Hellbender Half Marathon
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Event Overview
The Hellbender 5k & Half Marathon takes place in the Weiser State Forest, specifically within the Roaring Creek Tract. Based in Bear Gap, Pennsylvania, the event offers two distinct distances:
- Half Marathon
- 5k
The courses are structured as out-and-back routes that start and finish at the Route 54 parking area, situated between Mount Carmel and Elysburg. The terrain follows roads that wind through a 9,000-acre park in the ridge and valley region of eastern Pennsylvania. Both courses are flat and lead runners along the shores of scenic reservoir lakes.
Participation and Amenities
The event is capped at 300 participants due to parking restrictions at the venue. There is no race day registration and no wait-list once the cap is reached. All participants receive a race shirt, a finisher medal, and a post-race meal as part of their entry fee. Packet pickup is available on the morning of the event.
The race is organized in coordination with efforts to support the Roaring Creek Valley Conservation Association (RCVCA). Proceeds are used to promote clean water initiatives within the state forest and the surrounding Roaring Creek Watershed. The event's name refers to the hellbender, a large aquatic salamander native to the region that serves as an indicator of healthy, unpolluted water systems.
The race course remains open until noon. Access to the venue is only possible via the Route 54 entrance of the park. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
