Pennsylvania is known for its scenic views and majestic nature, and it would be a great pleasure to run a race in such a beautiful state. So here is our list of the 7 most interesting marathons in Pennsylvania.
1. Run for the Elk Marathon Race Festival
Run for the Elk Marathon Race Festival – the course is in the process of being certified but is guaranteed to have one soon. Emporia is the Elk Capital of Pennsylvania and is located in the heart of the state’s wild elk herd, with almost 1,000 of these glorious animals.
- The Full Marathon will be a certified Boston Marathon Qualifier.
- It will be a well-organized event with incredible giveaways.
- Here’s a course map.
2. The Drake Well Marathon
The Drake Well Marathon will start on August 14, 2022, in Titusville, Pennsylvania. The race features a scenic course that goes through the main streets of Titusville and the historic Oil Creek. It is a Boston Qualifier marathon.
Full Marathon – Athletes begin their 26.22-mile run at 7:00 am on August 14. Race registration includes a zip pullover, a finishing medal, and a headband/buff.
Half Marathon – Athletes begin their 13.11-mile run at 7:00 am on August 14. Marathon registration includes a short-sleeve t-shirt pullover, finishing medal, and a headband/buff.
3. Pine Creek Challenge
At the Pine Creek Rail Trail in spectacular Wellsboro, PA, you can find 100 mile, 100 kilometers, 50 mile, and marathon distances. A 100-mile relay option is also included.
The “Pine Creek Challenge” is a place where you can challenge yourself by seeing how far or how fast you can run. It is one of the hardest running races in PA, but also a beautiful trail run along Pine Creek in northern Pennsylvania.
The Pine Creek Rail route stretches 63 miles from Wellsboro Junction to Jersey Shore, with one section through the “Grand Canyon of the East,” the Pine Creek Gorge. The Gorge stretches for 47 miles and is nearly 1 mile wide and 1,450 feet deep.
The course is set on 25 miles of the upper canyon section. The start/finish line is at Asaph.
The 100 miler runners will go out and back to Blackwell twice. The 100k runners will go once to Blackwell and return. The 50-mile course will be half of the 100-mile course, going once to Blackwell.
4. Erie Marathon at Presque Isle
Erie Marathon at Presque Isle is flat, fast, and fun and is ideal for setting your personal best record because of the favorable conditions (flat surface, paved, shade, moderate climate, and plenty of aid stations).
Its route provides beautiful views of Lake Erie as well as the City of Erie Bayfront and miles of coastline beaches, marshes, and wooded paths. Held on Presque Isle in Erie, PA, many athletes return year after year to run the marathon and enjoy the natural beauty of the location.
5. MuleSkinner Endurance Races
The modified MuleSkinner Endurance Series Course is now available. The map of the course will be published soon. Basically, it is a throwback to the first MuleSkinner Endurance Series. Athletes run on both the Pa & Nj Delaware canal towpaths.
All registered participants for 2021 MuleSkinner runs will receive a 100% off registration code, which they can apply to this year’s race of the same distance.
A very large number of participants is expected this year, so founders strongly encourage runners to register early.
Registration for all races opens on April 4th and Closes on September 26th
- 50 Miler Starts at 5 am 14 hr cutoff.
- 50K Starts at 6 am 8 hr cutoff.
- The Marathon starts at 7 am
Finishers will receive a MuleSkinner Medal for their distance completed and a tech running shirt. The top 3 female and male finishers will receive special awards. The last finisher of the 50-mile race within the allotted time frame will get the Stubborn Mule Award.
6. Rock ‘N The Knob Trail Challenge – PA’s Highest Trail Race
Rock ‘N The Knob Trail Challenge offers 3 courses: a 10K, a half-marathon, and a challenging marathon course for the more experienced. The marathon starts at 8:00 am, the Half Marathon begins at 9:00 am, and the 10K at 10 am.
The 10K route may be the most challenging 10K race in PA (based on the fastest finish times.) The 10K features Tree-odge, Devil’s Hairpin, Throat Punch Hill, and Soul Sucker Slopes! You will get two climbs over 1350 feet. You can find an aid station at the base of the first climb called Throat Punch Hill at 3 miles.
Half-marathon is also very challenging. You will find some gnarly sections like Blister Blaster, Teal is Real up Deep Hollow Notch, I’ll Nettle Do This Again, and I Need a Sherpa! There are more elevations compared to 2021, with almost 3500 feet of climbing and 7000 feet of elevation change. There are 3 Aid Stations: at Chappelle’s Field (Mile 4.6); at Ravens Rest (Mile 7.2); and at Heavens Hairpin (Mile 11.1). Mountain Marathon: The highest peaks in the Central Alleghenies with nearly 6,400 feet of climbing and 13,000 feet of elevation change. The marathon includes all the features of both the half and 10k races and more! There is a new climb to make this “one of the best marathons in PA” even tougher. There are 6 Aid Stations: at Pavia (Mile 7) Chappelle’s Field at 10.5 miles, Raven’s Rest at 13.1 miles, Heavens Hairpin at 18.3, Quitters Row at 20.3 miles, and Throat Punch at 23 miles. You will have 9 hours to complete the marathon.
7. InFirst Bank Veteran’s Marathon Half Marathon, and Marathon Relay
InFirst Bank Veteran’s Marathon Half Marathon, and Marathon Relay is the 11th Annual running race in PA and will be held on the spectacular Ghost Town Trail near Indiana, Pennsylvania, on Sunday, November 6, 2022.
It is a certified Boston qualifier. All proceeds from the run go to support veterans in Western Pennsylvania and their needs. The race is hosted by the Indiana Road Runners Club.
All finishers in each run will receive a custom finisher’s medal produced by Crooked Creek Creations.
The top three finishers will be awarded plaques (male and female) in both the Marathon and the Half Marathon. Plaques also will be awarded to the 1st place relay team in each division: Male, Female, and Co-Ed.
RRCA Championship Awards will be given in the Marathon for overall male, overall female, male master, female master, male grandmaster (60+), female grandmaster (60+)
