Trail running course through mixed terrain in Maryland, USA
Farm Park Challenge

Farm Park Challenge — 6 Hour

6 Hour·315 ft gain·Derwood, Maryland
foresttrailloopbeginner friendly

AI-generated image

Distance6 Hour
Gain315 ft
DateMay 2, 2026
Difficulty2/5

About This Race

A middle-distance option that balances endurance with accessibility, allowing runners to complete up to 6 loops for a maximum of 30 miles. The format provides ample recovery time between efforts while still requiring sustained focus over most of a day. This distance appeals to runners ready to step beyond traditional trail races without committing to a full ultra.

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.

Elevation Profile

Elevation profile estimated from terrain data. Actual course may differ.

Location

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

Marathon

2,228 ft gain

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.

Farm Park Challenge 25K

319m gain

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.

10 Hour

282 ft gain

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.

3 Hour

446 ft gain

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.