I’m Participating in the Charm City Run “Sole of the City” 10K in Baltimore: Here’s Why You Should Join Me!

By: Claire Duarte, The Columbia Mom, @the.columbiamom

It’s been 10 years since my last 10K race. Back then, life looked very different. I wasn’t yet a mom. I hadn’t launched The Columbia Mom. I had the time to run, train, and prioritize myself in ways that, frankly, became much harder to maintain once motherhood and entrepreneurship entered the picture. Sound familiar?

Fast forward 10 years, and here I am, lacing up my running shoes once again to take on Charm City Run’s Altra Sole of the City 10K presented by Kelly Benefits this April. This race holds a special place in Baltimore’s running community, and I’m beyond excited to be part of it, but this time, it feels even more meaningful.

I know how hard it is to carve out time for yourself when you’re balancing work, family, and endless to-do lists. But I also know how important it is to prioritize your health and happiness. Running has always been a way for me to clear my mind, boost my energy, and feel like me. That’s why I’m making the time to train for this race, and I hope you’ll join me!

Why the Sole of the City 10K?

There’s something truly special about the Sole of the City 10K. The course weaves through the heart of Baltimore, giving you iconic city views and an electric race-day atmosphere. It’s more than a run, it’s a celebration of community, resilience, and the joy of moving your body.

Plus, there’s the swag! Each runner receives a tech shirt, and this year’s race medal is sure to be a showstopper. The post-race celebration promises to be just as fun as the run itself, with food, drinks, and plenty of camaraderie.

A Fresh Start with New Gear

I’ll admit it, one of the things I’m most excited about is the excuse to go shopping at Charm City Run in Columbia to get myself race-ready. If you’re local to Howard County, you know how incredible their team is at helping runners of all levels find the perfect gear.

During my visit, I decided to try something new, a pair of Altra running shoes. They’re the official race sponsor, and I’ve heard rave reviews from friends and fellow runners about their comfort and performance. I’m excited to test them out during training and see how they hold up on race day!

Join Me for the Training Series

If you’re like me and need a little extra motivation to get out the door and start training, you’re in luck. Charm City Run in Columbia is hosting a Sole of the City 10K Training Series starting February 8th. It’s the perfect way to stay accountable, meet other local runners, and make the training process more fun.

I plan to participate when my mom schedule allows, and I encourage you to do the same. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting out, the group atmosphere can be incredibly motivating. There’s something about knowing you’re not alone in this journey that makes every mile feel a little easier.

Let’s Do This Together!

If you’ve been thinking about signing up for a race, consider this your sign. The Sole of the City 10K is the perfect event to get back into running or set a new goal for yourself. And let’s be honest, as moms, we’re already experts at running around. Why not channel that energy into something just for you?

I’m so excited to be part of this journey and to see familiar faces on race day. If you’re ready to join me, REGISTER HERE! Don’t wait too long, prices increase after February 28th!

Let’s show our kids that it’s never too late to prioritize ourselves, set big goals, and have fun doing it. I’ll see you at the starting line! Let me know if you’re signing up and we can cheer each other on during training. Let’s make 2025 the year we run toward our goals, together!

Claire Duarte is a wife and. mom of two, who originally started THE COLUMBIA MOM as a place to have a fun creative outlet early on in her baby-raising days. She started THE COLUMBIA MOM summer of 2022 realizing that she wished there was an account that showcased all the things she loved and wanted in one place: restaurants, where to find the best donuts, places to take kids, and highlighting some of her favorite businesses. Check out her guide to Howard County and life on Instagram at @the.columbiamom and at https://thecolumbiamdmom.com/.