Pine Creek Challenge
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About the race
The Pine Creek Challenge is a multi-distance trail running event near Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, held along the Pine Creek Rail Trail and through the Pine Creek Gorge. The event offers several distances and uses an out and back layout that runs on the rail trail. The rail trail surface is fine crushed stone and is about 20 feet wide. There is no motorized traffic allowed on the trail and the surface is described as free of puddles.
The trail has a barely perceptible grade; it loses 900 feet in 63 miles, listed as a 2% grade. The organizer notes possible encounters with horse-drawn wagons, cyclists, and walkers. The event uses a 25-mile section of the upper canyon. Course specifics by distance: - *100 Miler* - *100K* - *50 Miler* - *Marathon* Course routing by distance includes runs from Asaph to Blackwell and back for the 100 Miler, a single trip to Blackwell for the 100K, one trip to Blackwell and return for the 50 Miler, and a turn-around at Tiaghdaton for the marathon.
The Pine Creek Gorge is described as stretching 47 miles, nearly a mile wide, and up to 1,450 feet deep; the Pine Creek section is a National Natural Landmark. Wildlife in the area includes bald eagle nesting sites, river otters from a reintroduction effort, deer, foxes, and coyotes. Early September weather notes include an average low near 51 and daytime around 75, with historical extremes. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
