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Trail Running in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has 46 upcoming trail-running races scheduled for 2026. That is the 2nd-highest event count for trail running of any state. Most of the calendar falls in the warmer months: 32 of 46 races (70%) take place between May and September, with August (14 events) the busiest month. No single city dominates the calendar. Wellsboro leads with 3 races, followed by Allison Park (3), Meadville (2), and Marietta (2). The remaining 78% of the calendar is spread across smaller cities.

Trail-running races by month in Pennsylvania

Aug (14) · Sep (13) · Oct (10) · Jul (4) · Nov (4) · May (1)

Showing 24 of 46

Trail Running

TRAIL BLAZER 15k & 5k

Meadville, PA

Trail Running

TRAIL BLAZER 15k & 5k

July 18, 2026
Meadville, PA
Quadzilla 15k Trail Race
Trail Running

Quadzilla 15k Trail Race

July 19, 2026
Schnecksville, PA

Trail Running

First Light / Last Light A Common Trail Series · Summer 2026 · Lancaster County #2

Marietta, PA

Trail Running

First Light / Last Light A Common Trail Series · Summer 2026 · Lancaster County #2

July 25, 2026
Marietta, PA
Lost Turkey Trail Races
Trail Running

Lost Turkey Trail Races

July 25, 2026
Imler, PA
Brayden's Trail Of Strength
Trail Running

Brayden's Trail Of Strength

August 1, 2026
Wellsboro, PA
Tommy Laudani Delone Dash 5K/3K Trail Run
Trail Running

Tommy Laudani Delone Dash 5K/3K Trail Run

August 1, 2026
Hanover, PA
Kinzua Country TANGO
Trail Running

Kinzua Country TANGO

August 1, 2026
Warren, PA
8th Annual Head for the Cure 5K - Pittsburgh
Trail Running

8th Annual Head for the Cure 5K - Pittsburgh

August 8, 2026
Allison Park, PA
Run For The Trail 7K Run and 2 Mile Fun Run/Walk
Trail Running

Run For The Trail 7K Run and 2 Mile Fun Run/Walk

August 8, 2026
Dilltown, PA
Trail to Recovery
Trail Running

Trail to Recovery

August 9, 2026
Meadville, PA
Road to Trail 5K Run and Walk
Trail Running

Road to Trail 5K Run and Walk

August 14, 2026
White Oak, PA
Gettysburg Brewfest & Trail 5K
Trail Running

Gettysburg Brewfest & Trail 5K

August 15, 2026
Gettysburg, PA
3rd Annual Curran Brewing 5k Trail Run and 1.5 Mile Walk
Trail Running

3rd Annual Curran Brewing 5k Trail Run and 1.5 Mile Walk

August 15, 2026
Moscow, PA
28th Annual Rail Trail 10-Miler
Trail Running

28th Annual Rail Trail 10-Miler

August 22, 2026
York, PA
Heart of Tioga Trail Run
Trail Running

Heart of Tioga Trail Run

August 22, 2026
Wellsboro, PA

Trail Running

First Light / Last Light A Common Trail Series · Summer 2026 · Lancaster County #3

Lancaster, PA

Trail Running

First Light / Last Light A Common Trail Series · Summer 2026 · Lancaster County #3

August 22, 2026
Lancaster, PA
RunPA Trail Jamboree
Trail Running

RunPA Trail Jamboree

August 28, 2026
Newmanstown, PA
Salt Springs Field, Forest & Falls Trail Races
Trail Running

Salt Springs Field, Forest & Falls Trail Races

August 29, 2026
Montrose, PA
Dandelion Run - 5k / 10k Trail Race
Trail Running

Dandelion Run - 5k / 10k Trail Race

September 5, 2026
Mifflinburg, PA

Trail Running

First Light / Last Light A Common Trail Series #4 Labor Day Wellness Event

Marietta, PA

Trail Running

First Light / Last Light A Common Trail Series #4 Labor Day Wellness Event

September 5, 2026
Marietta, PA
BULL DAM TRAIL RUN
Trail Running

BULL DAM TRAIL RUN

September 6, 2026
North East, PA
North Park Trail Runners Green Mile Loop Challenge
Trail Running

North Park Trail Runners Green Mile Loop Challenge

September 12, 2026
Allison Park, PA
Rock 'N The Knob Trail Challenge – PA’s Highest Trail Race
Trail Running

Rock 'N The Knob Trail Challenge – PA’s Highest Trail Race

September 12, 2026
Claysburg, PA
Sasquatch Preservation Trail Run 5 & 10 K
Trail Running

Sasquatch Preservation Trail Run 5 & 10 K

September 12, 2026
Seven Valleys, PA

Frequently asked questions

What is trail running?
Trail running takes place on unpaved surfaces like dirt paths, mountain trails, and forest roads. Distances range from 5K to 100+ miles. Trail running emphasizes scenery, elevation, and technical terrain over pace.
What shoes do I need for trail running?
Trail running shoes have aggressive lugs for traction, rock plates for protection, and a more durable outsole than road shoes. Popular brands include Hoka, Salomon, and Altra. Choose shoes based on your local terrain.
How is trail running different from road running?
Trail running involves more elevation change, uneven footing, and slower paces than road running. Expect to run 20-40% slower on trails compared to roads. The focus shifts from pace per mile to effort and time on feet.
What are the best trail running destinations in the US?
Colorado, California, Oregon, and Utah offer world-class trail running. Iconic areas include the Sierra Nevada, Rocky Mountains, Pacific Northwest forests, and Appalachian trails. Browse trail events by state on RACE.