Altra Charles Street 12 and 2-Person Relay presented by Kelly Benefits

A Celebration of Baltimore History on Foot

The Altra Charles Street 12 presented by Kelly Benefits starts at the Shops at Kenilworth in Towson, and continues south heading downtown on beautiful Charles Street, a National Scenic Byway. Runners enjoy running through Charm City’s most charming neighborhoods and past some of Maryland’s most esteemed religious, historical and educational institutions. When runners finish, they can celebrate their accomplishment with a one-of-a-kind post-race party between the stadiums at the Camden Yards Sports Complex!

The Altra Charles Street 12 and 2-Person Relay presented by Kelly Benefits is the 3rd Race in the B3 Distance Series. 

Click here to check out some official Charles 12 gear. Charm City Run Mobile will be onsite post race celebration on Saturday. 

During the month of August we'll be hosting Thursday evening training fun runs to preview different sections of the Charles Street 12.

During the month of August we'll be hosting Thursday evening training fun runs to preview different sections of the Altra Charles Street 12 presented by Kelly Benefits on September 9. These runs are intended to be a fun way to get out for 3-5 miles with others during the summer. All paces are welcome!

CLICK DATE BELOW TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT

Thursday, August 17th - 6:30-8PM: Preview Run #2 will begin at Gilman School: 5407 Roland Avenue, Baltimore, MD, 21210.

Thursday, August 24th - 6:30-8PM: Preview Run #3 will start at The Walters Art Museum in the Mt. Vernon neighborhood of Baltimore City: 600 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD, 21201.

Thursday, August 31st - 6:30-8PM: Preview Run #4 will meet at Under Armour Headquarters:1020 Hull Street, Baltimore, MD, 21230.

Please arrive at 6:15pm so we are ready to start running as a group at 6:30pm. Look for the Charm City Run tent or flag at each location.

Manage Registration Options:

Click here to go to your runsignup.com profile page.
To manage: click on "manage registration" to the right of the race listing and select what you want to manage from top menu.

Defer My Entry to Next Year's Race - you may defer your entry up until 8/29; $33.80 through 8/16; $44.40 from 8/17-8/29
PLEASE NOTE: If you select the bib mailing or expedited bib mailing option during registration your deferral deadline is different than the dates listed above. The deferral deadline for those selecting the bib mailing option is AUGUST 8th.
Transfer My Entry to Another Individual - you may transfer your entry up until 8/29; no cost to transfer to another person
Change My Shirt Size - once Packet Pick-ups begin changes can be made at Packet Pick-up (subject to availability).
Resend Confirmation Email
I registered for the 12 Miler but would like to downgrade to the Relay (see downgrades & upgrades section under race policies for more info)

REFUND, DEFERRAL, TRANSFER, AND CANCELLATION POLICIES

We want to be completely transparent with our policies regarding refunds, deferrals, and cancellations. If you are interested in signing up for this race please read this section carefully prior to registering.

Refunds

Race registration fees (and the processing charge from RunSignup) are not refundable. These funds are used to pay for race premiums, permits, supplies, staffing, and other costs incurred before, during, and after the event is held. To be consistent and fair to everyone we cannot make exceptions to this policy.

Deferrals

We offer the option for registrants to defer their entry to the following year's event based on Charm City Run's General Deferral fee schedule:

Until August 16, 2025 (2 weeks prior to race day) - $33.80
August 17, 2025 - August 29, 2025 - $44.40

Registrants may defer their entry by going into their profile on runsignup.com and choosing "Manage Registration" next to the race. Please note that if your materials have been mailed to you, the deferral option is no longer available.

Transfers

We offer the option for registrants to transfer their entry to another eligible participant up to August 29, 2025. After this deadline passes we are unable to allow transfers as race materials have been prepped for the event. Again, to be consistent and fair to everyone we cannot make exceptions to this policy. Registrants may transfer their entry to another registrant by going into their profile on runsignup.com and choosing "Manage Registration" next to the race.

Cancellation

2020 showed just how unpredictable our world can be, and the running industry was certainly no exception. We know that it's important to have as much information at your disposal when making a decision whether to sign up for a race or not, and we want you to know exactly what your options will be should the 2025 in-person race not be able to take place as originally planned. Our regular cancellation policy found here covers scenarios that could prompt the cancellation of an event including weather, local emergencies, public health emergencies, etc. If you have any questions about our cancellation policy please email us at events@charmcityrun.com PRIOR to registering.

DOWNGRADES & UPGRADES

If you signed up for the individual 12-mile race and would like to downgrade to the relay or you signed up for the in-person race and would like to switch to the virtual race, you can make that change through your RunSignup account. Log on, click “Manage Registration” next to the race, click “Transfer Event,” and select the relay. Please note: you will not receive a credit or refund for any difference in price paid.

If you would like to switch from the relay to the individual 12-mile race you can follow the same steps above and select 12-Miler. You will be charged any difference in registration fee from when you originally signed up to the current price.

Charm City Run, in partnership with Baltimore’s Run Clubs, will host four Course Preview Runs in the weeks leading up to the Charles Street 12 on Saturday, September 7th. The runs will follow a 3-5 mile route on Charles Street and will feature freeze pops after the run and a raffle for prizes at the final Course Preview!

We’ll leave promptly at 6:30PM, so make sure to check out the links below to sign up, as well as for location and parking details!

A big thanks to our Run Club partners for leading the celebration down Charles Street all month long!

Course Preview #1: Thursday, August 8th, 6:30PM @ Kenilworth: Charm City Run, D17 Running, FX
Course Preview #2: Thursday, August 15th, 6:30PM @ Gilman: Charm City Run
Course Preview #3: Thursday, August 22nd, 6:30PM @ the Walters Art Museum: Charm City Run
Course Preview #4: Thursday, August 29th, 6:30PM @ Under Armour HQ: Charm City Run, Blk Run Org, Runners Run, Canton Run Club

PACKET PICKUP

Monday, August 25th from 4PM-7PM
Charm City Run - Annapolis
87 Forest Plaza
Annapolis, MD 21401

Tuesday, August 26th from 4PM-7PM
Charm City Run - Bel Air
126 S. Main Street #2
Bel Air, MD 21014

Wednesday, August 27th from 3PM-7PM
Charm City Run - Columbia
7090 Deepage Drive
Columbia, MD 21045

Thursday, August 28th from 3PM-7PM
Charm City Run - Fells Point
1500 Thames Street
Baltimore, MD 21231

Friday, August 29th from 12PM-7PM
Charm City Run - Timonium 
1313 York Road
Timonium, MD 21093

Saturday, August 30th (Race Day) beginning at 6:00 AM
The Shops at Kenilworth
800 Kenilworth Drive
Towson, MD US 21204 

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

Please note: 2-Person Relay bibs that have not been picked up by the end of Friday's pickup will only be available at the bus loading zone in downtown Baltimore City (location will be announced closer to race day) from 5:15 AM to 6:30 AM. Relay bibs will not be available for pickup on Saturday at the Shops at Kenilworth.

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 participants may pick up their race packet at any of the pickup opportunities listed above, or have their packet shipped directly to them at no additional cost. Packets will not begin shipping until 9/2/25. If you need to edit your mailing address please click here to go to your RunSignUp profile, scroll down to Charles 12 under your upcoming races, and click “Manage Registration.”

All race packets will travel to each packet pickup location.

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 Altra Charles Street 12 presented by Kelly Benefits.
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.

BIB MAILING OPTION

If you are participating in the in-person race and can not make it to the race packet pickup sessions, or if you simply prefer having the convenience, you may choose to have your race bib and shirt mailed to you for an extra fee. The bib mailing option will close on August 9th at 11:59 pm. 

Virtual participants will have their race packet mailed to them automatically at no additional charge.

Please note: If you select the bib mailing option you cannot defer your entry to the following year after the bib mailing cutoff date of August 8th.

CHARLES STREET 12 TRAINING GROUPS

TRAIN WITH A SUPPORTIVE GROUP TO REACH YOUR FALL RACE GOALS!

No matter your pace or experience level, if your next goal is to race a half marathon or to hold yourself accountable to a distance running routine this summer, there is a place in our half marathon groups for you! Our programs are open to everyone from the runner attempting their first endurance event to the repeat competitive runner. Training can be individualized to your experience and goals. The program will prepare to race your best - whether you're new to long distance running or a seasoned half marathoner. Please note that you don’t have to run a race to join this training group.

Our half marathon groups meet twice a week for your coach lead runs - once a week for speed workouts and once a week for long runs. Your expert coach will also provide you with a weekly training plan that will guide your preparation for your target half marathon. Along the way you'll learn about  increasing your mileage, tempo runs, track workouts, hill workouts, recovery runs, nutrition, hydration, injury prevention, and much more.

To safely meet your goal we do ask that you have a base level of running under your belt before joining this group. What does that mean? We ask that at the beginning of the program you are able to run/walk 3 miles at one time and are currently running 8-12 miles per week. This does not mean you need to be able to run the entire way but just that you are comfortable covering that distance. Are you not sure if you meet these requirements? Email our training director at natalie@charmcityrun.com with any questions.

You can sign up for training during registration, or by heading to the training page here!

VIRTUAL RACE INFORMATION

We have created a virtual race option for those who would like to participate but are not local, or do not feel comfortable attending an in-person race at this time. Virtual race is available for $30 off current 12 Mile entry fees and $10 off current Relay entry fees. 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 packet pickup sessions or can be mailed to you at no additional cost (packets not picked up at the packet pickup session will be mailed via USPS beginning September 3rd).
3. You'll receive a text or email (if you opt in) when the race "starts" on August 30th.
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 September 7th 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 #chuck12 #charmcityrun.

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

2-PERSON RELAY

Not up for the full 12? Grab a friend and tackle the race as a team!  The 2-Person Relay follows the same course as the full Charles Street 12 Miler. Leg distances are as follows:

Leg One - The Shops at Kenilworth to Cathedral of Mary Our Queen (4.8 miles)
Leg Two - Cathedral of Mary Our Queen to downtown Baltimore City (7.2 miles)

Bus transportation is available from downtown Baltimore City (race finish line) to The Shops at Kenilworth (Leg One start), and from Cathedral of Mary Our Queen (Leg One Finish) to downtown Baltimore City for Leg One. Transportation is also provided from downtown Baltimore City (race finish line) to Cathedral of Mary Our Queen (Leg Two Start) for Leg Two. There is no transportation provided from downtown Baltimore City to The Shops at Kenilworth after the race.

Each relay participant receives the same race premium and finisher medal. Awards will be given to the top 3 overall relay teams. Relay teams are subject to the same 3-hour course cutoff as the individual runners.

BUS TRANSPORTATION TO THE START

Buses

Bus transportation is included in the race registration fee. Please note: There is no parking at The Shops at Kenilworth (start line). The provided bus transportation takes participants from the finish line area in downtown Baltimore City to the start line (or relay exchange point) PRIOR TO THE RACE START. Relay participants completing the first leg of the race will receive bus transportation to the finish line downtown Baltimore City. There is no bus transportation from downtown Baltimore City back to the start line at Kenilworth post-race.

Buses will depart from downtown Baltimore City beginning at 5:30am. The last bus will depart promptly at 6:45am. Designated buses will head to the race start at The Shops at Kenilworth or the relay leg two start at Cathedral of Mary Our Queen.

WHAT DO YOU GET FOR YOUR ENTRY?

2025 RACE PREMIUMS

FINISHER MEDAL

All participants in the individual and team relay races will receive a finishers medal.          

FREE Downloadable Race Photos

POST-RACE PARTY

After you finish the race the party begins! Participants have access to the after-party in downtown Baltimore City which includes the following:

• Post-race meal.
• Live music on the main stage with the band.
• 1 complimentary beer for individuals 21+
• Bananas and post-race snacks

BEER BRACELET

Each registrant in the in-person 12 Miler and 2-Person Relay who is 21+ receives one complimentary beer at the post-race party. We also offer a beer bracelet as an add-on during registration which entitles the wearer to “unlimited” alcoholic drinks at the post-race party. The bracelet costs $28.50. Bracelets are non-transferable, and Charm City Run reserves the right to deny service to anyone who appears intoxicated or cannot produce photo ID when requested.

AWARDS

Awards will be given to the top three overall Male, Female, and Non-Binary Individuals; top Male, Female, and Non-Binary masters; and the top three males and females in the following age groups:

• 14 and under
• 15-19
• 20-29
• 30-39
• 40-49
• 50-59
• 60-69
• 70-79
• 80 and over

An award will be given to the top three relay teams overall.

Overall awards are determined by gun time, and age-group awards are determined by chip time. There is no double dipping.

COURSE 

Starts at the Shops at Kenilworth. Ends in downtown Baltimore City. Run from Baltimore County to Baltimore City down one of Baltimore’s most historic streets!

Course Time Limit: The Charles Street 12 has a course time limit of 3 hours (this is calculated from the time your wave crosses the start line). 

Course map coming soon!

Note: Strollers are not permitted.

BENEFICIARY

The charitable beneficiary of the 2025 Altra Charles Street 12 presented by Kelly Benefits is Athletes Serving Athletes (ASA).

Athletes Serving Athletes (ASA) mission is to elevate the quality of life for individuals with limited mobility by empowering them to train for and participate in mainstream running events. ASA is a champion of inclusion, connecting ASA Athletes to runners from the community through our Wingman Program, inspiring all to celebrate the spirit of “Together We Finish!”

ASA's success can be defined by how many people have been encouraged to cross the finish line since 2007. With strong leadership and dedicated individuals, ASA continues to empower Athletes to train and compete in over 285 running events each year!

ASA is a community-based organization with 10 groups throughout Maryland, Delaware and Southern Pennsylvania. Through tremendous community support and investment, ASA provides The Wingman Program free of charge to the ASA Athletes and families we serve.

For more information on Athletes Serving Athletes and the work they do please visit their website at www.asa.run.

The Altra Charles Street 12 presented by Kelly Benefits is the 3rd race in the Altra B3 Distance Series presented by Kelly Benefits! B3 is a collection of three of Baltimore's premier running events:

• Altra Kelly Benefits St. Patrick's Day Shamrock 5k
• Altra Sole of the City 10k presented by Kelly Benefits
• Altra Charles Street 12 & 2-Person Relay presented by Kelly Benefits

B3 Distance Series registrants receive the following:

• Entry into all 3 B3 Distance Series Races
• The 2025 B3 Distance Series Finisher Medal 
• Commemorative B3 Distance Series Loyalty Pin for those who have participated in the B3 series before

Want to help out at the Charles Street 12? We couldn't host this race without the support of our fantastic volunteers! There are lots of opportunities to get involved at the Altra Charles Street 12 presented by Kelly Benefits. Click volunteer link at top of page learn more and sign up. Don't forget - volunteers are eligible for our Volunteer Incentive Program where you can earn free entries to your favorite Charm City Run races!

The Altra Charles Street 12 presented by Kelly Benefits is owned and operated by Charm City Run Events, a race management and production company located in the Baltimore region with races throughout the state of Maryland. Charm City Run Events is committed to providing a unique and supportive race environment to participants of all faces and paces. Like most runners, we live for the spirit of race day. We love watching friends cross their first finish line together and competitive runners hitting that PR. We also love the celebration afterwards (especially if there's a free beer at the finish!). From 5Ks to Half Marathons, Charm City Run Events offers some of the best in racing in the Mid-Atlantic region! For more information, please click here.

With seven store locations around Maryland, Charm City Run is a Running & Walking Specialty company that is committed to fitting every customer in the "right" shoe.  If you are training for your next event or just looking for something comfortable to wear day-to-day stop in and check us out! Learn more at charmcityrun.com.

LIVE. GIVE. RUN.
Run with us in: Annapolis | Bel Air | Columbia | Fells Point | 
 Frederick | Rehoboth Beach | Timonium 

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