The Farm Park Challenge is a versatile trail event scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2026, at the Agricultural History Farm Park in Derwood, Maryland. Organized by the MyMuddyShoes Trail Club, the event offers a unique "segment" format alongside traditional race distances. For 2026, the organizers have streamlined registration by eliminating the final price increase, encouraging participants to sign up by April 18 to secure their event apparel.
| Race Distance / Format | Start Time | Duration / Laps | Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marathon | 6:50 AM | Full Course | Traditionally Timed |
| 10-Hour Challenge | 7:00 AM | 10 Segments | Top of the Hour Start |
| 6-Hour Challenge | 7:00 AM | 6 Segments | Top of the Hour Start |
| 25K Trail Run | 8:00 AM | 3 Laps | Traditionally Timed |
| 3-Hour Challenge | 8:00 AM | 3 Segments | Top of the Hour Start |
The geography of the course consists of a 5-mile out-and-back loop set on the natural surface trails of Montgomery County. The terrain is largely fast and runnable, though participants will encounter grassy sections and singletrack with technical elements such as exposed rocks, roots, and minor creek crossings. While the course features rolling hills, it lacks any severe mountain climbs, making it an accessible option for those transitioning to trail running. In early May, the Maryland climate is typically mild with average highs of 21°C (70°F), though the shaded wooded sections of the park can retain moisture, potentially creating muddy conditions on the singletrack paths.
Logistically, the Farm Park Challenge is highly regarded for its support systems, particularly its aid station which provides extensive options including vegan and vegetarian snacks. Participants in the "Challenge" categories start a new 5-mile segment at the top of every hour; those who finish their loop early may rest until the next hour begins, favoring runners with efficient recovery strategies. The event has a long history, with results dating back to 2012, and remains a cornerstone of the MyMuddyShoes Trail Club's annual calendar. Thomas Stumpfoll holds a notable performance in the marathon category, recording a 3:23:26 in 2023.
May 02, 2026
Distance — 42.2K
Type — Running
06:50
$64.00
May 02, 2026
Distance — 10 Hours
Type — Running
07:00
$74.00
May 02, 2026
Distance — 6 Hours
Type — Running
07:00
$64.00
May 02, 2026
Distance — 25K
Type — Running
08:00
$54.00
May 02, 2026
Distance — 3 Hours
Type — Running
08:00
$54.00
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for May in Derwood.
Learn more about the host city, Derwood.
Derwood is an unincorporated area and census-designated place in east-central Montgomery County, Maryland, United States. It lies just north of Rockville, southeast of Gaithersburg, southwest of Olney, and northwest of the greater Silver Spring area. Derwood was originally "Deer Park" and was then "Deer Wood" before getting its current name.
Read more launchWatch highlights and course previews from previous years.
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