The Baltimore Running Festival Expo 2015

Last weekend, the streets of Baltimore were filled with tens of thousands of runners participating in several different races.  And for the first time in the 15 year history of the event, I was one of them!  The Baltimore Running Festival features a marathon, team relay, half-marathon, 5K, and fun runs as it aims to have something for everyone.  With my training for my first half-marathon taking place, I opted for the 5K race as my first "race" after the birth of baby #2 and a chance to get that "big race" feel before my runDisney event in a few weeks.  

Expo
The expo preceding the running events on Saturday was held at M&T Bank Stadium (Home of the Baltimore Ravens) on Thursday and Friday evening.  The event was well organized and easy to navigate with plenty of helpful volunteers along the way.  When you made it upstairs to the club level area where all of the vendors were set up, participants had to walk all the way to the left to claim their bibs and then turn around and walk all the way to other side of the stadium to claim their race premium - ensuring that you had to walk past every vendor along the way!  The vendors ranged from apparel and shoe sales to registration for other running events and everything in between.  You can also keep your eyes open for Blue, the official mascot of The Baltimore Running Festival.  When I stopped for a picture, he wasn't even "crabby!"

While the expo was busy, it didn't feel crowded.  Parking for the expo was free in lots F, G, and H around the stadium and there seemed to be plenty to support everyone who was arriving.  You can also use the Baltimore Light Rail.  Whether you're just stopping by to pick up your race materials, or spending a few hours shopping the expo, you will not be disappointed!