The Buzz Sawyer Western Maryland

Marathon, Half, 10k

Run for community.

Sunday, October 18th, 2026

Western Maryland Rail Trail, Hancock, MD

Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k - Boston Marathon qualifier!

Race director: Adam Lowe
Email — 2lowerunco@gmail.com

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Who was Buzz Sawyer?

Buzz was an amazing runner, race director, and coach.  Thank you to Andy Mason of the Herald Mail for this beautiful article on Buzz's' life. 

Packet Pickup & Race Location

RACE LOCATION:

9 S Pennsylvania Avenue
Hancock, MD US 21750

Saturday, Oct. 17

Sunday, Oct. 18 - Race Day!

  • 6:45 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. — Packet pick-up at Start/Finish Line (C&O Bicycle at 9 S Pennsylvania Ave Hancock, MD 21750)

  • 7:30 a.m. — Marathon start
    8:00 a.m. — Half Marathon start
    8:15 a.m. — 10K start

    11:15 a.m. — Cutoff time for 10K

    1:00 p.m. — Cutoff time for Half Marathon
    3:00 p.m. — Cutoff time for Marathon

Parking for race participants:

Participants can find race day parking at 1 of the following 2 parking lots: 

WMRT Parking

Parking Lot 

About the Races

Description

The WMRT Marathon/half marathon/10k is back for the 11th edition in 2026. The course is the same, the history is the same, BUT the race has been renamed for one of Washington County Maryland's greatest distance runners and the creator of the JFK50 Miler, Buzz Sawyer. 
 
Frank and Mike of Altis Endurance have passed the race on to Katie and Adam Lowe of 2Lowe Run Company to continue the race's traditions.
The Buzz Sawyer Western Maryland Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K is set for Sunday October 18th, 2026. This race takes place in its entirety on the fantastic Western Maryland Rail Trail (WMRT) located in - wait for it - Western Maryland.
The race start/finish is located in the wonderful town of Hancock. The town of Hancock is a super trail town with great C&O Canal history and scenery in addition to the WMRT. Hancock is definitely a place to visit for those who love trails.
 
The marathon MD17006NP and half marathon MD17005NP courses are USATF Certified Courses. This is a good Boston qualifying course!
 

The marathon starts at 7:30 AM, the half marathon starts at 8:00 AM, and the 10K start at 8:15. The start/finish is located on the Western Maryland Rail Trail just north of C&O Bicycle at 9 S Pennsylvania Ave Hancock, MD 21750.

Course

The start/finish is located on the Western Maryland Rail Trail just north of C&O Bicycle at 9 S Pennsylvania Ave Hancock, MD 21750. Participants will run/walk 6.56 miles Southwest (towards Little Orleans) before turning around and traveling 6.56 miles back to the start/finish line. Marathon Participants will complete this out-and-back loop twice. 

10k participants will run in the same Southwest direction but will turn around after 3.11 miles on the course and head back to the start/finish line. 

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  • The Western Maryland Rail Trail follows an old railroad bed with a very gentle, nearly flat grade, winding through the Potomac River valley’s rolling farmland, mixed woodlands, and rural towns, with occasional glimpses of river views and hardwood-covered hillsides. The terrain is easy and smooth along its paved surface that parallels the C&O Canal’s scenic riverside route.

  • The start/finish line for all three races will be beside the C&O Bicycle shop. There will be a few tables set up for packet pick-up, T-shirts, aid station fare, and other race needs.

  • There will be four portable toilets placed at the start/finish line. There is also a portable toilet at miles 2 & 5 (marathon runners will pass these locations four times, half marathon runners will pass them twice).

  • All volunteers, plus participants who enter a valid email address, will receive an email with instructions.

  • Runners will receive:

    • Race t-shirt

    • Custom race bib

    • Custom finisher awards

    • Custom podium award for the winners

    • Fun family experience 

    • Post-race refreshments

    • Quality event put on by 2Lowe Run Co

    Awards will be earned for Marathon, Half Marathon, & 10k:

    • Top 3 Male and Top 3 Female

    • Overall Top Masters Male and Overall Top Masters Female

  • Pacers must be individually registered for any of the three distances.

Our Sponsors:

Giving Back:

“We are beyond excited to announce that we are partnering with the Meritus Foundation to give a percentage of our Buzz Sawyer Western Maryland Marathon proceeds to the Perinatal Bereavement Fund. This cause is near and dear to our hearts, and we couldn't be happier to support local families in their season of mourning, processing, and healing from the loss of a child. Every race registration, direct donation, and race sponsorship will help us directly fund the needs or special remembrance items for these families.”

Learn more about our dedication to Giving Back and the Perinatal Bereavement Fund.