: TOM NAVE @ 25:52 IN 1989
FEMALE: LAURA NELSON @ 29:48 IN 1995
COURSE: 5 MILE LOOP, ROLLING HILLS ON PAVED ROAD THROUGH THE HISTORIC PROPERTY CALLED FOREST OF NEEDWOOD.
FOREST OF NEEDWOOD COURSE MAP CLICK HERE ---> CLICK ME [https://www.plotaroute.com/route/1419608]
2026 Pre-Registration Prices
$10 for 18 and younger
$30 for 19 and older
2026 Race Day Registration Prices
$15 for 18 and younger
$35 for 19 and older
Shirts & Prizes
43RD ANNUAL COMMEMORATIVE NEEDWOOD SHIRT GUARENTEED TO ALL PRE-REGISTERED RUNNERS IF THEY PRE-REGISTER BEFORE FEBRUARY 26, 2026. IF YOU REGISTER AFTER 11:59PM FEBRUARY 25, 2026 IT WILL BE FIRST COME FIRST SERVED ON RACE DAY. ALSO FUN RANDOM PRIZES AT AWARD CEREMONY.
Awards
1ST & 2ND PLACE GENDER PLAQUES FOR 19 & OVER. 1ST & 2ND PLACE GENDER PLAQUE FOR 18 & UNDER. AGE GROUP MEDALS 1ST & 2ND PLACE IN 6 ADULT AGE GROUPS.
Race is sponsored by Express Run Club & Brunswick Area Recreation Council (BARCMD.COM [http://barcmd.com/]) Please visit their website and think about helping the Brunswick Community by volunteering with them!
The BARC Mission is to provide events for the southwest section of Frederick County Maryland ranging from recreation events to fundraisers for local charities. The Brunswick Area Recreation Council (BARC) meets the second Monday of EACH month. Contact us for more details @ 301-834-8045.
Some of Our Activities: Forest of Needwood Race to benefit Jennifer Shafer Odom Scholarship Fund, Haunted Hayride, Scottish First Footing, and Freezin for a Reason.
Connect with us:
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: @barcmaryland
Races
-
5 Mile Run Adult (19 and Older (Race Day Age))
Incl. $2.80 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 14th March 2026 (1:00PM EDT)
$32.80
43rd Annual commemorative NEEDWOOD SHIRT GUARENTEED TO ALL PRE-REGISTERED RUNNERS if they pre-register before FEBRUARY 26, 2026. If you register after 11:59PM February 25, 2026 it will be first come first served on race day -
5 Mile Run Youth (18 and Under (Race Day Age))
Incl. $1.60 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 14th March 2026 (1:00PM EDT)
$11.60
43rd Annual commemorative NEEDWOOD SHIRT GUARENTEED TO ALL PRE-REGISTERED RUNNERS if they pre-register before FEBRUARY 26, 2026. If you register after 11:59PM February 25, 2026 it will be first come first served on race day
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4231 Catholic Church Rd, Knoxville, 21758, MD, United States
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THE FOREST OF NEEDWOOD RACE
