Sharp Top 25k and 50k races utilize the Old Loggers Path in northern Lycoming County. The Old Loggers Path is a 27-mile loop with its trail head in the ghost town of Masten, Pa. The 50k utilizes the entirety of the Old Loggers path with additional trails to bring the race to the 50k mark. Elevation is 4700 ft and the course is almost entirely trail. The highlight of the course is the namesake of the race, the Sharp Top Vista. At 2080 ft above sea level, be sure to take some time at the aid station and take in the extensive view southward over the Allegheny Plateau.
The 25k course follows the 50k course on the Old Loggers Path, but will split to make a shorter loop ending at Masten while still affording participants the opportunity to experience Sharp Top. In addition to experiencing Sharp Top Vista and several other scenic views participants will enjoy sections of the course that allow for amazing views of Pleasant Stream, Long Run, Doe Run and Rock Run throughout the course. You will be crossing Pleasant Stream and your feet will most likely get wet!
The Start/Finish
The race headquarters and start/finish will be located in the ghost town of Masten. Yes, a true ghost town. Please don’t expect to have cell service. This race is completely off the grid with no electricity or running water available. While this adds complexity to the race, we are very thorough in our planning and will have adequate facilities and potable water along with a great post-race party.
Time Cutoffs
Aid Station #4 (Mile 13.31) 4hrs 30 min
**Those not making AS4 by 12:30 p.m. (4h 30min after start) will be diverted to the 25k course and record a 25k finish.
Aid Station #6 (Mile 22.1) 7hrs
**Those not making AS6 by 3:30 p.m. (7.5 hrs after start) will be pulled from the course.
Finish – (Mile 31.1) 6:30 p.m. (10.5 hrs after start)
Local History
This area of Pennsylvania is steeped in logging history and Masten was once a small bustling community that sprung up as a result of this once booming industry in 1905. It thrived until 1930 when most of the valuable timber had been harvested and the last resident left in 1941. The residents of Masten harvested mostly Eastern Hemlock necessary for tanning leather and the abundant hardwoods. The timber was transported on two narrow gauge railroad lines, which now are partly incorporated into the Old Loggers Path. Currently, Masten serves as the official trail head of the Old Loggers Path and has plenty of camp sites within the former town footprint. The largest relic of the town is the large stone chimney that stands to this day.
Special Considerations
With the remote location we ask you consider the following to help us make this race a success:
• Have your directions ready before you head out if you are unfamiliar with the area. Plan on not having cell service long before you arrive at Masten.
• Every piece of trash must be transported out of the start/finish by the organizers. There is no trash pick-up by DCNR in Masten. Please do what is within our power to reduce trash.
• Every drop of water has to be transported to the start/finish and the aid stations. Please use potable water for drinking only.
• Not only is this race remote, but so are the aid stations. We will be providing great aid stations so please be sure to thank the volunteers who are willing make sure you have what you need throughout the day.
• Enjoy the beauty of Lycoming County. We are truly excited to share the Old Loggers Path with the trail community for this first time event! We wouldn’t be doing the race at this location if we didn’t think it would be worth it to the participants.
Kids 14 & Under
As families with young kids, we encourage kids to become active in trail running/hiking. Kids 14 & under are welcome to register for the 25k free of charge using the code TrailKids2022. Please note, you must register your child under “guest” unless they have an UltraSignup account. This code applies only to kids 14 and under wishing to complete the 25k distance.
**Please note, your child should be prepared to tackle almost 17 miles, 2500ft of elevation and a stream crossing. We have had children as young as 9 complete the 25k course, but this should not be your child’s first exposure to the trails and hiking a long distance. If you are unsure of your child’s ability, please register yourself and accompany your child for the day.
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