6 Must-Do Trail Races in Central Pennsylvania

Register for one of these 6 trail races ranging from 10k to 100 miles, including two Western States qualifiers.

Brendon Voelker

Images

1172937286_7b8e9ada3d_3k.jpg
1172937234_dc5192e010_3k.jpg
9778971322_814d7c863b_5k.jpg
9649844283_efd10799c1_5k.jpg
9650013695_1711cf6a5c_5k.jpg
20210811_163642.jpg
Little Flat Fire Tower whitedotadventures.com

by Brendon Voelker

Licence Free

20170527_081119.jpg
Spruce Gap Trail whitedotadventures.com

by Brendon Voelker

Licence Free

20210811_142518.jpg
Old Laurel Run whitedotadventures.com

by Brendon Voelker

Licence Free

20210811_140104.jpg
Lonberger Trail whitedotadventures.com

by Brendon Voelker

Licence Free

5994726575_35764eeb31_4k.jpg
7993675170_d16d9f8574_5k.jpg
7993679263_1d9ee582ae_5k.jpg
6697202819_a6ac13f7ed_o.jpg
2555250134_37fb508f8f_o.jpg
29180997917_51e6375e17_4k.jpg
Little Pine State Park https://flickr.com/photos/gerrydincher/29180997917/in/photolist-LsCf2K-296LhA3-27sKswd-LsCfn4-2mgjekm-2mgkBw9-2hctQQA-2hctQJD-2m5DXM8-2mgkBxr-2mhkGQq-2mgfs4T-2mhkGS4-2mhBP5A-2mg8erR-2mfZzLY-2mg8eoj-2hcsXg2-27sKscW-EtgCB-66cehY-EthuT-2hcsXbh-2mg5Aau-2hcreuW-2hczLX3-jATNhy-2hcredP-2mgkBwK-bVRXUM-2mg8etV-2hctRmv-cdhbFo-2hctQrK-2mg8esY-2mg8ejM-awLfbF-2ma5KX5-98Zkmp-98ZnxD-2hcrekH-2hctR96-993uo3-98Zjge-qD1z63-gSoSRb-6BUTh3-EbfzG-pYA5y5-ij895V

by Gerry Dincher

Creative Commons: Attribution
43384769894_526e9223c5_4k.jpg
14515893367_594a708473_5k.jpg
14679276206_7e7a779988_5k.jpg

Description

Central Pennsylvania is home to an obscene number of trail running races. The massive number of options would undoubtedly surprise those who have never looked at a race calendar. Events can range from the heat of summer to the frigid cold temperatures of winter based on the challenge you’re seeking. Many of these events even include large field sizes—over 1000 in one case—yet most participants tend to be from Pennsylvania or one of the surrounding states. If you’re looking for a new race to put on your calendar, this guidebook rounds up 6 of the state's best trail races ranging from 10k to 100 miles, including two Western States qualifiers.

The shortest to make the list is the Sproul 10, considered one of the toughest 10ks in the entire state with a massive 1,500-foot climb in the first 3 miles. PA Wilds considers it one of their top 10 races not to be missed and despite the short distance, the 400-person field boasts runners from numerous states. It’s also held in the heat of July, so make sure you factor in some heat training if you’re considering this race.

If running on one of the coldest days of the year sounds like fun instead, then check out The Frozen Snot, a 12-mile race with over 5,800 feet of climbing. How they created this course to include the amount of climbing it does is still a mystery. Traction devices are mandatory for every participant, plus trekking poles and extra socks are highly recommended. The Race Director also speaks of exposure on the course, "where a fall could result in injury or death,” and how he “reserves the right to not let a person start if he feels that an entrant is not suitably equipped or dressed.”

Next in line is the Rothrock Challenge 25k, a popular race near State College touring some of Rothrock’s rockiest and steepest trails. Racers will enjoy running beneath dark hemlock and spruce forests, along mountainsides covered with ferns, and beneath blooming mountain laurel - all while enjoying some nice views along the way! This course also utilizes trails that are open to the public year-round, meaning this route is one that can be enjoyed even outside of race day.

The next race is the first ultra to make the list. The Hyner Trail Challenge 50k is often considered one of Pennsylvania's most difficult trail races. While touring some of the state's finest singletrack and Hyner's coveted overlooks, demanding climbs and stream crossing fill the course and the race director notes it as an event "not intended for everyone to be able to participate." The 50k boasts 5 major climbs with a cumulative 6,500 feet of climbing, though a 25k is also available for those looking for something shorter.

The final two races to make the list are the World’s End 100k and the Eastern States 100 Miler, both qualifying races for the infamous Western States 100. Each of these races requires that runners complete a shorter distance race in previous years, and neither of them are considered beginner friendly. In fact, many would consider them graduation-level runs and bucket-list events that require a level of training that may even consume a significant portion of your life. Even so, these events both offer looped courses with epic views, stream crossings, rocky singletrack, and well-placed aid stations with crews and drop bag access. Though they may not be for everyone, they might inspire you to try something new if you need a bit of motivation.

Source
White Dot Adventures | Trail Running Tours

Adventures

Rothrock Challenge 25k

An old-school 25k trail race near State College over technical terrain laden with rocks.