Marathon Details - B&A Trail Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > MD > Severna Park > B&A Trail Marathon

B&A Trail Marathon & Half Marathon

Severna Park, MD USA

March 24, 2024

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Name:	Christian Zazzali and Joshua Harriman
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Reviews

Course 4.3

Organization 4.7

Spectators 3.2

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Number of comments: 93 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 .. 10 > ]

T. G. from Newark Delaware, USA (4/9/2019) "BQ Distance Re-qualified" (about: 2019) 50+ previous marathons \| 6+ B&A Trail Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 An update to my comments of April 4, 2019: E-mail sent out by the organizers said 'A very well-meaning volunteer gave a bad course direction. We immediately recognized it and made some "on the fly" adjustments to the course based upon some very fast calculations, we were confident at the time that every runner ran a full 26.2 miles. However we needed to re-certify the course to validate the results.' Another e-mail was sent by the organizers a day or two later stating 'I am thrilled to report your times count "AS-IS" no time adjustments necessary. Our mid-race change was long enough (just). And we are certified without qualifications or exceptions.' A PDF copy of the approval letter was attached to the e-mail. Quick action by the organizers. They are a class act.
W. G. from MD (4/4/2019) "Repeat runner disappointed this year" (about: 2019) 50+ previous marathons \| 4-5 B&A Trail Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 This was my 5th B&A trail marathon. I love it because it's local, flat (relatively) and well organized (usually). The weather can be unpredictable but usually is good for running a marathon. I've BQ'd twice there. This year I was disappointed though. There was a lack of course marshals and/or timing mats that afforded the opportunity for cutting several minutes off one's time by accident or, if so inclined, on purpose. Also, as a matter of principle, at least put the correct date on the shirt rather than last year's date.
T. G. from DE (4/4/2019) "An OK, but not great marathon" (about: 2019) 50+ previous marathons \| 6+ B&A Trail Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 This was my 11th running of this race. Most years have been pretty good, but I have to ask why would a race have last year's date on the shirt, especially after charging a significant amount to enter. In year's past some great swag was given. A really nice running bag one year. Very nice running pants or heavy duty shirt or a vest in other years in addition to the race shirt. Unfortunately at their mile 1 marker my GPS read 0.64 as did several other runners near me. Someone familiar with the course said the elite runners missed a turn in the first mile. Apparently no one was stationed at the turn to direct them. Maybe they were short on volunteers. I empathize however making turns going through town are very important. To their credit it appears that the organizers mostly corrected for the error by adding distance at the first turn around and possibly else where in the race since my GPS watch ended with 26.22 miles. GPS watches are not perfect though and I have seen mine occasionally add distance in other races. Another complaint I have is that this race has gone back to having you tie your chip to your shoe. Not a big burden, but most race nowadays have a strip on your bib number. I assume this is a cost saving activity, but given the great swag they used to give out what happened to all the registration fee dollars collected this year? I don't want to be overly disparaging. You will never find a nicer pre-race staging area. The new high school is beautiful and has plenty of room in the cafeteria to prepare for the race. You just walk out the door and a couple of hundred feet to the start line. There is loads of parking available as well as food and drink after the race. Seeing all the Naval Academy students that come out to run the race is very inspiring. In spite of my grumbling I will be back next year. It really is a nice size with a pretty nice course even if a bit boring at times. And I don't need lots of folks cheering me on. It's just nice to see a few smiling faces and encouraging volunteers at the aid stations of which there were plenty. The B&A volunteers are wonderful.
T. B. from Pennsylvania (4/1/2019) "It was an OK Marathon" (about: 2019) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 B&A Trail Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 This was an average marathon but some issues did concern me and the cost was high to enter so you would expect these items to be a priority. The shirt had the wrong year on it, the course did not have enough water stations and the mile markers were off for the majority of the race. However, if you need a marathon on your calendar this will work. I give is a solid grade of 'C+.'
A. S. from Phoenix, Arizona (4/10/2018) "An event like no other." (about: 2018) First Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I have never run a full marathon, but this is my third BA 1/2 marathon. The BA marathon and 1/2 marathon is a race like no other. It takes place on a beautiful paved, wooded, trail and is well organized. Tremendous effort has gone into to ensuring a successful race; but it is the extra touches by the race director, that makes this particular event, such a meaningful experience. The volunteer shirts are printed with 'Amazing Volunteers;' and they are amazing! They stand for hours at a time, regardless of weather conditions, ONLY to help others achieve their goals. The premium for this race, had a personalized quote from the President of the Annapolis Striders; reminding us to 'go for it.' We are the youngest that we will ever be for this race; Why wait? Considering my own hesitation, I asked him, 'Is it better to try and fail, than to not try at all?' He responded, 'If you try, you can't fail.' Everyone has different abilities, levels of training, and personal goals; but the one common denominator as we line up at the start of the B&A, is that we are all winners, before we begin.
Brock Webb from Maryland (3/20/2016) "A Hometown Marathon done right, great race" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 B&A Trail Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 One thing about Annapolis Striders is that they obviously care about the craft of putting on a quality race. I've done one other race and it was no different well organized and ensures all the things one would expect from a 'big race' but with a friendlier community feel and minus all the crowds and headaches with big races! I've trained a lot on the trail, so I knew the course. Yes, its pretty flat. There is some road noise, but overall a quiet course with a lot of woods and nature to look at. Also, its an open use trail, but I never felt too crowded, something I really don't like! Also, everyone on the trail was friendly too. I gave 'Spectators' five stars there not many spectators. And while volunteers might be part of race organization, everyone I passed from the water stations to road crossings had smiles and words of encouragement. Everyone was great! The finish-line was well run, and the post-marathon food after-event amenities were great! The race medal was also a bottle opener, so I can put in in my kitchen drawer and use it, not just put it away will all the others I've collected over the years. Like I said, this may be a smaller event, but they really care about all the details in making this an experience to remember. If you have a chance to do this, don't pass it up!
S. K. from Severna Park, MD (4/27/2015) "Nice, mostly-flat course; unpredictable weather" (about: 2015) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 B&A Trail Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 B&A is a well-organized, low-key marathon. (Thank you, Annapolis Striders and volunteers!) The course is just how it's described on the website ... the majority of it is flat with one good-sized hill around mile 7 and some gently rolling hills. The latter miles are a little quiet. The weather ... what can I say? It's March, so expect anything. This year it was cold (wind chill in the 20s) but the first 7 mi were great. After that, the wind kicked up stayed around for the remainder of the race. I would recommend this marathon if you're looking for a small, peaceful marathon.
D. S. from Valley Forge PA (3/29/2015) "Fast Course - Great for BQ" (about: 2015) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 B&A Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 B&A is definitely a fast course! Great for a BQ (I did this year). One hill but nothing difficult then flat on a rails to trails course. Low key but very well organized. Race director does a great job and the volunteers are super. Great Spring Marathon.
M. A. from Arlington, VA (6/11/2014) "Fast Course, Low Key Event" (about: 2014) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 B&A Trail Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 A very good event, given the right conditions. 2014 featured terrible weather with a great deal of rain and strong winds. Standing water was ankle deep in a number of stretches. Despite this, it was still a good experience, and I ran my best marathon by 20 minutes. The race is low key, well organized, and the course is reasonable. Aid stations are well stocked, volunteers friendly and helpful.
m. h. from Virginia Beach, VA (4/1/2014) "Great race if not for the monsoon like conditions" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 B&A Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This marathon is a definite PR course if you don't have to deal with monsoon weather conditions in late March . The course is pancake flat except one hill at the mile 7 area and some small rises near the wooden bridges that you cross. Not very pretty but it is an old rail to trails course so you know you want have to run on any concrete. I would love to run this race when the weather was perfect. Unfortunately it rained the entire weekend of the race. The volunteers at the aid stations were totally awesome. Not many spectators out on the course since they would have been in ankle deep water. I grabbed a piece of Papa Johns pizza from the post-race food table. I normally just drink chocolate milk after a marathon and went to Food Lion down the street for that after the race. The race shirt was a totally awesome long sleeve turtle neck shirt. It is the best shirt I have ever received. I will be able to wear it everywhere when it is cold. Medal was small and had a misspelled word on it (should read Annapolis Striders instead of Annapolis Stridres. The packet pickup was easy at the high school. Having showers at the end was a God send after being in the pouring rain for 4 ½ hours with temperatures around 42. Some suggestions for runners of future B&A Trail Runners: I would recommend staying at the Spring Hill Suites in Annapolis off exit 22. It was nice and about 9 miles from the race. Get to the race early. Parking is limited and only had 4 port potties. You could also use the bathrooms inside but it was crowded. For out of town people, take advantage of the hot showers at the end. In summary, as I am now over 1/5 through the 50 State quest, I am glad I ran this one for the Maryland Marathon.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 .. 10 > ]

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T. G. from Newark Delaware, USA (4/9/2019) "BQ Distance Re-qualified" (about: 2019) 50+ previous marathons \| 6+ B&A Trail Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 An update to my comments of April 4, 2019: E-mail sent out by the organizers said 'A very well-meaning volunteer gave a bad course direction. We immediately recognized it and made some "on the fly" adjustments to the course based upon some very fast calculations, we were confident at the time that every runner ran a full 26.2 miles. However we needed to re-certify the course to validate the results.' Another e-mail was sent by the organizers a day or two later stating 'I am thrilled to report your times count "AS-IS" no time adjustments necessary. Our mid-race change was long enough (just). And we are certified without qualifications or exceptions.' A PDF copy of the approval letter was attached to the e-mail. Quick action by the organizers. They are a class act.
W. G. from MD (4/4/2019) "Repeat runner disappointed this year" (about: 2019) 50+ previous marathons \| 4-5 B&A Trail Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 This was my 5th B&A trail marathon. I love it because it's local, flat (relatively) and well organized (usually). The weather can be unpredictable but usually is good for running a marathon. I've BQ'd twice there. This year I was disappointed though. There was a lack of course marshals and/or timing mats that afforded the opportunity for cutting several minutes off one's time by accident or, if so inclined, on purpose. Also, as a matter of principle, at least put the correct date on the shirt rather than last year's date.
T. G. from DE (4/4/2019) "An OK, but not great marathon" (about: 2019) 50+ previous marathons \| 6+ B&A Trail Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 This was my 11th running of this race. Most years have been pretty good, but I have to ask why would a race have last year's date on the shirt, especially after charging a significant amount to enter. In year's past some great swag was given. A really nice running bag one year. Very nice running pants or heavy duty shirt or a vest in other years in addition to the race shirt. Unfortunately at their mile 1 marker my GPS read 0.64 as did several other runners near me. Someone familiar with the course said the elite runners missed a turn in the first mile. Apparently no one was stationed at the turn to direct them. Maybe they were short on volunteers. I empathize however making turns going through town are very important. To their credit it appears that the organizers mostly corrected for the error by adding distance at the first turn around and possibly else where in the race since my GPS watch ended with 26.22 miles. GPS watches are not perfect though and I have seen mine occasionally add distance in other races. Another complaint I have is that this race has gone back to having you tie your chip to your shoe. Not a big burden, but most race nowadays have a strip on your bib number. I assume this is a cost saving activity, but given the great swag they used to give out what happened to all the registration fee dollars collected this year? I don't want to be overly disparaging. You will never find a nicer pre-race staging area. The new high school is beautiful and has plenty of room in the cafeteria to prepare for the race. You just walk out the door and a couple of hundred feet to the start line. There is loads of parking available as well as food and drink after the race. Seeing all the Naval Academy students that come out to run the race is very inspiring. In spite of my grumbling I will be back next year. It really is a nice size with a pretty nice course even if a bit boring at times. And I don't need lots of folks cheering me on. It's just nice to see a few smiling faces and encouraging volunteers at the aid stations of which there were plenty. The B&A volunteers are wonderful.
T. B. from Pennsylvania (4/1/2019) "It was an OK Marathon" (about: 2019) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 B&A Trail Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 This was an average marathon but some issues did concern me and the cost was high to enter so you would expect these items to be a priority. The shirt had the wrong year on it, the course did not have enough water stations and the mile markers were off for the majority of the race. However, if you need a marathon on your calendar this will work. I give is a solid grade of 'C+.'
A. S. from Phoenix, Arizona (4/10/2018) "An event like no other." (about: 2018) First Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I have never run a full marathon, but this is my third BA 1/2 marathon. The BA marathon and 1/2 marathon is a race like no other. It takes place on a beautiful paved, wooded, trail and is well organized. Tremendous effort has gone into to ensuring a successful race; but it is the extra touches by the race director, that makes this particular event, such a meaningful experience. The volunteer shirts are printed with 'Amazing Volunteers;' and they are amazing! They stand for hours at a time, regardless of weather conditions, ONLY to help others achieve their goals. The premium for this race, had a personalized quote from the President of the Annapolis Striders; reminding us to 'go for it.' We are the youngest that we will ever be for this race; Why wait? Considering my own hesitation, I asked him, 'Is it better to try and fail, than to not try at all?' He responded, 'If you try, you can't fail.' Everyone has different abilities, levels of training, and personal goals; but the one common denominator as we line up at the start of the B&A, is that we are all winners, before we begin.
Brock Webb from Maryland (3/20/2016) "A Hometown Marathon done right, great race" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 B&A Trail Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 One thing about Annapolis Striders is that they obviously care about the craft of putting on a quality race. I've done one other race and it was no different well organized and ensures all the things one would expect from a 'big race' but with a friendlier community feel and minus all the crowds and headaches with big races! I've trained a lot on the trail, so I knew the course. Yes, its pretty flat. There is some road noise, but overall a quiet course with a lot of woods and nature to look at. Also, its an open use trail, but I never felt too crowded, something I really don't like! Also, everyone on the trail was friendly too. I gave 'Spectators' five stars there not many spectators. And while volunteers might be part of race organization, everyone I passed from the water stations to road crossings had smiles and words of encouragement. Everyone was great! The finish-line was well run, and the post-marathon food after-event amenities were great! The race medal was also a bottle opener, so I can put in in my kitchen drawer and use it, not just put it away will all the others I've collected over the years. Like I said, this may be a smaller event, but they really care about all the details in making this an experience to remember. If you have a chance to do this, don't pass it up!
S. K. from Severna Park, MD (4/27/2015) "Nice, mostly-flat course; unpredictable weather" (about: 2015) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 B&A Trail Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 B&A is a well-organized, low-key marathon. (Thank you, Annapolis Striders and volunteers!) The course is just how it's described on the website ... the majority of it is flat with one good-sized hill around mile 7 and some gently rolling hills. The latter miles are a little quiet. The weather ... what can I say? It's March, so expect anything. This year it was cold (wind chill in the 20s) but the first 7 mi were great. After that, the wind kicked up stayed around for the remainder of the race. I would recommend this marathon if you're looking for a small, peaceful marathon.
D. S. from Valley Forge PA (3/29/2015) "Fast Course - Great for BQ" (about: 2015) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 B&A Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 B&A is definitely a fast course! Great for a BQ (I did this year). One hill but nothing difficult then flat on a rails to trails course. Low key but very well organized. Race director does a great job and the volunteers are super. Great Spring Marathon.
M. A. from Arlington, VA (6/11/2014) "Fast Course, Low Key Event" (about: 2014) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 B&A Trail Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 A very good event, given the right conditions. 2014 featured terrible weather with a great deal of rain and strong winds. Standing water was ankle deep in a number of stretches. Despite this, it was still a good experience, and I ran my best marathon by 20 minutes. The race is low key, well organized, and the course is reasonable. Aid stations are well stocked, volunteers friendly and helpful.
m. h. from Virginia Beach, VA (4/1/2014) "Great race if not for the monsoon like conditions" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 B&A Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This marathon is a definite PR course if you don't have to deal with monsoon weather conditions in late March . The course is pancake flat except one hill at the mile 7 area and some small rises near the wooden bridges that you cross. Not very pretty but it is an old rail to trails course so you know you want have to run on any concrete. I would love to run this race when the weather was perfect. Unfortunately it rained the entire weekend of the race. The volunteers at the aid stations were totally awesome. Not many spectators out on the course since they would have been in ankle deep water. I grabbed a piece of Papa Johns pizza from the post-race food table. I normally just drink chocolate milk after a marathon and went to Food Lion down the street for that after the race. The race shirt was a totally awesome long sleeve turtle neck shirt. It is the best shirt I have ever received. I will be able to wear it everywhere when it is cold. Medal was small and had a misspelled word on it (should read Annapolis Striders instead of Annapolis Stridres. The packet pickup was easy at the high school. Having showers at the end was a God send after being in the pouring rain for 4 ½ hours with temperatures around 42. Some suggestions for runners of future B&A Trail Runners: I would recommend staying at the Spring Hill Suites in Annapolis off exit 22. It was nice and about 9 miles from the race. Get to the race early. Parking is limited and only had 4 port potties. You could also use the bathrooms inside but it was crowded. For out of town people, take advantage of the hot showers at the end. In summary, as I am now over 1/5 through the 50 State quest, I am glad I ran this one for the Maryland Marathon.

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Marathon Details - B&A Trail Marathon