Pennsylvania

Jim Thorpe 7 Miler Race Report

Race: Jim Thorpe Area Running Festival – 7 Miler

Runner: Hannah Breedlove

Race Date: 04/28/2024

Location: Jim Thorpe, PA

Result: 1:07:48

Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/11122963713

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?

  1. The train – the 7 miler start was accessible by a scenic train that drops you off 7 miles from the finish. Marathon runners (and I think half runners the day before, but can’t speak to it since nobody in our group ran the half this time) could also take advantage of the train, but had other options available. Riding the train through the Lehigh Gorge State Park just after sunrise on the way to the race start was a really cool experience.
  2. The race director – it’s a pretty small race, but you could tell they put their whole heart into it. I had to transfer from the marathon to the 7 miler, and the race director was so helpful. We ended up running into him at lunch on Saturday after they finished up the half marathon, and he was just a really cool guy who clearly loves his community.
  3. Jim Thorpe – what a cool town! It’s a small, historic mountain town a little over an hour outside of Philadelphia, and it was so nice. The race had three restaurants and cafes involved in the weekend where runners could get discounts, and the two we went to were amazing!
The start of the Jim Thorpe 7 miler

Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

The bathroom situation – it’s not the race’s fault. The nature of the course is that it’s a point to point, net downhill, along a rail trail. Really cool! But few access points (and even fewer accessible by car) meant few opportunities to bring out porta pots. The good news: there was a bathroom on each car of the train, so you weren’t totally out of luck. But there also just wasn’t really room for emergencies along the course — even the woods were pretty much entirely visible from the train riders that pass while you’re running.

Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?

No bears??? Was really hoping to see a bear. Alas.

Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

I haven’t raced in a long time and haven’t had the most consistent running lately. BUT – I was able to kick hard at the end and close out my race with my last mile over a minute per mile faster than my average pace, and still had more of a kick in the final 50 meters. It was so fun and I’m super proud of it!

Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner

If you take the train to the start, you can leave things on it and they’ll leave everything together at the finish for you. I was nervous about the bag check situation and didn’t bring anything with me, but it’s so good to know!

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

If you run the full, know that the last ~8 miles are much less shaded than the first 18: wear a hat!

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Gorgeous. The scenery is pretty similar the whole time, but still really really nice.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

Not at all! It’s net downhill and they mean it. Just a smooth cruise along a rail trail.

Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

Well-oiled machine, surely. It’s a small race, but honestly I’d say a well-orchestrated train ride to the start is a pretty impressive feat. There were a ton of logistics for the race, but they did well.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

The Jim Thorpe 7 Miler was largely recreational, but the marathon had a pretty competitive (albeit spread out) field!

Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.

Jim Thorpe is a small town, so if you want to stay where the race ends, book your hotels early. If you’d rather stay near the start, that’s an even smaller town. Less tourism, so it’s easier to get a hotel near the highways, but also fewer amenities and cool surroundings.

Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?

They had UCAN at some of the stations, water, and bananas (as far as I could see on the Jim Thorpe 7 Miler course)

Weather and typical race conditions

April in the mid-Atlantic could range from 30-80, so watch the weather, haha!

Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?

Some marathon runners found that shoes with mesh uppers, or more porous shoes in general, got lots of rocks and sand in them. It’s not a paved course. Some runners ran with ankle gaiters, but that could feel really hot on a warmer day.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Not particularly. There’s very little access along the course. But the finish line is great!

The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?

4/5 stars! I’m glad I ran it, I had an absolute blast, I don’t know that I need it to be a repeat race.

Looking for your next goal race like Hannah? Check out this article: “How to Choose your next Goal Race“.

Philadelphia Love Run Half Marathon Race Report – Devora Courtney

Race: Philadelphia Love Run Half Marathon

Runner: Devora Courtney

Race Date: 03/26/2023

Location: Philly, PA

Results: 1:57:29

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?

This race has a fun energy, beautiful course, and is very accessible. It also has a 7.6km option for folks who do not want to run a half.

Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

The race is advertised as fast and flat but actually has some challenging hills in unexpected places. Mile 10 is not a fun place for a hill!

Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?

This is a race where running tangents really matter and that’s not something I have significant experience with. Lots of turns especially in the first half of the race.

Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

I ran another sub-2 half in less than 3 months which has never happened for me. I went in looking to have fun and try a new course. Even though I finished a few minutes slower than anticipated, I really enjoyed getting out of NYC!

Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner

The second half of the course is harder than the first. I wasn’t as prepared for the few hills and where they were on the course and that threw my pacing off. Also, run the tangents. If you do that well, let me know! I need help!

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

Keep working on not going out too quickly. I got frustrated trying to follow a pacer who was weaving and that led to me. Also, pee a final time before the corrals. No lines for the potty but a final trip would have prevented me from holding my pee from Mile 2 on.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

Many sharp turns in the beginning. Surprise hill at Mile 5 and another hill at Mile 10.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Yes!

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

Not necessarily. I had a tough time in the second half because I wasn’t pacing properly.

Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

Very well organized and great swag!

Competition – Is there a strong field?

Never pay attention.

Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.

Fairly available until right before the race.

Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?

Standard and frequent fare.

Weather and typical race conditions

It was 50 on Sunday.

Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?

Typical road race! I always run with a handheld and gels.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Yes.

How’s the Swag?

Great! Mug, Shirt, Beer for those who want!

The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?

4/5

Buffalo Creek Half Marathon Race Report – Matthew Bigman

Race: Buffalo Creek Half Marathon

Runner: Coach Matthew Bigman

Race Date: 10/15/2022

Location: Cabot, PA

Results: 1:11:05

Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/7966815863/overview

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?

The race was well organized with easy check in, gear bags, and accessible. The size of the race is also manageable and makes for a convenient half marathon! Lastly, it’s largely downhill with over 700ft of loss, so it’s FAST!

Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

The end has a sharp turn into a steep hill that kills your momentum at the worst time.

Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

I got out into the lead from the very beginning with nobody behind me. Despite racing alone, a pace bike led me the entire way which was great company! I fought incredibly hard to maintain a fast pace and delay slowing down until only 2 miles to go. Even then I only slowed a few seconds.

Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner

Don’t get out too fast! The beginning is the steepest, so it’s easy to start too quick.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

This course is gorgeous! It very well might be the fastest course on mostly trail during the gorgeous Pittsburgh fall.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

This course is difficult in a different way. It’s almost entirely downhill and fast, but this means you may be running at a quicker pace than you’re used to. This made it an incredibly hard effort but with a big reward!

Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.

I was able to sign up just a couple weeks before the race, driving up is easy as well as parking. It’s point to point, but the shuttle back was quick and easy to catch.

Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?

Aid stations every 2-3 miles with water, gatorade, and gels!

Weather and typical race conditions

This year’s weather started in the 50s and ended in the low 60s while partly sunny. Though slightly warmer than I would have liked for fast times, it was still great. This time of the year is likely cool and good weather.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

A spectator with a car can see runners at multiple points at which the trail crosses roads.

The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?

4 out of 5 stars!

Matthew Bigman is a coach with Team RunRun. To learn more about him or to work with him, check out his coach profile.

Harrisburg Marathon Race Report

Photo: Adam Getty

Race: Enders Insurance Harrisburg Marathon

Runner: Heidi Getty

Race Date: 11/14/2021

Location: Harrisburg

Results: 3:11:19

Strava Activity Link: https://strava.app.link/VfjDZRhMelb

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?

  1. Very well organized
  2. Tons of positive volunteers
  3. Great crowd turnout for a smaller race

Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

  1. There were a couple gravel sections on the course that were really muddy and unkept. For future marathons it would be good to see them adjust the course to eliminate the gravel sections.
  2. There were a few really tight turns on the course, one of which was a nearly 360 turn from the road to the paved trail. It required you to take a couple steps on uneven grass/dirt. If they adjust the course slightly they could use a paved section that connects the street to the paved trail. My foot was bruised and very tender to touch after the race and I think it is a result of planting funny at this turn during the second loop.

Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?

There are a couple gravel sections along the course. I really hated that aspect of the race, especially since it had rained the day before so there were several mud patches and a lot of slippery leaves to also contend with.

Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

I held my pace for most of the race really consistently and on track with what my coach and I planned out. There was a small blip at mile 23.5-ish that cause me to loose my stride and speed but overall I am really proud of how I carried myself through the course.

Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner

My tip would be to drive along the course and get out to see the terrain up close. As mentioned, there are a couple short gravel sections and tight turns throughout the course that can really mess with you if you are not aware of them.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

I started to get cramps around the halfway mark after I ate my 2nd gel. I had trained with these same gels with little issue but on race day they weren’t feeling great. I think next time I will space them out just a little bit more to help my stomach settle between each.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

Be prepared for different terrains. There will be tight turns and gravel sections that can really mess with your footing/stride.

Photo: Adam Getty

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Very pretty course. Nice mix of historical buildings along Front Street and river views along the paved trail.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

It was an average difficulty course in my opinion. It had long stretches of fairly flat terrain with a handful of shorter inclines throughout. The one section that I think people underestimate is the out and back bridge section. The bridge out and back is around 1.5 miles and can get a good bit of wind in addition to the steady incline.

Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

Yes, it was very well run.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

It was a good field range.

Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.

No, very easy race to sign up for with a lot of affordable places to stay nearby that are either walking distance to the start/finish or an easy 10 min car ride. It is a smaller field size (approximately 750 people) so signing up early wouldn’t be a bad idea incase it fills up.

Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?

The aid stations were spread out really well along the course. One detail I loved was they handed out small bottles of water, meaning you could control your intake better and reduce the usual spillage from paper cups.

Weather and typical race conditions for the Harrisburg Marathon

Weather was perfect (mid 30s most of the race). If it’s sunny out make sure to wear sun glasses or a hat because there are large stretches of the course that run along the river facing the sun.

Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?

Be ready for potential sun glare and a little more wind since the course runs along the river.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

This race had a great spectator turnout. It helps that it is a double loop, people can walk easily to different points of the course.

How’s the Swag?

Swag was awesome. They gave every participant a really good quality hoodie, which was perfect for the post race awards and walk (really a hobble) back the the car.

The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?

8/10. The biggest draw back is the tight turns and gravel sections on the course. If they adjusted those items this would be a 10/10.

Getting ready for a race? Check out our coach’s tips for selecting the right race for you!

 

two rivers marathon race report

Two Rivers Marathon Festival Race Report – Miguel Reyes

Race: Two Rivers Marathon Festival

Runner: Miguel Reyes

Race Date: 03/27/2021

Location: Lackawaxen, PA

Results: 4:00:23

Strava Activity Link: https://strava.app.link/aKPmOzze2eb

two rivers marathon race report

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?

  1. Setup and bib pickup was clear and visible
  2. Staggering open starts made it easy for scheduling
  3. Amazing swag with jacket and headphones (and more if you achieved other things)

Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

Traffic rolling through the course was a bit new for me.

Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?

Dealing with the traffic and certain drivers not having the patience for the race was a weird and new experience for me.

Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

I PR’d in the Half Marathon and Marathon distance.

Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner

Slight uphill going out and slight downhill coming back. Repeat that loop 2 times. Stay on the left the entire time to cut down tangents on 3 turnarounds.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

Give myself an extra minute buffer from goal to compensate for the extra tangents.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

Very straight course. No turns other than turnaround.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Mostly trees with a few miles of river to your side.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

Not at all.

Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

Very well organized.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

Quite a few people shooting for a BQ out there. Lots of bells being rung!!!

Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.

It was pretty easy getting in.

Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?

3 aid stations per loop, so passing 12 over the entire full Marathon.

Weather and typical race conditions

Weather was 45° and cloudy.

Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?

I used a belt that I didn’t need with aid stations being prepared properly.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Yes – lots of room for spectators.

How’s the Swag?

Amazing jacket and headphones. More stuff for BQ or multiple races over the weekend.

The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?

4.5/5

Miguel Reyes is a coach with Team RunRun. To learn more about him or to work with Coach Miguel, check out his coaching page.

loopy looper race report

Loopy Looper 12 hour Race Report – Navindra G

loopy looper race report
Photo: John Dill

Race: Loopy Looper 12 hour

Runner: Navindra G

Race Date: 08/10/2019

Location: Pennsauken Township, NJ

Results: 9 laps – 33.75 miles

Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/2607964117

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?

Really enjoyed that the 3.75 mile course was flat, easy to follow, and well supported. Weather was good, not too humid and only hit upper 80s/low 90s.

Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

Very little, the race was exactly what I wanted in a training race in August for Javelina

Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?

Nothing that weird about the race, closest would be the finisher’s medal.

Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

I really got to focus on my pacing, nutrition and hydration during this race.

Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner

Several fast runners in the group from the local running community. Male and Female leaders got in 71.25 and 67.5 miles respectively.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

Just continue to build my fitness, this was the longest race since my 50k back in March, and I jumped from 20 miles a couple weeks ago in the mountains to 33 for this day. Really not sure what else I could have done differently, perhaps have a cooler with electrolyte pre-mixed to save time.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

It’s a flat, very flat 3.75 mile loop. I think I got 370 ft total gain over my 33 miles

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Yes, the course covered two sides of a beautiful river front park, decent amount of shade at times though there were exposed parts as well.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

Nope, it’s great for working on fundamentals

Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

Well organized! They had a whole crew making sure each lap was counted since it was not chip timed. There were two aid stations, main one at the start/finish that was well stocked with food and drink. Second one was on the other side of the river around the half way mark that had gels and water.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

Small field of 70 total runners, lots of them local. I tied with 10 people for my distance, top male hit 70 miles, and 6 people jad

loopy looper race report

Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.

Easy to sign up for and I did that in July, though it did sell out. Wife and I stayed with a friend, but there were plenty of hotels around, couple near the race site. It was a great race to attend but not worth traveling for, we only had to drive 3 hours to get there.

Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?

Standard, but good fare of salty and sweet foods, pickles, PBJ sandwiches, etc. Had plenty of gu and huma gels, as well as gu electrolyte tabs and electrolyte pills. They did offer local non-alcoholic beer at the end.

Weather and typical race conditions

Warm 80s to low 90s, not too humid and not stupid hot for the east coast in August. Consistent wind started mid-morning and well into the afternoon that followed the river and felt good in terms of cooling but did slow me down as a head wind on one half and tailwind on the other.

Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?

None, standard gear is fine since there is only a short distance between the start/finish and on-course aid station

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Yes, very easy for spectators to get around. Wife read a couple books in the shade at the start/finish while I did laps.

How’s the Swag?

Decent, shirt and medal were nice but nothing to write home about.

The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?

Overall I would give 4 out of 5 stars, it was a great training race in August. Would only recommend it if you were in the region and wanted a race in August.

loopy looper race report

Looking for a coach for a timed event? Check out our coaches and find the right fit for you and your goal races!

St. Luke’s Via Marathon Race Info

Date: 9/8/19

Location: Allentown to Easton, PA

Start Time: 7:10am

Avg Temps (f): 77/52

Time Limit: 6 hours (1pm)

Lessons Learned from Race Reports

  • New course for 2019 because of train disrupting course in previous years
  • Two hairpin turns around miles 3.5 and 12.75, where you’ll have to slow down to make the turn. It gets hard to change speed for those kind of turns as you get later in the race.
  • Course is mainly run on packed gravel rather than asphalt. Roots and other tripping hazards are spray painted, but be aware of footing
  • Course is mainly flat with a couple of small pop-ups, and be ready for sore quads with a net downhill course
  • Crowd support is minimal, so be ready to have quiet miles
  • With the relay going on at the same time, don’t get swept up in too fast of a pace of a runner running a shorter leg
  • Previous years have seen hot, humid weather
  • The main part of the course’s downhill is in the beginning miles, so don’t go out too fast when there’s the most downhill to help propel you faster than normal
  • Most race reports mention struggling with the humidity, the packed dirt terrain, the lack of crowds and runners near the last several miles, and expecting to PR since it’s a net downhill course and a popular BQ

Course

Type: Point to Point, net downhill, mainly on the Lehigh River Canal Towpath

Start/Finish Info: Allentown to Easton, PA, parking at both start and finish and shuttles provided both ways

Hills: Minimal – net downhill course

Course Map/Elevation Profile

Aid stations

Locations of water and electrolyte stations: Water and Gatorade every 1.5-2 miles, except no Gatorade at mile 16.8

Electrolyte offered: Hammer Gels offered at miles 6.2, 12, 16.8 and 22.6

Spectator access

Access Locations: Best locations are at the relay exchange points, miles 6.2, 12, 16.8 and 22.6

Boston qualifier?

Yes

Race reports

https://www.bibrave.com/races/via-marathon-reviews/3830

https://findmymarathon.com/race-detail.php?zname=Via%20Marathon

http://fuelingforthelongrun.com/lehigh-marathon-recap/

Strava links

https://www.strava.com/activities/1830078563

Race Website

https://www.viamarathon.org/event-information/marathon/

glacier ridge trail race report

Glacier Ridge Trail 50k Race Report – Jeremy Lynch

glacier ridge trail race reportRace: Glacier Ridge Trail Races

Runner: Jeremy L

Race Date: 05/11/2019

Location: Moraine State Park, Portersville, PA

Results: 5:07 (7th Overall)

Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/2359571500

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?

Good snacks at the finish
Good swag
Close to home

Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

Race had three distances that all used the same section of trail so it got really crowded at times, which is something I am not used to. Some close calls on some of the hills.

Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?

4,300 ft of climbing in an area that looks pretty flat (the longest single climb was less than 300 ft).

Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

7th overall for the third time in three 50k races (20+ min. PR)

Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner

Grab the cookies when you can.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

Eat a bit more… I tried to limit my time at the aid stations but I could have used a little kick at the end.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

Typical western PA trail… lots of rocks and roots and essentially not flat sections.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Rolling forest hills… doesn’t suck.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

Always up or down and almost always technical.

Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

Very well oiled machine consider the various distances.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

New course record was set and all runners in top six went sub-5hr.

Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.

Nothing special.

Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?

Quality stuff.

Weather and typical race conditions

Perfect weather for running (rare in western PA in early May).

Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?

Nope.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Yes, it is an out and back course that has aid stations at major road crossings.

How’s the Swag?

Decent… good t-shirt, nice medal, great food.

The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?

6/10… it was nice that it was close to home and seeing friends at the start/finish but the crowded trails with the out and back format isn’t for me.

Worlds End Ultramarathon Race Info – 50k

Date

6/1/2019

 Location

Worlds End State Park, PA

 Avg Temps f.

76/54

 Gain/Loss in ft

5,915/5,915

ft/mile gain

191

 Highest Elev.

~2,000ft
Start

7am

 Surface

Singletrack/double track

 Time Limit

12 hours

 Sunrise/set

5:34am/8:34pm

 Furthest Aid

6 miles

 

Summary: The Worlds End 50k is a rugged trail race featuring a 31.4 mile single loop trail on 98% single-track/double-track. With an elevation gain of 5,915 ft, it may not seem intimidating, but it has relentless climbing and descending with lots of technical trail to maneuver. Runners will have to run over rock fields, narrow and uneven terrain, steep climbs and a cliff side trail. Both a 50k and 100k distance are offered.

Lessons Learned from Race Reports

  • Relentless ups and downs and technical trails with lots of rocks and stream crossings
  • If it’s raining or wet, the rocks will be extra slippery
  • Likely chilly at the start but it will warm up quickly – take that into consideration for race day clothing and layering, and/or changing with drop bags
  • Being PA in June, weather is likely to be muggy with possible rain/thunderstorms
  • First big climb around mile 3 has lots of boulders to climb along the way
  • While a lot of the course is rolling with technical underfoot, some sections are runnable, so take advantage of them when you can
  • Expect a long day – most finishing times are around the same as a fast 50 miler finish
  • Really easy to drop at mile 19.3, as it’s near the Start/Finish, so if you’re tired and tempted, get out of that aid station and keep moving!
  • Use caution on the steep downhills with either loose rock, slippery rocks, or when they’re on the mountain side with a drop off on one side
  • Mostly runnable final downhill in the last 4 miles, but there’s also a really steep downhill section cut into the mountainside that can be pretty tough if you’re scared of heights or not used to steep downs.
  • Rather than hoping for more runnable sections, expect almost none so that it’s a pleasant surprise when you can run!
  • Pay attention to course markers – with such technical trails and so many power hiking sections, you might be looking down a lot and missing them.

Elevation

Total gain/loss: 5,915/5,915

Ft/mile gain: 191

Total climbs: ~9 climbs of 400-800 feet, countless other rollers and smaller gains

Course Map/Elevation profile

Aid stations

Total aid stations: 6

Furthest distance apart: 6 miles

Locations: Miles 4.3, 10.3, 15.9, 19.3, 22.2, 27.7

What’s available: Typical aid station fare; bring your own food if you have special needs/allergies

Crew access

Access Locations: Miles 10.3, 19.3, 22.2

Crew instructions/directions: Found in Participant Guide

Pacers

None (for 50k)

Race qualifiers

None

Race reports

http://philadelphiatribaby.blogspot.com/2016/05/worlds-end-ultramarathon-50k-2016-race.html

http://www.briankunkle.com/2016/05/worlds-end-ultramarathon-50k-race-report.html

https://bonktothefinish.com/blog/worlds-end-50k-race-report.html

Strava activities and GPX files

https://www.strava.com/activities/1019731068

Race Website

http://worldsendultra.com/

Philadelphia Hot Chocolate 5k Race Info

Date: 4/6/2019

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Start Time: 7:15am

Avg Temps (f): 60/41

Time Limit: ~15 minute miles

Lessons Learned from Race Reports

  • Weather can be all over the place with this time of year in Philly, so be prepared for cold, rain, and/or snow
  • Bring layers for clothing, knowing it can be quite cold at the start
  • Be careful of potholes on the road, especially at the crowded start
  • These races tend to be crowded, especially with other races going on that day, so expect crowds at the expo and the event, before, throughout and after
  • Allow plenty of time for parking with so many participants in both the 5k and 15k
  • The course feels fairly flat, but you will notice the small hill before the finish
  • With it being such a big race, they use start corrals, so if you’re near the back, know that it will take a bit of time to reach the starting line even after the race has started.

Course

Type: Lollipop with an out and back and loop at one end

Start/Finish Info: Different locations but still very close, walkable distances

Hills: Small elevation changes of about 10-20 feet, with the biggest changes being a loss of ~50 feet early on, which runners then gain back near the end, and some smaller gains in the middle of 10-20 feet.

Course Map/Elevation (see Participant Guide)

 

Aid stations

Locations of water/electrolyte stations: Both water and Nuun offered; specific locations not noted, other than that there will be plenty available.

Spectator access

Access Locations: Best at the start/finish since it’s mainly an out and back course. You could also see runners just before the 1 mile mark and after the 2 mile mark, before and after they complete the loop part of the course.

Race reports

https://www.bibrave.com/races/allstate-hot-chocolate-philadelphia-reviews#.XFg5VlxKg2w

https://run-856.com/2017/04/03/race-philadelphia-hot-chocolate-15k/

https://cbalbi85.wordpress.com/2015/04/05/race-recap-the-philly-hot-chocolate-15k/

https://notyouraveragerunner.com/hot-chocolate-5k-race-report/

 

Race Website

https://www.hotchocolate15k.com/philadelphia

Participant Guide

rothrock trail challenge race report

Rothrock Trail Challenge 25k Race Report – Ryan E

rothrock trail challenge race reportRace: Rothrock Trail Challenge

Runner: Ryan E

Race Date: 06/09/2018

Location: Boalsburg, Pennsylvania

Results: http://falconracetiming.com/event/rothrock-trail-challenge-2/

Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/1627650750

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?

  1. Challenging trail course that’s technical and 95% single track.
  2. Old school feel to the race with great community of runners doing it
  3. Post-race picnic

Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

None! This is an awesome sub-ultra trail race.

Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?

None

Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

I was able to run the technical sections on a good pace without turning an ankle. It was an exhilarating experience to not slow down despite the very rocky terrain that was pretty consistent throughout the entire course.

Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner

This is a tough little booger. I’ve heard that Rothrock is a very rocky and technical course, but I didn’t realize that it is technical all throughout. So come prepared to climb, experience all kinds of technicality from small rocks, to loose rocks, to boulders, and roots, and some rope assisted descents.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

I would come prepared to run a consistently technical course. And also get myself ready for gut kicker in the middle of the race in Shingletown Gap that descends with a rope assisted descent, and climbs up boulders to a beautiful ridge.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

Even an experienced technical runner will have to slow down or stop on their tracks when they reach Shingletown Gap. The last 3 miles is all downhill so you can start kicking it to your last gear and ride the wind to the finish.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Not much vistas, but it’s all beautiful, varied, single track bliss.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

It’s definitely not your beginner’s 25K trail race! I’d say 8/10 tough!

Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

Well run and organized!! The course is well marked. All aid stations were manned by great volunteers and carry what you would expect from a 25K course, and the post-race picnic at the finish line pavilion is a treat to runners and their family!!!

Competition – Is there a strong field?

Solid competition! A lot of local elites and fast runners.

Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.

The race sells out when it opens but I was lucky enough to get in when the RD announced that a few spots opened up and allowed race day registration, although it’s not guaranteed that there will always be race day registration. So sign up online when it opens.

rothrock trail challenge
Photo: Momentum Photography

Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?

Standard fare for aid stations because it’s only a 25K. There are 3 aid stations but the first one carries water only.

Weather and typical race conditions

Mild and fair weather as it’s in early June.

Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?

You can run with a handheld or even run without anything and just rely on aid stations because there are 3 of them. Or you can choose to run with a vest and carry all your water if you plan to not stop at aid stations, which is what I did.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

I’ve only seen spectators at the start/finish area.

How’s the Swag?

You get a shirt and finisher’s hat

The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?

5/5 Stars! Definitely do this for the challenge!