Listen to the silence as it roars over hallowed ground at Antietam National Battlefield where, from this clash of the Civil War, more than 23,000 men were killed, wounded, or declared missing during the bloodiest one-day battle in American history. The spirits of the young and the old can almost be seen and their cries nearly heard through the early- morning mist as it rises over impeccably groomed grassland at "Bloody Lane" and drifts softly above Antietam Creek.

Antietam is a runner's paradise. The Battlefield is located at Sharpsburg, Maryland, approximately an hour drive west of the nation's capital. This National Park takes your breath away, literally, by conquering the challenge of its many hills, or spiritually, by slowing to marvel at the majestic natural beauty. It provides the runner comfort with safety and security as rangers wave while they make their appointed rounds throughout the day. Hazards here include white tail deer gracefully leaping across hand-crafted fences and you will need to keep your eyes open for a wild turkey that may cross your path followed closely by her chicks. Squirrels and rabbits bounce about while groundhogs scamper to the comfort of their dens as you pass by trees aged from decades of weather. Brightly colored Eastern blue birds leap from post-to-post as they seem to follow you on your run.

Mileage great or small at Antietam is a variable choice--the only difficult decision is the option of which route to take. Runners may choose to glide over miles of smooth, paved roads lined with statues honoring the fallen, their arms raised in salute. Look in awe as you run by cannons spreading shadows from their permanent stance. A barrel cast downward marks the location where a General met his death. Run 2 miles or run 12 miles-it is your choice.

Get the best of your training and combine a run from roadway to several clearly maintained wooded or rolling meadow trails. Breathe the scent of the early morning on your run as you snap cobwebs spun during the night when you head through "Attack Trail" or pass Snaveley's Ford while running toward Burnside Bridge along Antietam Creek where rapids may be dotted with a passing kayak, and wave to a group of "tubers" rounding the bend laughing away a blissful summer afternoon.

Antietam is pleasing to any runner with extremely well maintained roads and year-round panoramic views made grand with each change of season. It is also extremely hospitable for a family get-away.

Early June, Antietam is host to the annual, and growing, 10K "Run Through History," where the novice runner mixes with those internationally known and race entry fees benefit local children's charities. The coveted race t-shirt is an award- winning piece of wearable art.

Visit the race Web site.