Baltimore Magazine: A Brisk Run

The season is the reason to get off the pavement and hit the plethora of local trails for a run.

By: Ron Cassie
Featured in Baltimore Magazine January 2024

It may seem counterintuitive, but Troy Workman, Charm City Run’s ultramarathon and trail running coach, prefers to hit the trails in winter. “There’s less vegetation, which makes it easier to see the terrain, and there’s just more visibility overall. But there are also less bees, no insects at all really—or poison ivy. It’s also easier on your body,” he adds with a laugh. “You sweat less than in the summer.”

Besides avoiding bug bites and excessive sweat, winter trail running is simply more fun than pounding an indoor treadmill, says the 51-year-old Workman, who trains runners for the annual Hinte-Anderson Trail Run 50K at Susquehanna State Park in March. “To me, one of the best things about living in this area is all the great parks nearby, and the beauty of Maryland is that you can watch the seasons change as you go.”

For runners, or would-be runners, it’s worth keeping in mind that the race calendar doesn’t end with the various 5K Turkey Trots and Reindeer Runs. And that not all trail runs are of the hardcore 50K variety. (Check the popular February 3 Froggy Hollow 5 & 9 at the Little Bennett Regional Park in Clarksville.)

Looking for something more low-key? Check weekly Saturday morning 5K trail runs at Leakin Park and the Baltimore and Annapolis Trail.