Pine Creek Challenge
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Pine Creek Challenge
The Pine Creek Challenge is scheduled for September 11, 2027 in Wellsboro, PA and is organized by Tyoga Running Club. The event uses a trailhead near 1551 Marsh Creek Road and includes multiple distance options.
- 100 Miler
- 100K
- 50 Miler
- Marathon
Runners follow the Pine Creek Rail Trail, a 63 mile crushed stone rail trail that runs from Wellsboro Junction to Jersey Shore. The event course uses about 25 miles of the upper or "Canyon" section through the Pine Creek Gorge, a 47 mile long canyon that reaches nearly a mile wide and about 1,450 feet deep at its deepest point. That section is listed as a National Natural Landmark.
The rail trail surface is fine crushed stone and about 20 feet wide, with no motorized traffic allowed. Trail users may encounter cyclists, walkers, and occasional horse drawn wagons. Wildlife in the canyon area includes at least three bald eagle nesting sites; river otters were reintroduced in the area by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Deer, foxes, coyotes and other small animals are present.
Route specifics: 100 milers run from Asaph to Blackwell and back twice for four canyon passes; 100K runners go to Blackwell once; 50 milers do one trip to Blackwell and return; marathoners run to Tiaghdaton and turn around. The rail trail loses 900 feet over 63 miles, noted as a 2% grade. There are no mandatory prior entry requirements, though 100 mile entrants are strongly recommended to have completed 50 miles or more. Registration opens January 5, 2027 at 12:00 AM ET. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
