South Ridge Trail Challenge

South Ridge Trail Challenge

The South Ridge Trail Challenge is a trail running and hiking event held in North Park, located within Allegheny County, PA. The course utilizes the trail system of the South Ridge Plateau, with the start and finish lines situated near the historic North Park swimming pool. Participants navigate terrain through the Western Pennsylvania landscape during the early summer season.

The event features several distance options, many of which utilize a 10 km loop format:

• 5K (ish): A route approximately 3.5 miles in length, open to both runners and hikers.
• 10K (ish): A course measuring approximately 6.66 miles with vertical climbing, open to runners and hikers.
• 20K (ish): This distance consists of two loops of the 10 km course, totaling nearly a half marathon.
• 50Kish: An ultramarathon distance consisting of five loops of the 10 km course, totaling approximately 33 miles and 5,000 feet of vertical gain. This is the only 50K distance race held in North Park.
• 50Kish Relay: A team event where groups of 2 to 5 people complete five loops of the 10 km course.

Registration for these events typically opens in late January. Athletes participating in the 50K distance must adhere to a course cut-off, which requires them to depart from the aid station for their final loop by 3:30 pm. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.