Jim Thorpe Area Running Festival
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The Jim Thorpe Area Running Festival (April 25-26, 2026)
The festival takes place April 25-26, 2026 in Jim Thorpe, PA (1 Hazard Square). Events are staged over two days and include the following distances:
- Full marathon - point-to-point, Boston qualifying
- Half marathon - out-and-back on the Lehigh Gorge Trail
- 7-miler - final seven miles of the marathon course
- Full Super Two-Fer - half plus full (sold out)
Course, logistics and services
The full marathon runs largely on former railroad rail-trails (D&L and Lehigh Gorge), described by the organizer as a steady 0.5-1% downgrade for most of the route with a net descent around 700 feet. Surfaces are wide, smooth, hard-packed earth and gravel. The half marathon and 7-miler use the last portion of the full course along the Lehigh Gorge Trail.
Train rides are offered for the 7-miler and the marathon start; spectator train tickets are limited. Parking options include prepaid premium parking in the Jim Thorpe Train Station lot and free off-site parking at Jim Thorpe Area High School with a 7-minute shuttle. Non-train marathon runners use the Route 940 Park and Ride in White Haven.
Additional facts: bib pickup is on Friday (Muggles' Mug Coffee Shoppe) and Saturday for marathon bibs; there is no day-of packet pickup. Portable toilets are placed at start/finish and at specified mile locations. The course is remote - cell service is limited; bikers monitor marathon miles 12-26. Volunteers receive a race T-shirt and the organizer makes donations for volunteer participation. Swag includes a 2026 tee, event-specific finisher medals, and free downloadable race photos. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
