York YMCA Marathon & Half Marathon
York, PA
- Marathon, Half Marathon
- Road (Paved), Trail (Unpaved)
- Official race website
Whether you are aiming for a Boston Qualifying time or are running your first long distance race, the York Marathon and Half Marathon is a fast-paced chip-timed event hosted by the York Branch YMCA. Race cap is 750 runners. The race begins at the begins at the Arthur J. Glatfelter … MORE
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Nice local small marathon
Much of the race is on a trail, most of it was packed gravel surface. Out and back a long a river. Scenery doesn’t change for 90% of the course … MORE
Much of the race is on a trail, most of it was packed gravel surface. Out and back a long a river. Scenery doesn’t change for 90% of the course which can get a bit boring. The packet pick up and start was breeze. Overall just an average experience.
Great Small Town Marathon
This was my 1st marathon and it was great. I arrived an hour before start time. Parking was easy and there was no line at bib pickup, no line for … MORE
This was my 1st marathon and it was great. I arrived an hour before start time. Parking was easy and there was no line at bib pickup, no line for the bathroom in the YMCA. There were about 50+ people standing around the starting area. The RD announced “You can start when you want.” I literally walked up to the starting line and started running by myself. LOL!
They had consistent mile markers, water/Gatorade stations, a very little crowd support. Mostly you are running solo along the train tracks which was was good for me. It is mostly out and back on a dirt trail. I wanted a very relaxed, non stressful 1st marathon and York was perfect!
Small Rail Trail race
This is a fairly small race, it takes place on a rail trail and runs right next to train tracks for the majority. There's no expo, packet pickup was at … MORE
This is a fairly small race, it takes place on a rail trail and runs right next to train tracks for the majority. There’s no expo, packet pickup was at the local YMCA, which was, at least this year, where the race started. Super easy course, mostly packed gravel with a paved start and finish. Under lots of trees, so tons of shade. Course support is minimal (mainly bathroom stops & water) just due to the nature of the course. You’re also contending with local people just using the trail, which isn’t really a big deal, but something to be aware of. Volunteers on the course were great and mile markers & on course signage was great.
I’d run it again.
Fast course
With most marathons in the US cancelled in 2020 due to the coronavirus, it was a joy to get out & race! Kudos to the race director for getting this … MORE
With most marathons in the US cancelled in 2020 due to the coronavirus, it was a joy to get out & race! Kudos to the race director for getting this one run.
Easy bib pickup at the Y, social distancing at the start, flat course, great for those attempting a BQ!
Hope to run again next time I need a BQ.
Beautiful Scenery!!!
This is an absolutely gorgeous course!!! Check in at the YMCA was very quick and easy (very friendly). Big shout out for the race director as she responded to emails … MORE
This is an absolutely gorgeous course!!! Check in at the YMCA was very quick and easy (very friendly). Big shout out for the race director as she responded to emails quickly, and was very helpful! Due to Covid they did a staggered start that was very controlled, and well spaced. Again, I can not say enough about the wonderful scenery along this course carrying a lot of history a long the way (from the historic tunnel, seeing the town that founded ice cream, to the town that Lincoln came through to delivery the Gettysburg address (and later his body). The trail was very well groomed, with crushed compacted stone along the route – good for both trail runners and road trip runners.Traffic control and hydration stations were very well manned. The medal was nice, and the bagged meal (COViD pre-caution) was awesome! Would certainly recommend this race! A+
Flat and Well Managed
I live about an hour from this race site so I did the race day packet pickup which began at 4:45 am. The race started at 6:00 for the Marathon … MORE
I live about an hour from this race site so I did the race day packet pickup which began at 4:45 am. The race started at 6:00 for the Marathon and 6:15 am for the Half. Bathrooms were located in the YMCA and the only criticism I have is there were not nearly enough of them to handle the racers.
The starting line was in front of the YMCA and we traveled on city streets for under a mile before we entered the groomed rail trail. There were water stops at least every two miles and they also had gatorade at several.
The humidity was 100% so most runners were slowing it down to cope with the amount of fluid they were losing. I stopped at every water stop and still didn’t feel adeqautely hydrated. Next year I will bring hydration with me if the humidity is high.
The swag was good. They gave a nice shirt, a bag and a beautiful medal. I was fortunate enough to place first in my AG so I got a nice plaque too. I highly recommend this race. It is a fast course and a BQ!
Nice and flat!
Nice shirt and sling bag for the swag. Fairly easy course with plenty of places for friends and family to cheer you on. Adequate aid stations to keep you hydrated. … MORE
Nice shirt and sling bag for the swag. Fairly easy course with plenty of places for friends and family to cheer you on. Adequate aid stations to keep you hydrated. This year was super humid, but I would imagine for late spring, it should be expected. Good choices of delicious post-race food and beverages!
I ran a respectable half time, and would definitely keep this race on my list for both marathon and half distances.