Gunpowder Keg Ultra

The Gunpowder Keg Ultra is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2026, in the Bunker Hill area of Gunpowder Falls State Park. Hosted by the Baltimore Road Runners Club (BRRC), this event features both 50K and 25K distances on a hilly 15.5-mile loop. The course primarily consists of single-track trails with occasional fire roads and asphalt sections. A unique feature of this race is its flexibility, allowing runners to decide mid-race whether to finish after one loop for the 25K or continue for a second loop to complete the 50K. With a very accessible $20 entry fee, the event serves as both a competitive race and a supported training run for the local trail community.

Parkton is an unincorporated community in northern Baltimore County, Maryland, near the Pennsylvania border. The demographic profile of the Parkton area is approximately 91.2% White (Non-Hispanic), 2.8% Asian, 2.4% Black or African American, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, and 1.4% from two or more races. The median annual household income in this region is approximately $128,000. Geographically, the Bunker Hill area is part of the Hereford Zone of Gunpowder Falls State Park, characterized by steep, rocky slopes and technical trails along the Big Gunpowder Falls river. The climate in mid-April in northern Maryland typically sees average lows of 6°C (43°F) and highs of 18°C (64°F). Spring conditions can make the trails particularly soft or muddy, especially in low-lying sections near the riverbanks.

Registration for the 2026 Gunpowder Keg Ultra closes on April 16th, though the race often moves to a waitlist due to its popularity and low cost. The entry fee supports the BRRC, a non-profit organization, and park maintenance. Participants are asked to contribute by bringing a gallon of water to assist with aid station supplies, and shared snacks are encouraged to supplement the provided ultra fare. Optional long-sleeve commemorative shirts are available for purchase during registration. The course record for the 50K is held by Serge Arbona, who recorded a time of 3:51:00 in 2009. Friendly volunteers staff two mid-loop aid stations and a main station at the start/finish area to support runners through both technical loops of the Northern Baltimore County terrain.