Pine Creek Challenge
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Pine Creek Challenge - Sep 12, 2026
The Pine Creek Challenge is a trail running event in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, held on Saturday, Sep 12, 2026. The event location is listed as 1551 Marsh Creek Road. Registration opens on Jan 1, 2026. Distances offered include:
- 100 Miler
- 100K
- 50 Miler
- Marathon
Course and logistics
The event uses the Pine Creek Rail Trail, a 63-mile rail-trail that runs from Wellsboro Junction to Jersey Shore. The race course is an out-and-back that uses about 25 miles of the upper "Canyon" section through Pine Creek Gorge. The Gorge is described as stretching 47 miles, nearly a mile wide, and up to 1,450 feet deep; this section is a National Natural Landmark.
The trail surface is fine crushed stone and about 20 feet wide, with no motorized traffic and few puddles. Runners may encounter cyclists, walkers, and horse-drawn wagons. Wildlife in the area includes bald eagle nesting sites (at least three), river otters introduced by the Pennsylvania Game Commission, deer, foxes, coyotes, and other small animals. The rail-trail loses about 900 feet over 63 miles, a gradient of about 2% to the south. The organizers recommend that 100-mile entrants have prior experience completing runs of 50 miles or more. Course cutoffs are applied at some aid stations. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
