THE FOREST OF NEEDWOOD RACE

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

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) 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:  barc.maryland@gmail.com

Facebook: @barcmaryland