The Course

All races are “out-and-back” on the Ghost Town Trail– which was named as Pennsylvania’s “Trail of the Year” for 2019!

Race Start & Finish is at Saylor Park in Blacklick, PA.  The GPS address for the park is 1284 Old Indiana Road, Blairsville, PA 15717.

The Marathon and Marathon Relay turnaround is just past the Dilltown access point for the Ghost Town Trail. The course has a mild incline on the way out, but then runners get a downhill grade on the way back!

The Half Marathon turnaround is just past the Heshbon access point for the Ghost Town Trail.  The half marathon also has a slight incline on the way out, but then a downhill grade on the way back.

Here is a map of the Ghost Town Trail: Ghost Town Trail: Saylor Park to Dilltown Map

Aid Stations: There are aid stations approximately every 2-4 miles along the course.

The Full Marathon and Marathon Relay have aid stations at miles (approx.) 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 14, 17, 20, 22 and 24. 

Relay exchange zones are at miles 6.3, 13.1, and 19.9.  Turn by turn driving directions to each aid station will be in your race packets!

First Runner– will run from the starting line with the marathon runners at 9AM to the Zone 1 exchange just past the Heshbon aid station.

Zone 1: Heshbon– at the 6.3 miles point just past the Heshbon aid station at the intersection of the trail and Route 259 North.  Runner #2 will run from Heshbon to the Dilltown turnaround point at 13.1 miles.

Zone 2: Dilltown– at the 13.1 mile mark (the marathon turnaround).  Walk from the Dilltown aid station (at the intersection of the trail and Route 403 North) east toward Ebensburg (up the trail) until you reach the turnaround (there will be course workers there).  Run from the turnaround back to Hesbon.

Zone 3: Heshbon– at the 19.3 mile mark.  Exchange again just before the Heshbon aid station.  Run to the finish line!

The Half Marathon has aid states at miles (approx.) 2, 4, 6, 9, and 11.

Aid stations will be stocked with PRE-PACKAGED FOOD AND DRINKS ONLY.

Runners are encouraged to supply their own gels or any other supplements that they may need.