MedStar Health Baltimore Women's Classic 5K presented by New Balance

Charm City Run is thrilled to host the 51st MedStar Health Baltimore Women's Classic 5K presented by New Balance on Sunday, June 22, 2025!

The Baltimore Women's Classic 5K has a long legacy as the second-oldest all-women's race in the United States, traveling down some of Baltimore's most recognizable streets and finishing at Power Plant Live! with a post-race party. We can't wait to welcome women of all ages and backgrounds to this iconic Baltimore City event (or virtually!). 

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 ($28.50 deferral fee through June 8th; $39.10 deferral fee June 9th - June 21st) - deferral cut-off 6/21 at 11:59PM
PLEASE NOTE: If you select the bib mailing option during registration your deferral deadline is different than the dates listed above. The deferral deadline for those selecting the bib mailing option is JUNE 1st.
Transfer My Entry to Another Individual - cut off is 6/21 at 11:59PM
Change My Shirt Size - once Packet Pick-ups begin changes can be made at Packet Pick-up (subject to availability)
Resend Confirmation Email
Join a team during the registration process -or- after you have already registered.
Switch from virtual to in-person or from in-person to virtual.

REFUND, DEFERRAL, TRANSFER, AND CANCELLATION POLICIES

As we prepare for another great event in 2025, 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 June 8th, 2025 (2 weeks prior to race day) - $28.50
June 9, 2025 - June 22, 2025 (within 2 weeks of race day) - $39.10. 

Registrants may defer their entry by going into their profile on runsignup.com and choosing "Manage Registration" next to the race. Please note that if your materials have been mailed to you, the deferral option is no longer available.

Transfers

We offer the option for registrants to transfer their entry to another eligible participant up until 11:59PM the night before race day. (June 22, 2025). 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.

Don't let race day parking stress you out!

We recommend booking convenient and affordable parking in advance through SpotHero, the nation's leading parking reservations app.

To reserve your parking spot for the MedStar Health Baltimore Women's Classic 5K presented by New Balance see below:

2025 BWC Training 

The BWC Women’s Training Program is presented to prepare you for the MedStar Baltimore Women’s Classic 5K. Our goal is to provide a fun and supportive workout, and to encourage women to embark on a lifelong program of fitness. 

WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2025

• Six Week training program in person or virtually with expert coaches
• Supported group runs once a week with planned routes, hydration and companionship
• Positive and welcoming atmosphere for runners and walkers of all levels
• Weekly training plans - beginner and intermediate options
• Access to expert coaching services and advice
• Gait analysis with footwear recommendations
• Nutrition, gear and injury prevention education
• New Balance Training premium

The training is broken into four groups, depending on your own goals and physical condition. Whether you have yet to start a walking program, or are a seasoned runner looking to improve your race time, one of our groups will be right for you. We offer groups for:

• Beginning & Intermediate Walkers
• Walker to Runner
• Beginning Runners
• Intermediate Runners
• Virtual Training Available
• Training starts the week of May 5th

Our coaches will help you determine the best group for your fitness level. There is a great deal of flexibility—you can alter the workouts to meet your needs—our coaches will help you find the right workout to achieve your personal running/walking goals.

If you have any questions please email our Director of Training, Natalie Ferguson at natalie@charmcityrun.com

Course Time Limit: The Baltimore Women's Classic 5K 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 2025 MedStar Health Baltimore Women's Classic 5K presented by New Balance.
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.

VIRTUAL RACE INFORMATION

We will again offer a virtual race option in 2025 for those who would like to participate but are not local, or those who would prefer not to join us in-person. 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 packet pickups, or will be mailed to you at no additional cost. We will begin mailing virtual packets on June 24th.
3. You'll receive a text or email (if you opt in) when the virtual race "starts" on June 22nd.
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 June 29th 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 hashtag #virtualbwc.

*Virtual race performances are not eligible for the overall event awards.

BIB MAILING OPTION

If you are participating in the in-person race and can not make it to the race packet pickup sessions, or if you simply prefer having the convenience, you may choose to have your race bib and shirt mailed to you for an additional fee. The bib mailing option will close on June 1st at 11:59 pm.

Virtual participants will have their race packet mailed to them automatically at no additional charge.

Please note: If you select the bib mailing option you cannot defer your entry to the following year after the bib mailing cutoff date of June 1st.

PACKET PICKUPS

Pre-race packet pick-up dates and times can be found below:

Tuesday, June 17th from 4PM - 7PM
Charm City Run - Bel Air
126 S. Main Street #2
Bel Air, MD 21014

Wednesday, June 18th from 4PM - 7PM
Charm City Run - Annapolis
87 Forest Plaza
Annapolis, MD 21401

Thursday, June 19th from 3PM - 7PM
Charm City Run - Fells Point
1500 Thames Street
Baltimore, MD 21231

Friday, June 20th from 3PM - 7PM
Charm City Run - Columbia
7090 Deepage Drive
Columbia, MD 21045

Saturday, June 21st from 9AM - 2PM
Charm City Run - Timonium 
1313 York Road
Timonium, MD 21093

Sunday, June 22nd (race day) from 5:30AM - 7:15AM
Power Plant Live!
34 Market Place
Baltimore, MD 21202

*Packet Pickup locations and times are subject to change. Final Packet Pickup information will be sent in pre-race emails.

**You may pick up packets for friends and family, but you must show their QR code email at packet pickup (they can forward it to you after they receive). This email is sent the week of packet pickup.

RACE WEEK ACTIVITIES

We are so excited for the 50th BWC, and can't wait to celebrate all the way through the finish line. We have lots of fun things planned that will be posted here and on our social media soon!

AMENITIES

Participants in the 2025 MedStar Health Baltimore Women's Classic 5K receive the following:

• A custom 2025 finisher medal (reveal coming soon!)
• New Balance race T-shirt (reveal coming soon!)
• A rose at the finish line (in-person race only)
• Cool towel at the finish line (in-person race only)
• Snack spread and beverages at the post-race party (in-person race only)
• Complimentary alcoholic beverage for participants 21+ (in-person race only)
• Support, camaraderie, and encouragement through a network of strong & successful women
  
  
  

RACE DAY SCHEDULE

5:30 AM - Onsite registration and packet pick-up begins at Power Plant Live!
7:20 AM - National Anthem
7:25 AM - Pre-race pep talk from Marilyn Bevans, the first Black American woman to run a sub-3 hour marathon
7:30 AM - Race Start
9:00 AM - Awards Ceremony

POST-RACE PARTY!

After you hit the finish line the party begins!

• Your bib number includes a coupon for a complimentary drink. You can redeem this ticket at the event bar near the main stage.
• Snack spread at the post-race party (in-person race only).
• Music on the main PowerPlant Live! stage
• Visit the New Balance and Charm City Run mobile stores to shop great race merchandise and footwear.

AWARDS - NEW INCREASED PRIZE MONEY!

Participants in the in-person event are eligible for the following awards:

• Cash prizes for the top three women overall ($500, $250, $150), and to the top master (40+, $150), top grandmaster (50+, $150) and top senior grandmaster (60+, $150)
• Awards to top three finishers in age groups: 14 & under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, and 80+.

Special Recognition and bragging rights for the largest team

Finisher Medals will be given to each participant that completes the 5K

COURSE

Click here for course map.

Bikes, pets, roller skates, scooters, and other wheeled devices (with the exception of jogging strollers) are prohibited on the course. For the safety of all participants headphones are discouraged.

2025 BWC TRAINING:

2025 BWC Training 

The BWC Women’s Training Program is presented to prepare you for the MedStar Baltimore Women’s Classic 5K. Our goal is to provide a fun and supportive workout, and to encourage women to embark on a lifelong program of fitness.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2025

• Seven Week training program in person or virtually with expert coaches
• Supported group run once a week with planned routes and companionship
• Positive and welcoming atmosphere for walkers and runners of all levels
• Training plan delivered every week with options for all levels
• Gait analysis with footwear recommendations
• Nutrition, gear and injury prevention education
• Discount for Charm City Run Retail and Charm City Run Signature Events
• New Balance Training premium

The training is broken into three groups, depending on your own goals and physical condition. Whether you have yet to start a walking program, or are a seasoned runner looking to improve your race time, one of our groups will be right for you. We offer groups for:

• Beginning & Intermediate Walkers
• Walker to Runner
• Beginning Runners
• Intermediate Runners
• Virtual Training Available
• Training starts the week of May 5th, 2025

Our coaches will help you determine the best group for your fitness level. There is a great deal of flexibility—you can alter the workouts to meet your needs—our coaches will help you find the right workout to achieve your personal running/walking goals.

If you have any questions please email our Director of Training, Natalie Ferguson at natalie@charmcityrun.com

BENEFICIARIES

Baltimore’s first crisis shelter, House of Ruth Maryland is leading the fight to end violence against women and their children by confronting the attitudes, behaviors and systems that perpetuate it, and by providing victims with the services necessary to rebuild their lives safely and free of fear.

What began in 1977 as a tiny shelter has grown to become the most comprehensive Intimate Partner Violence program in Maryland today.

• 24-Hour Hotline, Counseling Services, Legal Representation and Emergency Shelter available.
• Provides on-site holistic health & wellness clinic staffed by Johns Hopkins University School of Nurses.
• House of Ruth Maryland’s Gateway Project is a 28 week program for offenders who were violent or controlling in their intimate relationships.
• Intimate Partner Violence is a silent killer that does not discriminate, all communities are served at House of Ruth Maryland.

Soles for Souls is a 501(3)(c) that primarily supports women who have experienced pregnancy loss due to miscarriage. We use movement, sound and collaboration as the three pillars of healing.

You will be prompted to make an extra donation during the registration process. You will be able to choose which beneficiary you would like your donation to go towards. 100% of extra donations will go directly to the chosen beneficiary. To make a donation without registering click the donation button at the top of this page.

Want to help out? We couldn't do it without our many volunteers! There are lots of opportunities to get involved at the MedStar Health Baltimore Women's Classic 5K presented by New Balance. 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!

The MedStar Health Baltimore Women's Classic 5K presented by New Balance 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 eight 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.
Run with us in: Annapolis | Bel Air | Columbia | Fells Point | 
 Frederick | Gaithersburg | Rehoboth Beach | Timonium 

Train with us | Race with us