Runners, walkers and families in Southern Maryland will gather in Solomons on Saturday, April 18, 2026, for the third annual Otter Trot 5K at the Calvert Marine Museum.
The timed, family-friendly event begins at 8 a.m. with participants starting and finishing in the museum parking lot at 14200 Solomons Island Road. The scenic 5K course winds along the waterfront, offering views of the Patuxent River while supporting the museum’s education and preservation programs.
Organizers welcome runners of all abilities, including seasoned competitors, casual walkers and families pushing strollers. The race occurs rain or shine with no refunds. Registration fees are $35 plus a $2.80 sign-up fee for Calvert Marine Museum Society members and $45 plus the sign-up fee for non-members. Registration remains open through the RunSignUp platform.
Race-day features include live music by Crowe Entertainment to energize participants before and after the event. All registered runners receive a commemorative T-shirt and finisher medal. After crossing the finish line, participants can visit the museum to meet its resident live otters.
Proceeds from the Otter Trot directly benefit the Calvert Marine Museum’s ongoing education initiatives and preservation efforts. The museum, a longtime Southern Maryland landmark, highlights the region’s maritime history, paleontology and estuarine ecology while maintaining live animal exhibits that engage thousands of visitors each year.
Sponsors supporting the 2026 event include Prince Frederick Ford Jeep Chrysler Dodge Ram, Asbury Solomons, Habit Fitness, SMECO, Calvert Health, Shore United Bank, Sneade’s Ace Home Center and Blue Heron Bed and Breakfast. Additional generous contributions came from John and Wendy Peters and Marianne Harms.
The Otter Trot aligns with broader community activities at the Calvert Marine Museum. The previous day, April 17, features a Maritime Performance Series concert with period music tied to Maryland’s 250th anniversary commemoration. The museum recently opened a new exhibit, “Farmers, Patriots & Traitors: Southern Maryland and the War of 1812,” further connecting the event to local history.
Southern Maryland residents have embraced the Otter Trot since its launch, turning it into a popular spring tradition that combines fitness, family fun and support for a key cultural institution. The waterfront setting in Solomons provides a relaxed yet motivating atmosphere, with the museum’s otter exhibits adding a unique post-race attraction that appeals especially to children.
Calvert County continues to grow as a destination for outdoor recreation and heritage tourism. Events like the Otter Trot draw participants from across St. Mary’s, Calvert and Charles counties while boosting local businesses in the Solomons area. The race also promotes healthy lifestyles and community engagement in a region known for its maritime heritage and natural beauty.
Packet pickup occurs in the days leading up to the event: April 15 and 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., April 17 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the museum’s development office, and on race morning starting at 6:30 a.m. inside the museum.
The Calvert Marine Museum remains open to the public with regular hours and exhibits throughout the weekend. Visitors can explore displays on fossil sharks, Chesapeake Bay ecology and local maritime traditions while supporting the institution through event participation.
With registration still available, organizers encourage early sign-up to secure a spot and contribute to the museum’s mission. The event offers an accessible way for families, running clubs and individuals to enjoy the outdoors while helping preserve Southern Maryland’s natural and cultural resources.
