REGISTRATION INCLUDES
DECEMEBER 12 @ 8:30 AM
- A Custom Premium Item with the Event Logo
- A Custom Designed Celtic Solstice Bib
- Convenient Off-Site Packet Pick up at several area locations
- Free Race Day Parking at the Maryland Zoo
- Post Race Celebration to include Hot Soup, hot Wassail Wine, Hot Coffee and Hot Chocolate, Bagpipes, Irish Wolfhounds and more
- A Heck of a Good Time and Plenty of Holiday cheer!
THE YEAR OF THE OTTER
THE 2026 CELTIC SOLSTICE 5-MILER WILL BE DEEMED THE YEAR OF THE OTTER!
The otter symbolizes joy, playfulness, adaptability, and strong community bonds, qualities drawn from its behavior and its cultural significance across many traditions. They are known for their spirited energy and ability to thrive in changing environments, reflecting a blend of resilience and light‑heartedness.
These traits parallel the experience of running: the need to adapt to the course, find joy in movement, stay resilient through challenges, and draw strength from the support of others.
Just as otters navigate both water and land with fluid ease, runners navigate the physical and mental terrain of a race—balancing determination with a sense of fun and connection
As you run the 2026 Celtic Solstice, carry those qualities with you—lean on your fellow racers, adapt to the terrain, and don’t forget to have fun.
Run Playfully and Run Free. Adapt. Persist and, most of all, finish strong.
THE RACE WILL BE CAPPED AT 3,000 PARTICIPANTS. Please register early to assure that you get a spot in the race as well as the premium size you desire. The cap is in place based on several logistical concerns such as parking and course capacity. We choose to limit the number of participants to make it a more pleasurable run for those in the field. Each year we have countless disappointed folks who do not get in. Don't be one of them.
REGISTRATION
Registering is easy. Simply CLICK HERE and select the distance you want to run. The “SIGN UP” button will easily guide you through the registration process.
YOUTH ATHLETES 17 and Under can register for a discounted Non-Premium Entry for only $15! This will be implemented during the registration process. No code is needed. PLEASE NOTE: You must meet the age requirement to sign up for this option. Eligible participants WILL NOT get a premium at this level!
After you register, you will immediately receive an automated email confirmation. 1-2 weeks prior to the event, you will receive confirmation materials via email with specific instructions about the event day.
THE RACE WILL BE CAPPED AT 3,000 PARTICIPANTS. Please register early to assure that you get a spot in the race as well as the premium size you desire.
PACKET PICK UP
2025 DATES - 2026 TBA
We will offer several packet pick up options. A friend can pick up your packet as long as they have your QR CODE (this will be emailed prior to race week). We will host race premium and bib pick up at several locations as in previous years.
- Saturday, December 6th from 12pm-4pm at FALLS ROAD RUNNING STORE - 6247 Falls Rd, Baltimore, MD 21209
- Tuesday, December 9th from 10am-4pm at CORRIGAN SPORTS ENTERPRISES - 6725 Santa Barbara Ct, Suite 114, Elkridge, MD 21075
- Wednesday, December 10th from 2pm-6pm at CORRIGAN SPORTS ENTERPRISES - 6725 Santa Barbara Ct, Suite 114, Elkridge, MD 21075
- Thursday, December 11th from 10am-4pm at CORRIGAN SPORTS ENTERPRISES- 6725 Santa Barbara Ct, Suite 114, Elkridge, MD 21075
THERE IS NO RACE DAY PICK UP. PLEASE MAKE PLANS TO ATTEND ONE OF OUR PICK UP LOCATIONS OR USE THE MAIL MY PACKET OPTION.
REMEMBER, you can also select to have your bib and premium mailed to you. If you did not do so during registration, you can add this option up until Nov. 30th. The mailing fee is $30. CLICK HERE to see instructions on how to do so.
SOCIAL TEAMS
SOCIAL TEAMS get discounted entry fees, as well as additional benefits and prices. Running with a friend (or a group!) really is so much more fun than running alone. Once the race is over, a team is there to celebrate, and relax after the accomplishments of the day. Plus, they’ll keep people going and motivate them to keep training or finish strong if they’re starting to feel sluggish mid-race.
To Learn More About Social Teams CLICK HERE.
ABOUT THE COURSE
The course will start and finish at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore. The route covers its 5 miles entirely within the confines of scenic Druid Hill Park. Runners must be able to complete the course within 90 minutes hours (18 min./mile pace).
START TIME
The race will start promptly at 8:30am
START LOCATION
1 Safari Pl, Baltimore, MD 21217
RACE ROUTE
Click for an Interactive Course Map
TURN BY TURN
Click to view the turn by turn directions
RACE TIMING/TIME LIMITS/RESTRICTIONS
The Celtic Solstice Five-Miler is a chip-timed event. Participants must finish the course in 90 minutes. Participants can run, jog or walk the entire course. Don’t worry, the celebration at the end of the race will be eagerly awaiting you!
Jogging strollers are permitted but are asked to start in the back of the pack. Wheelchair athletes are permitted but due to safety concerns and street closure restrictions cannot travel faster than the fastest runner. No bikes, scooters, skateboards or other wheeled vehicles are allowed.
MEDICAL
The Medical Team is a dedicated group of medical professionals, available to help assess your race day medical needs and administer acute first aid when necessary. A medical station will be located near the finish line as well as at the water stop along the course.
WATER STOPS
Participants are welcome to bring their own water on course with them. We will have one water stop on the course and water at the finish line to keep your hydration up during the 5 miles. If you need additional on course nutrition such as gel, please bring your own.
AWARDS
We award the top three overall (Male & Female) as well as the top Masters (Male & Female) and top Grand Masters (Male & Female).
AGE GROUP AWARDS: Unique to this event, we also recognize the top overall finisher (Male & Female) in each individual age (...15, 16, 17, 18... 78, 79, 80, 81...) with a Christmas Ornament award.
Ornaments will be available for sale during registration and at the merchandise tent on race day.
VOLUNTEER
Interested in volunteering and supporting your community, as well as thousands of runners and walkers? There’s a spot for everyone at volunteer stations including: registration, starting line, finish line, water stops, course monitors and more. Please see HERE for more information and to sign up as a volunteer.
To Learn More About Volunteering CLICK HERE
