Pine Creek Challenge
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About the race
The Pine Creek Challenge is scheduled for September 11, 2027 in Wellsboro, PA and is organized by the Tyoga Running Club. It is a trail running event that uses the Pine Creek Rail Trail and the upper "Canyon" section through the Pine Creek Gorge.
Distances offered:
- 100 Miler - Asaph to Blackwell and back twice for four canyon passes.
- 100K - Out-and-back to Blackwell once.
- 50 Miler - One trip to Blackwell and return.
- Marathon - Out-and-back to Tiaghdaton and return.
The course uses about 25 miles of the upper canyon section of the Pine Creek Rail Trail. The Rail Trail surface is fine crushed stone, about 20 feet wide, and does not allow motorized traffic. The Pine Creek Gorge is a National Natural Landmark; it stretches about 47 miles, is nearly a mile wide in places, and reaches approximately 1,450 feet in depth at its deepest point. The rail trail has a very gentle grade, losing about 900 feet over 63 miles (approximately a 2 percent grade).
Wildlife is common along the course, including bald eagle nesting sites and areas involved in river otter reintroduction, as well as deer, foxes, coyotes, and trout fishing nearby. Organizers recommend that 100 mile entrants have prior experience completing a 50 mile event. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
