Events
Place
Allison Park, PA US 15101
Description
Be a Part of History
The winter's first big race is back for its 50th incredible year. The Spring Thaw is the longest continuously run race in Pennsylvania, and you get to be a part of that history when you participate in its 50th running on February 28, 2026.
The Spring Thaw starts and finishes at North Park's iconic boathouse and follows counterclockwise loops around the lake with 5, 10, 15, and 20 mile race options. This race is a great training/test event for the 2026 Pittsburgh Marathon or any other spring race!
ALL RACES BEGIN AT 10:00 AM and EVERYONE GETS SOUP!
We are proud to continue to support 412 Food Rescue. CLICK HERE for full details on how to help support their mission.
HOT POST RACE SOUP!
Head back to the Rose Barn after you finish to warm up and have some delicious soup! This will definitely be one of your best post-race meals this winter.
GCXC “Conquer the Cold” Winter Challenge
Conquer the Cold is back and colder than ever in 2026
- 21st Annual Frigid 5 Miler - Sunday, January 11, 2026 at North Park
- 50th Annual Spring Thaw - Saturday, February 28, 2026 at North Park
- 26th Annual Sean T. Smith Memorial Just A Short Run - Saturday, March 28, 2026
This unique challenge is not for the faint of heart. With the infamous Frigid 5 final hill; the Spring Thaw winter temps, and JASR’s famous mile 1 climb, this challenge will surely bring out the best in runners of all abilities!
All participants who complete the challenge will:
- Receive an exclusive, commemorative GCXC “Conquer the Cold” Winter Challenge finishers medal at Just A Short Run on March 28, 2026.
- Medal reveal coming soon!
- Receive all individual race SWAG from Frigid 5, Spring Thaw, and Just A Short Run
- A commemorative 2026 Frigid 5 custom knit tossle cap and finisher medal
- A commemorative 2026 Spring Thaw 50th Anniversary __________, and finisher medal
- A commemorative pair of 2026 Just A Short Run running shorts and a finisher medal
- Pay only one transaction fee (not three!) when registering and save money
- Have the opportunity to purchase Challenger-only apparel to wear during your training
- Get huge kudos on your accomplishment from family, friends, and fellow runners
- Experience immense pride as you conquer the winter chill, maintaining your training momentum as we head into spring 2026
Best of All, You Create Your Own Challenge:
The challenge is simple: sign up for all 3 events at once, pick your distances at each race, and you are registered for the challenge. There are 16 different combinations to choose from. Eat your heart out Burger King! Our runners can have it their way.
NOTE: YOU MUST REGISTER FOR THE CHALLENGE USING THE CHALLENGE BUNDLE TILE TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE CHALLENGE PERKS. Registering for each race separately does not qualify as the challenge.
Race Contact Info
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
