Jim Thorpe Area Running Festival
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Event overview
The Jim Thorpe Area Running Festival takes place April 25-26, 2026 in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania. The festival includes the following events:
- Full Marathon
- Half Marathon
- 7-Miler
- Full Super Two-Fer (Half & Full)
The full marathon is a point-to-point Boston qualifier with a steady 0.5-1% downgrade for most of the course and about a 700-foot net downhill. The 7-Miler and some marathon participants use a scenic train to reach the start area.
Course, logistics and services
All courses run largely on former railroad rail-trails through Lehigh Gorge State Park. Surfaces are wide, smooth, hard-packed earth and gravel. The course is remote and cell phones may not work on the trail; marathon bikers monitor miles 12-26 and can alert ATV or EMS teams if a runner needs pickup.
Parking options include a pre-paid municipal lot next to the finish area and free off-site parking with a shuttle from Jim Thorpe Area High School. Non-train marathon runners use the Route 940 Park and Ride in White Haven. There is no day-of packet pickup; bib pickup is available before race weekend and a mailing option exists.
Portable toilets are placed at start/finish and at several points on each course. Race swag includes a festival tee while supplies last, unique finisher medals, and free downloadable professional photos. Awards are given to top finishers overall, masters, and age-group categories. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
