An overwhelming majority of the course is on packed gravel. When I ran in 2023, it also was moderate drizzle and wetness throughout the weekend. This kept things cool, with … MORE
An overwhelming majority of the course is on packed gravel. When I ran in 2023, it also was moderate drizzle and wetness throughout the weekend. This kept things cool, with no mud patches until the final mile or two. The train ride was great to get to the start, and even when the weather was really wet, it was still beautiful to see the Lehigh River valley. The race officially began before the train arrived to the start, and the “begin the race when you’re ready” relaxed start felt like a luxury as it was a necessity. (The first few miles are on a narrow carriage trail-like path.) Support was slim on course, yet there were biking “scouts” oft seen making sure runners are okay. Portapotties are at three or four locations, water stops are a bit scarce compared to larger runs. All-in-all beautiful run and wonderful town!
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Mega flat fast track!
An overwhelming majority of the course is on packed gravel. When I ran in 2023, it also was moderate drizzle and wetness throughout the weekend. This kept things cool, with … MORE
An overwhelming majority of the course is on packed gravel. When I ran in 2023, it also was moderate drizzle and wetness throughout the weekend. This kept things cool, with no mud patches until the final mile or two. The train ride was great to get to the start, and even when the weather was really wet, it was still beautiful to see the Lehigh River valley. The race officially began before the train arrived to the start, and the “begin the race when you’re ready” relaxed start felt like a luxury as it was a necessity. (The first few miles are on a narrow carriage trail-like path.) Support was slim on course, yet there were biking “scouts” oft seen making sure runners are okay. Portapotties are at three or four locations, water stops are a bit scarce compared to larger runs. All-in-all beautiful run and wonderful town!
This race is as good as the weather
This is a nice, scenic point to point race along a trail that follows the Lehigh River, from White Haven back to Jim Thorpe. It's a very small race, less … MORE
This is a nice, scenic point to point race along a trail that follows the Lehigh River, from White Haven back to Jim Thorpe. It’s a very small race, less then 400 completed it. There was no expo, just a bib and shirt pickup. The shirt has 37% cotton so I’ll likely never run in it. The course should be easy, it’s a steady 1-2% decline just about the entire way, but rainy weather made the trail a puddle-filled mess, making the back half of the race very difficult. There were two nice waterfalls along the course. The medal is nice, and like most small races, quite large. Lots of goodies at the end including some large Philadelphia pretzels. To get to the start there is the option of taking a scenic train ride. I highly recommend doing that.
Well run, organized
The half marathon was organized and well run. This was my first half so I don't have much to compare to regarding aid stations, etc. There were enough for my … MORE
The half marathon was organized and well run. This was my first half so I don’t have much to compare to regarding aid stations, etc. There were enough for my needs. Only downside for me was parts of the trail were uneven and it kind of annoyed my left hip but other than that I had a great time.
Great Out & Back Run
The run starts in Jim Thorpe train yard and is on a packed gravel rail trail so wear appropriate shoes. Water stops were plentiful, (at least every 2 miles) and … MORE
The run starts in Jim Thorpe train yard and is on a packed gravel rail trail so wear appropriate shoes. Water stops were plentiful, (at least every 2 miles) and they offered u-can carb/energy goo pouches near the turn around. The course is super flat and follows the river and RR tracks and crosses the Lehigh river so while I wouldn’t say its super scenic, you still have plenty to look at while your running. Post race was average, but this years medal was the best one yet. Very unique metal/wood combo w/ a layered look. Jim Thorpe is also a great little town to walk around post race with lots of little shops and good places to eat and/or drink.