OKTOBERFEST 5-Miler presented by Altra

The Oktoberfest 5-Miler presented by Altra Costume Contest is back again! Wear your most festive outfit on race day - the winner will receive a FREE pair of Altra shoes!

Course Time Limit: The Oktoberfest 5-Miler has a course time limit of 1 and 1/2 hours (this is calculated from the time your wave crosses the start line). 

Want to run for free? With our referral program you can have your registration fee refunded!

Here is how it works:
1. Register online for the Oktoberfest 5-Miler presented by Altra.
2. Receive a unique referral link via your confirmation page and email.
3. Share this link with your friends, family or post on social media.
4. After 5 registrants sign up using your unique referral link you will automatically receive a refund of your registration fee.

PACKET PICKUP

Saturday, October 25 from 10AM-2PM
Charm City Run - Columbia
7090 Deepage Drive
Columbia, MD 21045

Sunday, October 26 (Race Day) from 6:30 AM - 7:50 AM
Charm City Run - Columbia
7090 Deepage Drive
Columbia, MD 21045

*Packet Pickup locations and times are subject to change. Final Packet Pickup information will be sent in pre-race emails.

If you wish to pick up someone else's packet you must present their pre-race email that contains their QR code.  We appreciate your cooperation with this.

VIRTUAL RACE INFORMATION

We have created a virtual race option for those who would like to participate but are unable to attend the in-person race. Here's how the virtual race works:

1. Register for the virtual event, and sign up for text or e-mail notifications
2. Your race swag will be available for pickup at our Saturday packet pickup, or can be mailed to you at no additional cost. We will begin mailing VIRTUAL race packets on October 28th.
3. You'll receive a text or email (if you opt in) when the race "starts" on October 25th.
4. Run your race and submit your results either by text message or email (if you've opted in) or by heading to the results page here by October 26th at 11:59 PM Eastern Time). Results update in real time as people submit their times. Be sure to take a selfie and post on social media with the hashtags #charmcityrun and #oktoberfest5miler
5. Sit back and enjoy your race swag!

Virtual race performances are not eligible for the overall event awards.

 

AWARDS

Awards will be given as follows:

• Top three overall male, female and non-binary runners
• Top male and female overall master (40 and over)
• Top three male and female in the following age groups: 19 & under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70+

Please note: Awards are offered for the in-person event only. There will be no overall or age-group awards for the virtual run.

AMENITIES

All registrants will receive a unique race-themed finisher medal (2024 medal pictured below), long sleeve race shirt, on course aid station support, post-race snacks, and complimentary drink. (runners 21+). 

                 

COURSE MAP

This race begins at Charm City Run Columbia and then ventures around Lake Elkhorn, crossing several wooden bridges with scenic water views, shady autumn foliage and features a festive finish line.

STARTING CORRALS

To make sure that everyone has room on the trail to run at their desired pace, we will use three starting corrals. Placement in corral will be determined by the estimated finish time that you entered during the registration process. Your starting corral will be noted on your bib. The first corral will start at 8:00AM and each subsequent corral will start shortly thereafter.

POST-RACE PARTY

After you hit the finish line the party starts! Runners can enjoy a complimentary themed cocktail or mocktail, and we'll have beer for purchase as well as plenty of post-race snacks to enjoy. The distillery will be open for additional cocktail purchases. Hang out, enjoy the music, shop our CCR Mobile Store, and celebrate with friends!

CHARM CITY RUN TRAINING GROUPS

At Charm City Run our goal is to safely train people from the new runner to the advanced marathoner. Our coaches and your fellow runners will help you reach your goals - whether you are aiming to finish your first race or achieve a new personal record.

The journey is just as important as the race and we want to make it a fun and enjoyable experience. This is why we believe a group atmosphere is the best way to train for a long run. We strive to help you achieve your goal safely by a gradual increase in your training.

For more information about Charm City Run Training Groups click here.

BENEFICIARY

The charitable beneficiary for the Oktoberfest 5-Miler continues to be Bridges to Housing Stability, a local organization whose mission is to provide a path to self-sufficiency to prevent and end homelessness through affordable housing solutions and advocacy in Howard County, Maryland.