Baltimore Running Festival Expo
Every October, the streets of Baltimore come alive with the sound of pounding soles and the infectious energy of tens of thousands of runners, spectators, and fitness fanatics. But this year, the 2024 Baltimore Running Festival isn’t just about the finish linebefore the gun even goes off, there’ll be a celebration of everything health and wellness at the 25th Anniversary Health & Fitness Expo, hosted at the iconic Harborplace in the Inner Harbor. Yes, the expo itself is going the distance in more ways than one.
A Quarter-Century of Motivation
Marking its silver anniversary, this year’s Health & Fitness Expo promises more energy, more excitement, and more inspiration than ever. For those who have followed the Baltimore Running Festival since its early days, it’s both a nostalgic nod and a thrilling upgrade. This isn’t your run-of-the-treadmill expothis is where training, community, and Baltimore’s history collide.
Set against the waterfront beauty of the Inner Harbor and the recently reinvigorated Harborplace pavilions, the expo taps into the soul of Baltimore. Part celebration, part fitness carnival, the event serves over 25,000 attendees across race weekend, and organizers are pulling out all the stops to ring in Year 25 in style.
More Than Just Bib Pick-Up
If you think expos are just about grabbing your race bib and sneaking a free banana, think again. The Baltimore Running Festival Expo has transformed into a full-scale mecca for runners, wellness warriors, casual joggers, and curious cross-trainers alike. Held October 17-19 leading up to race day on October 19, the event brands itself as a “don’t-skip” experience, even if your hamstring is giving you attitude.
- Multiple Pavilions of Health – Attendees can explore curated spaces dedicated to nutrition, sports therapy, apparel, tech gadgets, and more.
- Live Demos & Panels – Get expert advice from elite athletes, medical pros, and coaches who know their tempo runs from their track workouts.
- Local Flavor – The buzz of Baltimore is built into the expo, with local vendors, food trucks, artisan gear, and Maryland-themed activations.
Back Where It All Began
This year’s return to Harborplace is more than symbolicit’s a return to roots. The original location of the earliest festivals, Harborplace has undergone a renaissance of its own recently, making it the ideal host for the festival’s milestone moment. With sweeping harbor views and easily walkable access to hotels, restaurants, and major race landmarks, the setting elevates the entire experience.
“The Energy at the Expo is as electric as it is on race day… maybe even more,” said Corrigan Sports Enterprises, the longtime orchestrator of the festival’s logistics.
They’re the race-day maestros behind everything from corrals to porta-potties, and they know that a perfect expo kicks off a perfect race. And in this case, with Bib Pick-Up Only Available In-Person, all roads lead to Harborplace.
Running Towards Community
Beyond the swag bags and foam rollers, the expo stands for something more enduring: community. There’s a palpable sense that everyone attendingwhether lacing up for their first 5K or prepping to crush a Boston Qualifiershares a common goal: to push the limit of what’s possible together. The 25th edition builds on that spirit, staying true to Baltimore’s grit while embracing the vibrant athleticism of its people.
Expo Hours:
- Thursday, October 17: 3 PM – 8 PM
- Friday, October 18: 11 AM – 8 PM
Pro tip: arrive early if you’re planning to soak it all inand why wouldn’t you?
Lace Up, Lock In, and Explore
As the Baltimore Running Festival blows out 25 candles on its wellness cake, it invites runners and spectators alike to rediscover the heart of one of America’s most iconic urban marathons. And that heart is beating loudest at Harborplace this October.
So whether you’re chasing a new PR, finally checking “Half Marathon” off your bucket list, or just here for the vibe (and the grilled crab cakes), the 25th Anniversary Health & Fitness Expo is where your journey begins.
See you at the Harbor. Don’t forget to hydrate.
