Jim Thorpe Area Running Festival
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The Jim Thorpe Area Running Festival : April 24–25, 2027, Jim Thorpe, PA
The festival spans two days in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, and offers multiple race options along former railroad corridors that run through Lehigh Gorge State Park. Distances include:
- 13.1 miles Half Marathon
- 26.2 miles Full Marathon
- 7 miles 7-Miler
- 39.3 miles Full Super Two-Fer (Half and Full combined)
The full marathon is a point-to-point Boston Qualifier that follows the D&L and Lehigh Gorge rail trails. The route maintains a steady 0.5 to 1 percent downgrade for most of the course and records about a 700-foot net downhill. Trail surfaces are wide, smooth, hard-packed earth and gravel. The half marathon and 7-miler use the final portion of the full marathon course.
Train service provides scenic transport to the starting area for the marathon and is required for the 7-miler; a non-train marathon entry includes a shuttle option to and from a parking lot near the start. Cell phone coverage is limited on the remote trail. Bikers and staffed aid resources monitor sections of the marathon course for assistance.
On-course support is provided by an exclusive hydration and fuel partner. Marathon and half marathon aid stations are located at multiple mile markers and include water, basic first aid kits, and scheduled UCAN hydration and gels. Restrooms are limited along the trail with portable toilets at several points.
Logistics note: there is no day-of packet pickup; bib pickup is handled in advance at designated locations. Volunteers receive a volunteer T-shirt and participating organizations may receive a donation per volunteer. Awards and finisher items include top overall and age-group awards, event-specific finisher medals, and event apparel while supplies last. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
