Path Of The Flood Historic Races
Johnstown, United States • 23 May 2026
The Path of the Flood Historic Races return for their 12th running in Johnstown. This event is hosted by Heritage Johnstown and the Cambria County Conservation & Recreation Authority, with proceeds benefiting local trails and regional heritage. All three distances utilize chip timing with timing mats to track participant progress.
Participants can choose from three distinct distances:
- 14 Mile course starting within the ruins of the South Fork Dam.
- 8 Mile course starting at the Staple Bend Tunnel site.
- 5K course ending at Peoples Natural Gas Park.
The 14 Mile course follows the South Fork Little Conemaugh River, following the path of the historic 1889 flood waters. Runners on both the 14 Mile and 8 Mile courses pass through the Staple Bend Tunnel, the first railroad tunnel in the United States, which is illuminated by luminaries for the event.
The route includes several miles on the shady Coy-McCombie Link trail through Franklin Boro and East Conemaugh. Participants also traverse the Trolley Line Extension, which offers views of Johnstown and a brief climb before descending into Woodvale. The final segment passes through the Hope Tunnel and ends at Peoples Natural Gas Park near the historic Stone Bridge. Registered participants receive a shirt, a commemorative pint glass, and a finisher medal. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.