The Frederick Marathon was the flagship race of several races held in Frederick, Maryland known collectively as the Frederick Running Festival. The 7th annual marathon took place on May 2nd, 2010 and 706 participants finished. Carefirst (the mid-atlantic organization of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association), sponsored the event.
In the 2010 race, Morton Caster of Westminster, Maryland won the men's race with a time of 2:44:57, while Becki Pierotti of Hazleton, Pennsylvania won the woman's race with a time of 3:14:49.
A notable result in the marathon's history is Michael Wardian's breaking the then world record for fastest marathon while pushing a baby stroller. Wardian accomplished this in 2007 with a time of 2:42:21. Wardian also owns the men's record for the race, with a 2:26:44 finish in 2006.
Other races that take place are a half-marathon, team relay race, 5K race, and kids fun run.
It was announced in October 2010 that the marathon was discontinued. The safety of marathon runners was cited as a primary factor. The Running Festival will continue, with a focus on the half marathon.
Famous quotes containing the words marathon and/or frederick:
“The mountains look on Marathon—
And Marathon looks on the sea;
And musing there an hour alone,
I dreamed that Greece might still be free;
For standing on the Persians’ grave,
I could not deem myself a slave.”
—George Gordon Noel Byron (1788–1824)
“But since ‘tis only Fred,
Who was alive and is dead,
There’s no more to be said.”
—Unknown. On Prince Frederick (l. 11–13)