Spartan Half (PA)
York, PA
- Half Marathon
- Road (Paved), Trail (Unpaved)
- Official race website
The 13.1 mile journey that is the Spartan Half, begins and ends on our campus at York College of Pennsylvania and travels through rural southern Pennsylvania via the scenic Heritage Rail Trail County Park. This half marathon combines the unique benefits of our outstanding hosting facilities, event staff, and festive … MORE
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Smooth Course-Well Organized
This is the first time I have run this course and was happy it was not full of surprises. The course starts at York College and meanders through some city … MORE
This is the first time I have run this course and was happy it was not full of surprises. The course starts at York College and meanders through some city streets before merging with the York Heritage Rail trail.
There were water and gatorade stops every two miles on this out and back course. The out portion was approximately 7 miles, because they cut some of the city streets on the return trip which ended in the college stadium in front of the grandstands.
There were groups of students stationed throughout the course to hand out fluids and to cheer the runners. They had a lot of enthusiasm which kept me smiling and looking forward to the next group.
Although the weather was cold and windy, I didn’t notice it too much on most of the run because of the trees lining the route.
They gave out a nice medal and finishers got an additional medal in a velvety drawstring bag. The overall top three gender winners received cash prizes.
There were vendors, and plenty of food including sandwiches, cookies, fruit and gatorade at the finish. Two massage therapists were also on site to help with aches and pains.
I will run this race again.
Small Race on Rail Trail
This is a nice small race, running for the 3rd year in 2018. Packet pick up is the day before with a vendor or two in the college gym. You … MORE
This is a nice small race, running for the 3rd year in 2018. Packet pick up is the day before with a vendor or two in the college gym. You can also pick up day of the race. Parking is ample, on the college campus. The walk to the start is very short, so if it’s chilly, you can sit in your warm car until the last minute.
The race is mostly on the York County Heritage Rail Trail. The first mile or so is through the neighborhood, but in a very short time you’re on the trail. It is crushed gravel and like most rail trails, it’s very flat. They have a few water stations, manned by the college’s athletic teams. There are very few spectators, other than the teams. The race benefits the athletic fund for the college. You actually get a letter thanking you for your tax-deductible donation to the fund.
The finish is on the track. They have some basic food: drinks, sweets, chips. The medal is nice this year. There’s no after “party”, so unless you placed in your age group, you’re likely to gather your stuff and head out.
Overall a nice little race, low key, low stress, and you could likely PR here due to the flat course. Oh, and keep your eye open for the very large wild turkeys along the race route!