Belmar Bridge Half Marathon

 ***This event has a participant cap of 150.

Experience the First-Ever Race at the Sandy Creek Trail!

The Sandy Creek Trail, located in Venango County, is a stunning rail trail. The trail was developed from 2000 to 2005 when the former Franklin and Clearfield Railroad was converted to the now 12-mile paved trail. The Sandy Creek Trail winds its way along the Allegheny River and East Sandy Creek. The rail trail travels through the nearly untouched wilderness of Venango County, Pennsylvania. The trail boasts an impressive 7 bridges.

"12 Miles of Beautiful Views" - Pittsburgh Magazine 

The Belmar Bridge is the most breathtaking feature of the Sandy Creek Trail. At 1385 feet long, this wooden deck bridge crosses the Allegheny River and offers sweeping views of the river valley.

"The Belmar bridge over the Allegheny River is one of the most spectacular views I've ever encountered..." -brody TrailLink 

Not only does this trail feature bridges, but it has a tunnel as well – the Deep Valley Tunnel – that is. This tunnel is another focal point of the trail and is 967 feet long. Ten percent of your race registration fee supports the Allegheny Valley Trails Association (AVTA), a volunteer, non-profit organization that continues to maintain and development recreational trails throughout the Oil Heritage Region of Pennsylvania. 

"It’s impossible to resist the urge to stop and take in the view." - Pittsburgh Magazine 

Swag:

Wolf Creek Drawstring Bag & Custom Belmar Bridge Half Marathon Finisher Medal!

Race Shirts:

A long sleeve performance shirt will be available to purchase during registration. Shirts will ship after the event. Please allow 2-4 weeks for your shirt to arrive. 

Window Start:

Participants may start any time between 8:00-8:30 AM to allow for maximum social distancing. You start when you're comfortable. The start is chip timed so there is no penalty to starting later. Your time starts when you cross the start line. 

Packet Pick Up:

Packet pick up will be available from 3:00-6:00 PM on Saturday, October 3rd at the Belmar Trailhead. 

Race day packet pick up available from 7:15-8:30 AM. 

Mask required at packet pick up. 

Awards Ceremony:

No awards ceremony on race day. A virtual awards ceremony will be posted on YouTube in the week following the event.

Awards: Top 5 overall male & female finishers. Top 5 overall masters male & female finishers. All awards will be mailed following the event. Please allow 2-4 weeks for awards to arrive. 

Course: 

Out & back on the flat, paved Sandy Creek Trail. Course Time Limit 3.5 hours (16:01 min/mile). Attainable by walking or running. 

Directions:

The Belmar trailhead is at Belmar Village on the west side of the River. Access is from Route 8, 3 miles south of Franklin. Turn on Pone Lane and drive past Franklin High School to Belmar Road. Turn right and follow it to the parking area at the foot of the hill with the river and bridge in sight. GPS N 41 19.983 W 79 46.467

Parking:

Available at the Belmar trailhead parking lot and off the side of Belmar Rd. 

Restrooms:

Portable restrooms will be available near the Belmar trailhead parking lot and along the half marathon course. 

Water Stations:

Self-serve. 8oz plastic water bottles and 12oz Gatorade will be available. 5 total water stations available along the course (Mile 2, 4, 6.5, 9, 11).