Statistics
4 - 5
hrs
1,143
m
1,143
m
13
max°
Difficulty
FATMAP difficulty grade
Description
The Rothrock Challenge is a popular trail race near State College that tours some of central PA's most notorious trails.
Racers will enjoy running beneath dark hemlock and spruce forests, along mountainsides covered with ferns, 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 course also passes beneath the historic [Little Flat Fire Tower](https://fatmap.com/routeid/2808940/little-flat-fire-tower), a local destination and easy hike worthy of a day trip all of its own. Most runners recognize the event for its showpiece 25-kilometer course full of rocky singletrack, numerous water crossings, plus three fully-stocked aid stations.
A course marshal is also on the course to help direct runners at a tricky intersection.
A half-marathon was also added to the registration in 2022, and given its growing popularity, one could expect to see even more distance options in the future if the event continues to grow.
When it comes to finishing the race, runners cross the starting line at 9 a.m.
and gifted a generous time cutoff of 7.5-hours.
The race promoter even notes how if you were to hike the entire course, you'd still likely finish well within the cutoff! Each racer also receives their own swag just for participating, though it varies from year-to-year.
In addition to the race, an afterparty at the Tussey Mountain Pavilion offers a buffet and local brews available to participants and their families.
An optional lake plunge also follows, a welcoming reward for years when temperatures exceed the 70-degree averages typical of May.
A photographer is also snagging photos of racers and volunteers throughout the day, and they are available to download online after the event has concluded.
[Race Website](https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Boalsburg/RothrockChallenge [Team Run Run Race Report](https://teamrunrun.com/rothrock-trail-challenge-race-report-ryan-e/)