“Trail-curious” Patapsco State Park Trail Series
First Run
Sunday, August 17, 2025Start Time
7:30 amTraining Runs
SundayStart Time
7:30 am
Share With Friends
Coach: Ryan Williams
Ryan lives in Columbia, Maryland with his wife, adventurous three-year-old daughter, and energetic Wheaten Terrier who’s always up for a run. He grew up in Carroll County surrounded by hundreds of acres of woods, and as a kid, spent countless hours exploring every trail, stream, and hidden corner he could find. That early love for the outdoors sparked a lifelong connection to nature and running, where running has become both a place for adventure and a space to
grow as a person. Running has been a constant throughout his adult life—a space where challenge, self-discovery, and calm coexist. There’s nothing quite like a crisp 5 a.m. run through fresh snow or a gnarly singletrack shared with good company. These moments remind him that running is a journey, not just a goal. It’s this mindset he brings to coaching: helping athletes build a lifelong love of the sport while becoming stronger, more resilient humans along the way.
Ryan has competed in everything from 5ks to 24-hour races. He is excited to share the magic of the trails with anyone looking to have some human-powered adventure in nature. You can usually find him running trail loops in Wincopin or long out-and-backs in Patapsco while eating a quesadilla and dangerously bombing some technical downhills.
Sponsored by Altra
Description
Charm City Run Columbia is back with another “Trail Curious” exploratory series starting this August! This series will explore some of the amazing spots that Patapsco Valley State Park has to offer. Participants can expect guided routes at eight different trail running spots in Patapsco Valley State Park. If you’re interested in exploring Patapsco Valley State Park, learning some trail running skills, and spending some time gliding through some beautiful, wooded trails, then come join us and experience the magic of the trails!
When and where will the series take place? The group will meet the following days at 7:30am:
Sunday, August 17 – Patapsco Woodstock Area
Sunday August 24 – Patapsco Marriottsville Area
Sunday August 31 – Break for Labor Day*
Sunday September 7 – Patapsco Davis Area
Sunday September 14 – Patapsco Alberton Area
Sunday September 21 – Patapsco Hilton Area
Sunday September 28 – Break*
Sunday October 5 – Patapsco Glen Artney Area
Sunday October 12 – Break*
Sunday October 19 – Patapsco Pickall Area
Sunday October 26 – Break*
Sunday November 2 – Patapsco McKeldin Area
*No runs on 8/31, 9/28, 10/12, 10/26
You can register for the entire series or sign up just for a single run.
Requirements
Trails always have some degree of challenge as you’re navigating roots, rocks, streams, and hills. However, you will be supported by a coach and expert guide along the way. This will be a “no-drop” experience meaning that the focus is on experiencing the trails together and growing and learning as a group instead of focusing on performance. Each run will have a route for about 4-6 miles, or about an hour of running. Runners will be required to carry at least 15oz of fluids and trail shoes are strongly recommended.
What To Expect
- 1X WEEKLY RUNS
-
POSITIVE AND WELCOMING ATMOSPHERE FOR RUNNERS OF ALL LEVELS
-
ACCESS TO EXPERT COACHING SERVICES AND ADVICE
-
10% STORE DISCOUNT AT CHARM CITY RUN
- $20 CHARM CITY RUN GIFT CARD FOR SERIES SIGN-UP
- 15% OFF CHARM CITY RUN SIGNATURE RACES
-
NUTRITION, GEAR AND INJURY PREVENTION EDUCATION
- ALTRA PREMIUM (AS SUPPLIES LAST)
Questions
Do you have a question about our training programs? Send an email to our Training Director, Natalie Ferguson, at natalie@charmcityrun.com and we will get back to you with more information.
“Trail-curious” Patapsco State Park Trail Series
First Run
Sunday, August 17, 2025Start Time
7:30 amTraining Runs
SundayStart Time
7:30 am
Sponsored by Altra
Description
Charm City Run Columbia is back with another “Trail Curious” exploratory series starting this August! This series will explore some of the amazing spots that Patapsco Valley State Park has to offer. Participants can expect guided routes at eight different trail running spots in Patapsco Valley State Park. If you’re interested in exploring Patapsco Valley State Park, learning some trail running skills, and spending some time gliding through some beautiful, wooded trails, then come join us and experience the magic of the trails!
When and where will the series take place? The group will meet the following days at 7:30am:
Sunday, August 17 – Patapsco Woodstock Area
Sunday August 24 – Patapsco Marriottsville Area
Sunday August 31 – Break for Labor Day*
Sunday September 7 – Patapsco Davis Area
Sunday September 14 – Patapsco Alberton Area
Sunday September 21 – Patapsco Hilton Area
Sunday September 28 – Break*
Sunday October 5 – Patapsco Glen Artney Area
Sunday October 12 – Break*
Sunday October 19 – Patapsco Pickall Area
Sunday October 26 – Break*
Sunday November 2 – Patapsco McKeldin Area
*No runs on 8/31, 9/28, 10/12, 10/26
You can register for the entire series or sign up just for a single run.
Requirements
Trails always have some degree of challenge as you’re navigating roots, rocks, streams, and hills. However, you will be supported by a coach and expert guide along the way. This will be a “no-drop” experience meaning that the focus is on experiencing the trails together and growing and learning as a group instead of focusing on performance. Each run will have a route for about 4-6 miles, or about an hour of running. Runners will be required to carry at least 15oz of fluids and trail shoes are strongly recommended.
What To Expect
- 1X WEEKLY RUNS
-
POSITIVE AND WELCOMING ATMOSPHERE FOR RUNNERS OF ALL LEVELS
-
ACCESS TO EXPERT COACHING SERVICES AND ADVICE
-
10% STORE DISCOUNT AT CHARM CITY RUN
- $20 CHARM CITY RUN GIFT CARD FOR SERIES SIGN-UP
- 15% OFF CHARM CITY RUN SIGNATURE RACES
-
NUTRITION, GEAR AND INJURY PREVENTION EDUCATION
- ALTRA PREMIUM (AS SUPPLIES LAST)
Questions
Do you have a question about our training programs? Send an email to our Training Director, Natalie Ferguson, at natalie@charmcityrun.com and we will get back to you with more information.
Share With Friends
Coach: Ryan Williams
Ryan lives in Columbia, Maryland with his wife, adventurous three-year-old daughter, and energetic Wheaten Terrier who’s always up for a run. He grew up in Carroll County surrounded by hundreds of acres of woods, and as a kid, spent countless hours exploring every trail, stream, and hidden corner he could find. That early love for the outdoors sparked a lifelong connection to nature and running, where running has become both a place for adventure and a space to
grow as a person. Running has been a constant throughout his adult life—a space where challenge, self-discovery, and calm coexist. There’s nothing quite like a crisp 5 a.m. run through fresh snow or a gnarly singletrack shared with good company. These moments remind him that running is a journey, not just a goal. It’s this mindset he brings to coaching: helping athletes build a lifelong love of the sport while becoming stronger, more resilient humans along the way.
Ryan has competed in everything from 5ks to 24-hour races. He is excited to share the magic of the trails with anyone looking to have some human-powered adventure in nature. You can usually find him running trail loops in Wincopin or long out-and-backs in Patapsco while eating a quesadilla and dangerously bombing some technical downhills.