Experience the rich history of this formerly booming coal region. Run along the banks of the Allegheny River, past the Phillipston Turntable, the Brady Tunnel, underneath the Redbank Coaling Tower, across steel railroad bridges, and by the Lock & Dam #9 - all in one race.
A flat & fast out & back course on the Armstrong Trail along the Allegheny River. You will experience the Phillipston Turntable, Brady Tunnel, Redbank Coaling Tower, Allegheny Lock & Dam #9, the villages of Cosmus & Templeton and multiple bridges and waterfalls. A gentle 1% grade on a crushed limestone surface. Total elevation gain 266 feet.
Flat & fast out & back course with only 143 feet of total elevation gain. You will experience the Phillipston Turntable, Brady Tunnel, Redbank Coaling Tower, Allegheny Lock & Dam #9, the village of Cosmus and multiple bridges and waterfalls.
All marathon participants will have the option to start their race at any point from 7:30 am to 7:50 am and all half marathon participants will have from 8:00 am to 8:30 am in order to aid social distancing. The start will be chip timed so there is no penalty to starting later. All results will be based on net (chip) time.
Portable restrooms will be placed at the start area and along the course.
Aid Stations with refreshments and first aid kits will be available along the course.
Available at the Phillipston Trailhead.
Awards will be given for each race to the Top 3 Overall Male and Female Open & Masters Finishers as well as the top 3 male and female finishers in the following age groups: 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+. There will be no in-person award ceremony due to Covid-19. All awards will be mailed. A virtual award ceremony video will be posted on YouTube in the week following the event.
For more race information, please visit https://wolfcreektrackclub.com/burning-coal-marathon-half-marathon/
Packet Pickup will be available at the start/finish area from 6:30 to 8:30 AM on the morning of the races. You can also choose to have your packet shipped to your home for an additional $14.99. Select "Ship My Packet" during the online registration process.
The Inn at Five Pointe (16 Miles)
Parker House Hotel (17 Miles)
The Foxburg Inn (20 Miles)
Burnt Ridge Campground (17 Miles)
Bear Ridge Campground (21 Miles)
Check for flights into these local airports:
Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)
Erie International Airport (ERI)
Phillipston Yard & Turntable (On the Course)
Brady Tunnel (On the Course)
Redbank Coaling Tower (On the Course)
Allegheny River Lock & Dam 9 (On the Course)
Brady's Bend Overlook (2.6 miles)
August Falls Winery (14 miles)
State Game Lands 95 (15 miles)
Foxburg Wine Cellars (20 miles)
At Wolf Creek Race Management, we take COVID-19 very seriously. We will do everything in our power to offer a safe and fun event for all participants. We have taken several steps to ensure the safety of all participants, staff members, volunteers, and spectators. These steps in accordance with PA-state government & CDC guidelines include:
If this event is no longer able to occur due to COVID-19 restrictions, all participants will receive a full refund. Refunds for any other reason will not be granted.
Would you recommend trail running shoes or road running shoes?
Road running shoes
Is there a course time limit?
Yes, participants in the Half Marathon must run under 4 hours. Participants in marathon must run under 7 hours.
Is there an awards ceremony?
Not this year. To lower the risk of COVID-19, we are eliminating high contact aspects of the event. All overall open & masters medals will be mailed post-race and should arrive within 2-3 weeks depending on your location.
Can I walk?
Absolutely, as long as you can finish the race in the given course time limit.
Will there be race day registration?
No.
Are pets allowed?
No.
Are strollers allowed?
No.
Butler, PA - 40 minutes
Franklin, PA - 60 minutes
Cranberry Township, PA - 70 minutes
Pittsburgh, PA - 75 minutes
Youngstown, OH - 90 minutes
Johnstown, PA - 1 hr 40 min
Erie, PA - 2 hrs
Altoona, PA - 2 hrs
Cleveland, OH - 2 hrs 20 min
Morgantown, WV - 2 hrs 30 min
Harrisburg, PA - 3 hrs 30 min
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
1. Follow PA 68 North out of East Brady and stay on it for approximately 2 ½ miles.
2. Look for the sign for Phillipston on the right.
3. Take the road for Phillipston, St Rte 2023/Phillipston Road, down the hill approximately 1 ½ miles to the village of Phillipston.
4. Take the first left in Phillipston to the end of Apple Street, 493 feet.
5. Park in the field to the right next to the post and cable barrier.
6. Please do not park in the way of the gate. Be respectful of adjacent land owners.
1. Travel approximately 4 miles.
2. Look for the sign for Phillipston on the left.
3. Take the road for Phillipston, St Rte 2023/Phillipston Road, down the hill approximately 1 ½ miles to the village of Phillipston.
4. Take the first left in Phillipston to the end of Apple Street, 493 feet.
5. Park in the field to the right next to the post and cable barrier.
6. Please do not park in the way of the gate. Be respectful of adjacent land owners.
1. Take the exit for PA-68 South
2. Stay on PA-68 for approximately 19 miles.
3. Look for the sign for Phillipston on the left.
4. Take the road for Phillipston, St Rte 2023/Phillipston Road, down the hill approximately 1 ½ miles to the village of Phillipston.
5. Take the first left in Phillipston to the end of Apple Street, 493 feet.
6. Park in the field to the right next to the post and cable barrier.
7. Please do not park in the way of the gate. Be respectful of adjacent land owners.
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