Sidewinder
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Event Overview
The Sidewinder is a trail running event on September 5, 2026, taking place in the Montour Woods Conservation Area and Moon Park near Coraopolis, Pennsylvania. This is the first edition of the event, with proceeds benefiting the Hollow Oak Land Trust.
Distances
Participants can choose from three distances:
- 50K
- 20 Mile
- Half Marathon
The course is a well-marked trail with typical Western Pennsylvania conditions, described as twisty dirt singletrack with roots, windy switchbacks, and rocky sections. Aid stations are available approximately every 3 to 4 miles along the looped course. All distances have a total cutoff time of 10 hours, and professional timing is provided.
Course Details
The course is divided into themed segments. All races start with the "Liftoff" segment, a 1.36-mile route beginning at the Clearview Shelter in Moon Park and connecting to the Montour Woods trails.
The main "Orbit" segment is a 9-mile loop through the Montour Woods Conservation Area. Highlights include passing a reclaimed Nike missile site, running under a powerline, and following a scenic stretch beside Meeks Run, which features a waterfall and a cave. Participants complete one Orbit loop for the Half Marathon, two for the 20 Mile, and three for the 50K.
The final segment, "Final Approach," varies by distance. The 50K and Half Marathon finish with a 2.87-mile, mostly double-track loop around Moon Park. The 20 Mile race finishes by returning to the start on the reverse of the initial 1.36-mile "Liftoff" segment.
Additional Information
Vertical gain is listed as approximately 1900 feet for the Half Marathon, 3200 feet for the 20 Mile, and 4500 feet for the 50K. A commemorative T-shirt is offered, with a guaranteed deadline of July 5, 2026. Awards are given to the top male and female finishers in each distance. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
