Trail
Golden light across rolling green hills

Farm Park Challenge — 3 Hour

3 Hour·Derwood, Maryland

Photo by Federico Respini on Unsplash

Distance3 Hour
Gain—
DateMay 2, 2026
StatusTBA
FeeFree
Difficulty2/5

About This Race

The Farm Park Challenge presents a unique twist on trail running endurance. Rather than racing against the clock continuously, runners must complete each 5-mile loop within the hour, then rest until the next hour begins. This format creates a fascinating psychological and tactical challenge: what feels manageable early becomes increasingly difficult as fatigue accumulates over 3, 6, or 10 hours. Set on the natural surface trails of Montgomery County's Agricultural History Farm Park, the race offers a surprisingly diverse terrain for its Maryland location. The course features grassy sections, singletrack with exposed rocks and roots, and minor creek crossings. While the rolling hills keep things interesting, there are no major climbs that would slow the pace significantly. What sets this race apart is the hourly structure combined with an exceptionally well-regarded aid station. Runners often cite the variety and quality of food and drink options, including comprehensive vegan and vegetarian selections. The race also offers conventional marathon and 25K distances for those preferring traditional timing.

Each lap covers 5 miles as an out-and-back route through Agricultural History Farm Park's varied natural surface trails. The terrain includes grassy sections and technical singletrack with exposed rocks, roots, and a couple of minor creek crossings. Rolling hills provide elevation variation without major climbs, making the course highly runnable overall. Trail conditions may require course modifications as determined by park management.

Practical Info

Weather

Early May in Maryland typically features mild temperatures with possible spring rain showers.

Accommodation

Located in Montgomery County, Maryland, with access to Washington D.C. metro area lodging options.

Best For

Runners new to timed eventsThose seeking unique race formatsTrail runners wanting tactical challenges

Notable Features

The hourly lap format creates a unique strategic element where runners must balance speed with recovery. The aid station is consistently praised as exceptional within the trail running community, offering extensive food variety including comprehensive vegan and vegetarian options. Volunteers receive the same coveted swag as finishers and can run the course before or after their shift.

Other Distances at This Event

25K

The Farm Park Challenge presents a unique twist on trail running endurance. Rather than racing against the clock continuously, runners must complete each 5-mile loop within the hour, then rest until the next hour begins. This format creates a fascinating psychological and tactical challenge: what feels manageable early becomes increasingly difficult as fatigue accumulates over 3, 6, or 10 hours. Set on the natural surface trails of Montgomery County's Agricultural History Farm Park, the race offers a surprisingly diverse terrain for its Maryland location. The course features grassy sections, singletrack with exposed rocks and roots, and minor creek crossings. While the rolling hills keep things interesting, there are no major climbs that would slow the pace significantly. What sets this race apart is the hourly structure combined with an exceptionally well-regarded aid station. Runners often cite the variety and quality of food and drink options, including comprehensive vegan and vegetarian selections. The race also offers conventional marathon and 25K distances for those preferring traditional timing.

Marathon

The Farm Park Challenge presents a unique twist on trail running endurance. Rather than racing against the clock continuously, runners must complete each 5-mile loop within the hour, then rest until the next hour begins. This format creates a fascinating psychological and tactical challenge: what feels manageable early becomes increasingly difficult as fatigue accumulates over 3, 6, or 10 hours. Set on the natural surface trails of Montgomery County's Agricultural History Farm Park, the race offers a surprisingly diverse terrain for its Maryland location. The course features grassy sections, singletrack with exposed rocks and roots, and minor creek crossings. While the rolling hills keep things interesting, there are no major climbs that would slow the pace significantly. What sets this race apart is the hourly structure combined with an exceptionally well-regarded aid station. Runners often cite the variety and quality of food and drink options, including comprehensive vegan and vegetarian selections. The race also offers conventional marathon and 25K distances for those preferring traditional timing.

10 Hour

The Farm Park Challenge presents a unique twist on trail running endurance. Rather than racing against the clock continuously, runners must complete each 5-mile loop within the hour, then rest until the next hour begins. This format creates a fascinating psychological and tactical challenge: what feels manageable early becomes increasingly difficult as fatigue accumulates over 3, 6, or 10 hours. Set on the natural surface trails of Montgomery County's Agricultural History Farm Park, the race offers a surprisingly diverse terrain for its Maryland location. The course features grassy sections, singletrack with exposed rocks and roots, and minor creek crossings. While the rolling hills keep things interesting, there are no major climbs that would slow the pace significantly. What sets this race apart is the hourly structure combined with an exceptionally well-regarded aid station. Runners often cite the variety and quality of food and drink options, including comprehensive vegan and vegetarian selections. The race also offers conventional marathon and 25K distances for those preferring traditional timing.

6 Hour

The Farm Park Challenge presents a unique twist on trail running endurance. Rather than racing against the clock continuously, runners must complete each 5-mile loop within the hour, then rest until the next hour begins. This format creates a fascinating psychological and tactical challenge: what feels manageable early becomes increasingly difficult as fatigue accumulates over 3, 6, or 10 hours. Set on the natural surface trails of Montgomery County's Agricultural History Farm Park, the race offers a surprisingly diverse terrain for its Maryland location. The course features grassy sections, singletrack with exposed rocks and roots, and minor creek crossings. While the rolling hills keep things interesting, there are no major climbs that would slow the pace significantly. What sets this race apart is the hourly structure combined with an exceptionally well-regarded aid station. Runners often cite the variety and quality of food and drink options, including comprehensive vegan and vegetarian selections. The race also offers conventional marathon and 25K distances for those preferring traditional timing.