North Central Rail Trail Marathon

North Central Rail Trail Marathon 2026 Course Analysis

North Central Rail Trail Marathon is a full marathon held in Bowie, United States of America. It is scheduled for Saturday 28 November 2026. The course is run on trail surface with 125m of total climbing, with its high point near 180m above sea level. For registration and full race details, visit the official North Central Rail Trail Marathon website.

Elevation Profile

With 125m of total climbing, this is a gently undulating course. The elevation changes are manageable for most runners and shouldn't greatly affect your pacing.

Expected Race Day Weather

Based on historical weather data for November, the expected race day conditions are as follows. Cold conditions are expected, with temperatures between -1°C and 6°C. While cold weather reduces overheating risk, runners should dress in layers and be prepared for potential wind chill. There is a low chance of rain (1%), so dry conditions are likely.

Surface Type: Trail

North Central Rail Trail Marathon is a trail race, meaning the course includes unpaved surfaces such as dirt, gravel, or forest paths. Trail surfaces are usually slower than the road equivalent - often by 10-20% - because of uneven footing, technical sections, and frequently steeper gradients, though a smooth, non-technical or downhill trail can run faster than that suggests. Trail-specific shoes with good grip are recommended.

Looking for an easier marathon or a tougher challenge? You can also compare North Central Rail Trail Marathon against other marathons to find the right race for your goals.