SPECTATOR INFORMATION

MDXC was built with one purpose - to give high school runners of all abilities the best cross country experience possible. We also hope to give those who support these athletes a great experience on race day.

Please take a few minutes to review the information below. We understand race morning can be hectic, and nobody wants to miss the race they came to watch. Following the procedures below will get you where you need to be as quickly as possible!

DATE

Saturday, October 11, 2025


RACE DAY SCHEDULE

7:00 AM - Remote Parking Opens, Spectator Shuttles Begin

7:00 AM - Bib Pickup Opens (Finish Line Stewards Stand)

8:30 AM - Coaches Meeting (Finish Line Stewards Stand)

9:00 AM - “Black & Gold” Varsity Boys Race

9:30 AM - “Black & Gold” Varsity Girls Race

10:00 AM - AM Junior Varsity Boys Race

10:30 AM - AM Junior Varsity Girls Race

11:10 AM - “Black & Gold” Varsity + AM Junior Varsity Awards

12:30 PM - Afternoon Coaches Meeting (Finish Line Stewards Stand)

1:00 PM - “Red & White” Varsity Boys Race

1:30 PM - “Red & White” Varsity Girls Race

2:00 PM - PM Junior Varsity Boys Race

2:30 PM - PM Junior Varsity Girls Race

3:10 PM - “Red & White” Varsity + PM Junior Varsity Awards

4:30 PM - Final Shuttle to Remote Parking Departs

*Schedule subject to change


PARKING

MDXC’s host site provides spectacular natural beauty and a fantastic course for cross country running - unfortunately it lacks weather-resistant parking for 1,500+ spectator vehicles. To solve this issue, 12 shuttles are run continuous loops from two spectator lots located nearby. Despite their close proximity, traffic and the bus loading/unloading process can result in travel times of 30 minutes or more. Spectators are urged to arrive at the parking lot at least 1-hour prior to the scheduled race they are coming to watch.

Spectator parking is available at two locations:

Spectators will be shuttled via bus to the spectator viewing area at the top of Founders Hill at Shawan Downs. Remote parking is $12.60 (including processing fee) per vehicle and can be purchased online here, or onsite (card only - no cash accepted). If you pre-pay for parking please be prepared to show the QR Code in your confirmation email upon arrival. Shuttles will run continuously from 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Remote parking passes are nonrefundable.

PLEASE NOTE: Dogs, with the exception of service animals, are not permitted on spectator shuttles.

PURCHASE SPECTATOR PARKING HERE

ADA PARKING

Handicap parking is available at the venue here at no charge. Vehicles must enter at this “West” entrance and have a valid handicap plates or placard displayed. Staff with golf carts will be on hand to transport those with mobility issues to and from the spectator viewing area. Please note that this parking is on grass - see venue map below for more information.

ATHLETES NOT ARRIVING BY BUS

If you are dropping off an athlete and do not need to park please enter Shawan Downs at the main “East” entrance (MAP) and follow the signs to Athlete Drop Off. Athletes will have a roughly 1/2 mile walk from the drop off location to the team area behind the starting line.

If you are bringing an athlete to the meet and plan to stay for any amount of time you will need to purchase spectator parking. Athletes may ride the shuttles to and from the spectator parking area, but should allow at least 30 minutes for transportation to the venue after parking and boarding a bus. There is no “short-term” or temporary parking at the venue.


VENUE

The Shawan Downs property is beautiful, and an amazing setting to watch high school cross country. The map below outlines several key areas, including the main spectator viewing area on Founders Hill. This viewing area will be where you can find food and beverage trucks, restroom facilities, dining tables, and the race merchandise tent featuring our brand partners.

Please be sure to read the section below on parking carefully to avoid headaches on race day!

 
 

COURSE

The 5,000 meter course at Shawan Downs was designed to create a true championship experience. A wide starting line and 1/3 mile straightaway transitions to a consistent 5m wide path lined on both sides traversing the property. With no loops or crossing points each race can begin on time and give each athlete the true cross country experience. The races finishes with a 1/4 mile long straightaway, crossing the line at the George Brown Jr. Stewards’ Stand. The natural landscape allows for hilltop views of the start and finish areas for spectators.

 
 

RACE PHOTOGRAPHY

One of the perks of MDXC is professional race photography for the athletes! ChessiePhoto will have a team of photographers will be stationed on the course and at the finish line to capture images of all runners regardless of their finish position. Let the pros handle the cameras while you cheer! These photos are free to download from the ChessiePhoto website - just search for your bib number to find your pictures.

You can also review other photos from the meet on our Facebook page here.


RACE MERCHANDISE

Charm City Run will be onsite with commemorative items from the meet including t-shirts, sweatshirts, and other great Charm City Run gear. Want the best selection and a quick pickup? Preorder your meet gear in our online store here and pickup on race day! Please Note: Preorders end Thursday 10/9 at midnight, and all orders are available for pickup on Saturday at MDXC only - please have your order number handy!

Cash and credit cards are accepted onsite, but merchandise supplies are limited, so stop by the shop (located at the top of the hill in the Spectator Viewing Area) early!


CONCESSIONS

Food trucks will be onsite all morning serving beverages and food items. Please support these local businesses and enjoy a delicious drink or meal on Founder’s Hill!

 

RUNNER RELEASE FORM

The property at Shawan Downs is privately owned, and not a public venue that typically hosts public events. As such, the owners require all participants to complete a waiver in order to participate. The form can be filled out online, or downloaded below and given to a coach prior to the meet to be turned in at bib pickup. If you have any questions please email the Meet Director Will Murdoch at will@charmcityrun.com.

Complete 2025 Online Runner Release Form


MEDSTAR HEALTH

MedStar Health is proud to the be the official medical provider for the Maryland XC Invitational. MedStar Health consists of more than 300 locations including 10 hospitals, ambulatory, and urgent care centers. Visit any MedStar Health Urgent Care location for non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses or when your primary care provider is not available. Our team of providers diagnoses and treat patients of all ages. Find the nearest location at MedStarHealth.org/UrgentCare.

Parents - please advise athletes with specific allergies, asthma, or other health conditions to bring any medicines they may need to the meet in case treatment is needed.