Oktoberfest 5-Miler presented by Altra

Join us for the 2026 Oktoberfest 5-Miler presented by Altra in Howard County! Celebrate this fall tradition with a beautiful course that winds around Columbia's scenic Lake Elkhorn, great swag, and an awesome post-race party at Black Flag Brewing Co.! A portion of the race proceeds benefits Bridges to Housing Stability in Howard County.

This race SELLS OUT, so register early and secure your spot!

Want to help out? We couldn't do it without our many volunteers! There are lots of opportunities to get involved at the Oktoberfest 5 Miler presented by Altra. Click here to 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!

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 - cut off is 10/25 at 11:59PM; through 10/12: $17.90 processing fee; from 10/13-10/25: $33.80 processing fee
Transfer My Entry to Another Individual - cut off is 10/25 at 11:59PM (no processing fee)
Change My Shirt Size - once Packet Pick-ups begin changes can be made at Packet Pick-up (subject to availability)
Resend Confirmation Email

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. All interested participants will be shown these policies during the registration process and must agree to adhere to them in order to be admitted to the event.

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 October 12, 2025 (2 weeks prior to race day) - $28.50
October 13, 2025 through October 25, 2025 - $39.10

Registrants may defer their entry by going into their profile on runsignup.com and choosing "Manage Registration" next to the race.

Transfers

We offer the option for registrants to transfer their entry to another eligible participant up to October 25, 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.

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.

The OKTOBERFEST 5-Miler presented by Altra 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.
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