Race the Long-Closed Turnpike Tunnels End of the Road Half Marathon & 4 Miler is one of Pennsylvania’s most unique fall races, taking runners deep into the history and mystery of the long-closed Pennsylvania Turnpike. You’ll race through two dark, echoing turnpike tunnels, lit by headlamps and glow, and follow …
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Race the Long-Closed Turnpike Tunnels
End of the Road Half Marathon & 4 Miler is one of Pennsylvania’s most unique fall races, taking runners deep into the history and mystery of the long-closed Pennsylvania Turnpike. You’ll race through two dark, echoing turnpike tunnels, lit by headlamps and glow, and follow miles of quiet, old roads lined with peak autumn color and mountain views. It’s a one-of-a-kind October race for runners and walkers who love cool-weather racing, fall foliage, and memorable race-day experiences.
Choose your distance: The Half Marathon offers a scenic, challenging mix of tunnel miles and rolling roads, while the 4 Miler is an approachable next step after a 5K that still delivers the full tunnel experience. Whether you’re chasing a fall PR, checking a bucket-list race off your list, or joining friends for a weekend, small town adventure, End of the Road Half Marathon & 4 Miler is a race you’ll talk about long after you cross the finish line.
What’s Included in Race Registration?
- End of the Road long sleeve tech shirt (option to upgrade to an End of the Road hoodie)
- Custom End of the Road finisher’s medal
- Bonus End of the Road swag for those joining one of the Two-Day Challenge events
- Unique Half Marathon and 4 Miler race experience through underground tunnels
- Live results and timing
- Post-race food and beverages
- Opportunity to win End of the Road custom Overall and Age Group awards
- Opportunity to join the pre-race Movie Night on the Turnpike!
Not interested in the shirt and medal? Register with our Economy Package to save money and skip the swag.
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Unique experience - small local race
The race partners with a local Holiday Inn Express in Breezewood, PA that did an excellent job. The hotel opened their full breakfast bar at 6am on race day. The … MORE
The race partners with a local Holiday Inn Express in Breezewood, PA that did an excellent job. The hotel opened their full breakfast bar at 6am on race day. The drive to the race start is about 15 minutes. At times we wondered if we were going the right way but we were. The paved parking lot near the start line is indeed off the road away from nearby houses.
The day of packet pickup went very smooth. The start line had ample porta potties too. Before the race start the race director spoke to all the runners with safety concerns about running on uneven pavement. I was told by two locals that there are plans to upgrade the road conditions in 2026.
The course is a simple out and back along one lane of an abandoned PA turnpike. The two tunnels are two lanes wide. The road surfaces inside the tunnels were in good shape. It can be a bit disorienting in the tunnels because it’s hard to judge how far you have to get to the other side. With that said, my Garmin still worked in the tunnels and my husband was able to track me on his iPhone.
There were a 2-3 well stocked and managed aid stations and 2 porta potties along the course in between the two tunnels. Also, I did not encounter any bats in the tunnels. There are no spectators along the course but there are a lot of pretty autumn leaves.
At the finish line the race offered a variety of snacks from Ramen, bananas, water, soda, candy and chips. Runners also got a medal and long sleeve tech shirt.
If you’re running 50 states and like smaller races or you’re looking for a unique experience, you should consider this race. Check out the video I added to this report to see the course firsthand.
Very Scenic
Well organized and executed event. How awesome to find such a beautiful place to hold a run. The abandoned PA turnpike! Through the tunnels and woods in Autumn. Can't beat … MORE
Well organized and executed event. How awesome to find such a beautiful place to hold a run. The abandoned PA turnpike! Through the tunnels and woods in Autumn. Can’t beat that! The terrain was a little challenging with the uneven surface. I saw there were a few trips and falls but no serious injuries. Just have to watch your footing. Lights are required and needed in the tunnels. Adequate water stations. Awesome swag!
Unique Experience
It was well organized, communication was flawless, signs led you to the start line (quite an remote location) with ample parking. Check in was a breeze. There were not near … MORE
It was well organized, communication was flawless, signs led you to the start line (quite an remote location) with ample parking. Check in was a breeze. There were not near enough porta-potties and the race official stated that this happens every year with this race. Swag was great except the shirts don’t have the year printed on them. You have to wear a headlamp for 4 miles of the course which makes for a sweaty forehead and you run with a bit of fear in the dark. Aid stations were spread a bit far (every 2.5 miles or so), but this was outlined in the 17 page participant information pdf. And I am not sure how an out and back could be uphill and into the wind both ways, but there you have it. Late start so if you travel in, book an extra hotel night or it will be a long, stinky trip home.
What A Unique Race!
This race is an absolutely unique experience. Its an out and back course on an abandoned section of the PA turnpike that was bypassed in the 60s. Parking get a … MORE
This race is an absolutely unique experience. Its an out and back course on an abandoned section of the PA turnpike that was bypassed in the 60s. Parking get a little tight so id suggest being a little early. The course surface is a little tricky too since its a blacktop road thats had no maintenance in the last 50 years. Lots of broken up pieces and chunks of asphalt. You run through 2 different tunnels, twice for a total of about 4 miles and the turn around is right after tunnel #2. Lighting is required for these sections. Packet pick up was quick and easy and the long sleeve tech shirt and medal were top notch! October is a great month for this run too as the leaves changing make the course extra scenic!
Fun Race, Done 2X
This is a great fall race. It runs down an abandoned portion of the PA Turnpike. A significant portion is in tunnels, which require lighting. Most of the course is … MORE
This is a great fall race. It runs down an abandoned portion of the PA Turnpike. A significant portion is in tunnels, which require lighting. Most of the course is actually a bit rough. The pavement shows signs of many years of neglect, but the tunnels are still pristine. Fun experience!
Easy logistics. Smaller crowd.
This race happens on the abandoned PA turnpike. The funds raised go toward turning it into a green space for recreation. It’s a smaller race on an awesome course. The … MORE
This race happens on the abandoned PA turnpike. The funds raised go toward turning it into a green space for recreation. It’s a smaller race on an awesome course. The conditions have not been improved since the turnpike was abandoned which means the roads are broken up and chunky and the tunnels are filled with graffiti. This is what makes it so amazing. Parking is right at the start and finish. Hotels are cheap. The food and beverages are plentiful and with good selections. Award winners get super cool awards.
I streak this race and intend to for as long as possible. I love the simplicity of this race and the friendly folks who organize it.
Fun, unique race
This race is held on the old Pennsylvania turnpike. It's an out and back course with two tunnels (1.25 miles & .75 miles). You definitely need a headlamp as there … MORE
This race is held on the old Pennsylvania turnpike. It’s an out and back course with two tunnels (1.25 miles & .75 miles). You definitely need a headlamp as there is no lighting at all in the tunnels.
I honestly thought that tough part of the course would be the tunnels but the surface in there was smooth and with no wind, I actually picked up time in there. The road outside the tunnels was the tough part as it’s open to the environment and is torn up. If you aren’t careful you could twist an ankle.
Overall this course is fairly flat. There are some hills but they are almost unnoticeable. I wouldn’t expect a PR due to the rough road but you can definitely expect a decent time. The scenery was beautiful as well with the fall colors in full bloom.
I definitely recommend this race. If you are considering it, I would not wait to sign up. While the race did not sell out this year, it did double in size from the prior year and due to the area that it is in, they will eventually have to cap the participants.
All around nice race
I had been waiting for this race to open registration since I found out about it last year. I thought it would be a great challenge to run through 2 … MORE
I had been waiting for this race to open registration since I found out about it last year. I thought it would be a great challenge to run through 2 tunnels, I hate tunnels! The race directors are responsive and very helpful. They even answered my question about bugs or rodents being in the tunnels…lol! They gave instructions about directions and parking and anything else for the race right up until the day before. This is a small race by comparison to some others, but it was very well run and the medal was awesome and I love the hoodie! It is a quality weight material with a pocket across the front and the dark tunnel design. The route is a flat out and back, but I gave it a high difficulty because the running path is beat up and can be a tripping hazard if you are not careful. Inside the tunnels are not too bad because they are protected from the elements. You will see graffiti, which can be interesting, and you must have a head lamp or flashlight because it is pitch dark. The weather was nice, a little chilly at the start, but ok while running. A drizzle started toward the end of my run, but nothing bad, a few drops here and there. The scenery was beautiful with the colorful fall leaves and the glow of daylight as you approach the end of the tunnels. Surprisingly, there were a couple of spectators out cheering us on, which was really nice of them, considering I wasnt sure how they got back there…lol! Be warned though, if you have an active bladder like I do, you might have to duck behind a tree along the route. There are potties along the way and of course water stations, but the portas are not plentiful, I think due to the terrain. That’s not a deal breaker though. Many people appeared to be with friends and so if you have running buddies, this would be a good run. The finish party had music and nice food items like popcorn, fruit, sodas, chocolate milk, and something I had not seen before which was wonderful…cup o noodles! Yes, there was hot water to prepare it and the hot soupy, salty mixture was perfect after a 13 miles and a chilly day. Parking was easy, right on site, but the location is kind of off the beaten path, but they did a good job putting up directionals and there were volunteers helping with parking. I really enjoyed this race and was so glad to have done it. It makes me smile now just thinking of it. Do it if you get the chance, before it gets really big (volunteer told me it is getting bigger and someone had purchased the area and was going to do some upgrading and make it a really nice area to attract people. The runner survey included a question about whether you would still run if they had to shuttle you in from a hotel location due to increased runners.)
An old abandoned turnpike
This race is on an old abandoned turnpike in PA. The condition is as mother nature made it. The roads are chunked up. There are lots of potholes and loose … MORE
This race is on an old abandoned turnpike in PA. The condition is as mother nature made it. The roads are chunked up. There are lots of potholes and loose asphalt everywhere. Weeds are growing through the cracks. The tunnels are dark and graffitied. And by dark, I mean you need more than just your headlamp. It’s hard to imagine it when cars and trucks flew fast on it.
I love this race for the amazing and interesting course. The staff do an amazing job keeping everything running smoothly and hassle-free. It’s a small race with 250 runners this year.
There was a bit of a snafu concerning the start and finish line this year which resulted in Trivium Racing having to cancel the marathon altogether. However, they offered the marathoners spots for the half marathon distance. It’s my understanding that most of the marathoners took them up on that option.
The run shuttle buses between the race and the host hotel for ease of transportation. However, there was also ample parking. I carpooled with friends and we stayed in our car until the last possible minute, which worked out quite well.
Swag includes a finisher medal and a hoodie. The hoodie is just the perfect thing to get because you will get chilled after the race. It’s thick and soft and nicely designed. There is a ton of food at the finish, mich more than you might expect for a small race. The placement awards are to die for. They are “road signs” you can hang up and be proud of.
I hope to do this race year after year.
Amazing course
The race course is on the old abandoned Pennsylvania turnpike. There are plenty of rollings hills that are not too easy and not too hard. The tunnel itself was 2 … MORE
The race course is on the old abandoned Pennsylvania turnpike. There are plenty of rollings hills that are not too easy and not too hard. The tunnel itself was 2 miles long and you go through it twice. It’s absolutely black in the tunnels so you need your headlamps and flashlights. The roads outside the tunnels are very broken up since they have not been repaired since 1968 when the turnpike was abandoned. The roads inside the tunnels are in perfect shape since they had not seeing weather. There is plenty of debris and broken concrete inside tunnels to be aware of. All of this is outlined in the course description of the time you register and add to the ambience of the race. I’ve done well over 100 road races and I think this is probably one of the best course routes ever.
For swag we received a black hoodie and a large medal. Both were very well done and high-quality. After the race there was a lot of pizza and candy and chocolate milk and other snacks being served. For an inexpensive race the swag is really awesome.
I definitely plan to do this race again.