FAQs
Q: I hurt myself (or my son is graduating from college, or I haven't trained enough...). Can I get a refund or a deferral?
The race does not offer refunds. However, you can defer to next year for a small fee as long as you do so by 4/25/2025. After that time we will not be able to accommodate deferral requests. This link will walk you through the deferral process: https://help.runsignup.com/support/solutions/articles/17000062915-defer-registration-claim-deferral
**IMPORTANT NOTE** You MUST claim your deferral when registration opens next year. You will not be automatically registered for the race. The same link will walk you through claiming your deferral.
Q: I want to transfer my bib to a friend. Can I do that?
Yes. You can transfer your bib to a friend ON OR BEFORE 4/8. Your friend will be asked to pay a $25 transfer fee. This link will walk you through how to do that: https://help.runsignup.com/support/solutions/articles/17000062921-transfer-to-another-runner
Q: Can I sign up to volunteer?
Absolutely! We love volunteers! You can check out volunteering opportunities and sign up BY CLICKING HERE. We also love helping out local non-profit clubs and organizations. If you run a local club or organization (or high school team) we will donate $25 per volunteer for Saturday and $35 per volunteer for Sunday. Please contact trish@runegades.com and put "JTARF VOLUNTEER" in the subject to get set up!
Q: Give me all the GPS coordinates please (CLICK ON LINKS FOR GOOGLE MAPS).
Friday Bib pickup at Mugglets' Mug: 79 Broadway Jim Thorpe PA
Saturday Bib pickup Jim Thorpe Train Station: 1 Susquehanna Street, Jim Thorpe PA
Premium Parking area; Start/Finish for half marathon; finish for 7-miler and full marathon: Jim Thorpe Municipal Parking Lot
Free, non-premium Off-site shuttle parking in Jim Thorpe: Jim Thorpe High School, 1 Olympian Way, Jim Thorpe PA
Free, non-premium parking OVERFLOW (if JTHS lot is full): LB Morris Elementary, 150 W. 10th St., Jim Thorpe PA
Starting line for full marathon: Right next to G&A Hardware, 107 Susquehanna St, White Haven, PA
Park and Ride for full marathon starting line (for non-train riders): Rte. 940 Park and Ride, White Haven, PA
Overflow lot for full marathon starting line (if Park and Ride is full): Rte 940 Marathon Overflow lot, White Haven PA
Spectator Spots for full marathon: Rockport Road Trailhead, Glen Onoko Parking Area
Q: I'm running the 7-miler. When will I start?
You MUST take the train. It leaves at 6:30 AM.
You will be given an option: start early (7 AM) as the train is going up to White Haven OR start later (8:30 AM) as the train is returning from White Haven. If you choose to start early, you may want to park in the premium lot, as shuttles back to the off-site parking lot do not begin again until 11 AM.
Q: What's the deal with parking?
Half Marathon, 7-Mile, and Marathon with Train Runners have two options for parking:
1. Premium Parking in the Jim Thorpe Train Station Lot next to the finish line. This is the BEST option, but spots are limited and MUST be pre-purchased from the Carbon County Parking Website BY CLICKING HERE. (Once on the site, click "VIEW PERMITS" and select the correct day). *NOTE: Carbon County has raised their weekend parking rate to $25. This has nothing to do with the festival and we have no say over the price.
NOTE Early 7-mile runners are encouraged to park in the premium lot. The return shuttle to the off-site JTAHS parking lot does not begin until 11 AM, well after the conclusion of the early wave of the 7 miler.
2. Free, Off-site Parking will be available at the Jim Thorpe Area High School. A 7-minute shuttle bus will take you to and from the start/finish area next to the Jim Thorpe Train Station. An overflow lot will be available at LB Morris Elementary School if the JTAHS lot is full. (See GPS coordinates in the FAQ above)
Marathon with Shuttle Bus (non-train): Runners will Park at the Route 940 Park and Ride in White Haven. (Yes, you can be dropped off at the start and your friends or family can park in the County Lot to wait for you by the finish line). An overflow lot will be available if the Park and Ride lot is full. (See GPS coordinates in the FAQ above).
Q: When/where is bib pickup?
THERE IS NO DAY-OF PACKET PICKUP! Those who cannot pick up their bibs in person MUST elect to have them mailed before the race.
All runners can pick up bibs on Friday April 25th from noon to 6 pm at Muggles' Mug Coffee Shoppe (79 Broadway, Jim Thorpe).
Marathon and 7-Mile runners can pick up their bibs on Saturday April 26th from 10am to 2pm in front of the Jim Thorpe Train Station.
A friend may pick up your bib with a copy of your ID. A picture on a phone will suffice.
Q: I won't be able to get to bib pickup on time and I didn't add packet mailing, what do I do?
If you can't get to bib pickup the day before your race, you have a few options:
1. Have a friend pick up your bib. They will need a picture of your photo ID.
2. Add packet mailing before 4/15. THIS LINK will walk you through the process.
3. If you can't have a friend pick up your bib and it is after 4/15, you will be able to add emergency day-of packet pickup to your registration by following the instructions in THIS LINK.
Q: Did I opt for bib mailing?
If you're wondering whether or not you selected bib pickup when you registered, you can check by logging into Run Signup, clicking on "my profile," and then clicking on "Manage Registration" next to the Jim Thorpe Area Running Festival. If you opted for packing mailing, you will see the line: "Add-ons: packet mailing (1)"
Q: I didn't add packet mailing but need to do so!
If you did not opt for packet mailing but need to do so, this link will explain how to complete that add-on: Add-On Management : RunSignup Helpdesk
Q: I missed the packet mailing deadline but can't get to packet pickup! What do I do??
Never fear! If you miss the packet-mailing deadline but won't be able to get to packet pickup, you will be able to add emergency day-of packet pickup up until the day of the event.
Q: Can I switch to a different event?
Yes, as long as that event is not sold out. Please email us at info@runegades.com.
Q: I want to start the marathon at 8 am, but I don't want to take the train. Can I do that?
Yes. Most people who are not taking the train plan to start at 7:15. However, you can drive yourself or get dropped at the starting line right next to the G&A Hardware Store in White Haven. If you drive yourself, you will park at the ROUTE 940 Park and Ride in White Haven. A free shuttle will take you to the starting line. A free shuttle will also return you to your car following the race.
Q: Will there be any pacers for the half or full marathon?
Beast Pacing will return in 2025 to provide pacers for the half marathon and marathon. Marathon pacers will begin at 8:00 am.
Marathon: 3:30, 3:45, 4:00, 4:15, 4:30, 4:45, 5:00, 5:15, 5:30, 5:45, and 6:00 (We are still working to find 3:00 and 3:15).
Half Marathon: 1:40, 1:50, 2:00, 2:10, 2:20, 2:30, 2:45, and 3:00. (We are still working to find 1:30).
If you have questions about pacing, please reach out to Vanessa at:
Beast Coast Productions
714-381-4612
info@beastcoastpro.com
Q: Where can spectators catch a glimpse of the runners?
For the half marathon, spectators can safely watch runners pass through the Glen Onoko parking area at Lehigh Gorge State Park in Jim Thorpe (miles 2 and 11) and at the start/finish area.
For the full marathon, spectators who do not take the train can drive to the Rockport Road trailhead in Lehigh Township and watch runners pass at roughly mile 12. They can also watch runners pass through the Glen Onoko parking area at Lehigh Gorge State Park in Jim Thorpe (mile 24) and at the start/finish area.
For the 7-miler, spectators can watch runners pass through the Glen Onoko parking area at Lehigh Gorge State Park in Jim Thorpe (mile 5) and at the start/finish area.
Q: Are Spectator Train Tickets Still Available?
Spectator train tickets sold out by late December.
Q: Are strollers allowed in the race?
We discourage the use of strollers, but we do not prohibit it. However, the course is hard-pack rail trail, so you will have to use a heavy-duty jogging stroller. We also ask that you space yourself properly at the start and throughout the race.
Q: Can I run with my dog? Can my dog come on the train?
The trail is a public trail, so you may run with your dog, and your dog may ride the train, but you also must accept full responsibility for you dog. Pursuant to PA law, all dogs must be leashed at all times while out in public.
We ask that you only run with your dog if he/she has extensive experience running in groups. Also, do NOT bring a dog on the train to spectate. The round-trip is simply too long to be comfortable for a dog.
Q: Will non-runners be on the trail?
Yes. The D&L is a public trail. We cannot close it for the event. Please be mindful of bikers and hikers as you run.
Q: Are you SERIOUS? My GPS won't really work?
Yes. We are serious. Your GPS will NOT work in Lehigh Gorge. You will also have a very weak (if any) cell signal.
Q: I'm pretty sure my super fancy GPS 9000 satellite-linked, titanium infused, Geo-positioning mega watch will work on the trail.
No. It won't. (also, that's not a question)
Q: How can I possibly know my pace/expected finish time if my GPS won't work??
You can get a pace bracelet that will convert your watch time to your estimated finish time at each mile marker.
Q: What flavor of UCAN hydrate and GELS will be on the race course?
UCAN has sent us watermelon and berry hydration packs. They have also sent us strawberry banana GELS.
Q: Will there be porta-potties throughout the race?
Restroom opportunities will be EXTREMELY LIMITED! The race runs through a remote section of the D&L Trail that is inaccessible to automobiles, including trucks that deliver portable toilets. For the half marathon, portable toilets will be located at the start/finish and at miles 2 and 11. For the marathon, they will be located at the start/finish areas and (roughly) miles 4, 12, and 24. For the 7-miler, they will be located at the finish area and mile 6. There will be a restroom in every train car.
Q: Do I have to take the train if I'm running the 7-miler?
Yes. Technically, you can park at the Glen Onoko parking area by Lehigh Gorge State Park and walk to the starting line, but that is a 5-mile walk.
Q: What if I miss the train?
Do not run after it.
Q: What is the running surface like? Should I wear trail shoes or gaiters?
The Full Marathon will take you down the D&L and Lehigh Gorge rail trails. These wide, smooth trails are hard-packed earth and gravel and, because they are former railroad lines, maintain a steady downgrade of 1-2% nearly the entire length of the marathon. One of our RUNegades’ ultra runners ran the course and says trail shoes are not necessary, but runners may want to wear gaiters to prevent small pebbles from entering their shoes. The Half Marathon and 7-Miler will take you through the last portion of the Full Marathon course, on the wide, smooth, hard-packed Lehigh Gorge Trail.
Q: When will bibs be mailed?
Bibs will be mailed in mid-April. If you do not receive your bib by April 21st, please contact us at info@runegades.com
Q: Where do I park?
To park in the train station lot next to the finish area (the most convenient place to park), runners MUST pre-pay for parking. You can do that by CLICKING HERE. Free parking with a free shuttle ride will be available at the Jim Thorpe Area High School, 1 Olympian Way, Jim Thorpe, PA.
Q: When will the parking lots open?
On SATURDAY THE LOTS WILL OPEN AT 6:30 am for the half marathon. THE LOT WILL NOT OPEN UNTIL 6:30 am. The starting line will open at 8am. Runners will be allowed to start at 8am. The race is chip timed, so your time will not start until you cross the starting mat.
On SUNDAY THE LOTS WILL OPEN AT 5:15 am for the full marathon and 7-miler. We ask all runners to board the train by 6:30 am.
Q: What is the shuttle schedule to and from parking lots?
Saturday:
6:30 AM to 7:45 AM: From Jim Thorpe Area High School to 2 Hazard Square (in front of Molly Maguires, a 5 minute walk to starting line)
10:00 AM to 12:30 PM: From 2 Hazard Square to Jim Thorpe Area High School
Sunday:
Morning for train riders: 5:15 AM to 6:15 AM: From Jim Thorpe Area High School to 2 Hazard Square (in front of Molly Maguires, a 2 minute walk to the train station)
Morning for non-train riders: 6:15 AM to 7:45 AM: From Rte 940 Park and Ride in White Haven to Marathon Start Line
Afternoon shuttles for train riders: 11 AM to 2:00 PM: From 2 Hazard Square (in front of Molly Maguires) to JTAHS Parking Lot.
Afternoon shuttles for non-train riders: 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM: From 2 Hazard Square (in front of Molly Maguires) to Rte. 940 Park and Ride in White Haven (leaving every 30 minutes or so).
NOTE: Shuttles back to JTAHS do not begin until 11 AM. 7-mile runners are encouraged to park in the premium lot, as their race will finish much earlier than 11 AM.
Q: Can I pay for premium parking when I get there?
Premium parking is very limited and will likely sell out. (We do not have that info as the parking lot is run by Carbon County). We strongly suggest that you prepay for premium parking by clicking on this link: https://www.tocite.net/carboncountypa/portal
Q: Is there a time-limit for the races?
Half Marathon: 4 hours
Marathon: 7 hours
Q: Will there be a marathon bag drop?
Yes. For train riders, when you exit the train, place a small bag marked with your name in the front row of the train car. It will be taken back to the finish area.
For non-train riders, please find a volunteer or RUNegades staffer at the starting area and we will take care of it for you. We ask that you shed any clothing when you run past the starting line again at mile 2. Those items will be collected and brought back to the finish area as well. These drops are a courtesy for our runners and we cannot guarantee the safety of any items. We strongly advise against leaving anything of value in your bag.
Q: Will I be able to get a ride if I am injured or have to tap out of the marathon?
Yes. For the marathon, bikers will be monitoring miles 12-26. Flag them down if you have an issue and need to be picked up. They will alert our ATV team or the closest stationed EMS team. Be aware, however, that this is a remote course and access is difficult. You will have to wait patiently for transport to arrive.
Q: When will my official time be available?
Second Wind Timing will post official times on its website in real time for all races except the 7-miler. The 7-mile start is so remote, that we have to wait for the data to physically come in from the starting line. Those official times will be posted in the afternoon.
Q: Can my friends/family track me as I run?
Unfortunately, no. Because the racecourse is so remote, running tracking is unavailable.
Q: Where can I see a course map?
Please see note above on the elevation profiles. The elevation profiles on these maps are inaccurate.
Map for the full marathon (the last 7 miles are the 7-miler): https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/2627845921
Map for the half marathon: https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/4027008553
Q: The course maps all say the elevation is rugged. Is that true?
No! I mean, it's true that the course maps SAY that, but the course is ACTUALLY very flat and fast and ever-so-slightly downhill from White Haven to Jim Thorpe.
Q: Where Can I Stay?
Jim Thorpe is a quaint mountain town filled with charm, wonderful shops, and delicious restaurants. It's the perfect place for a family getaway, a running weekend with friends, or a romantic weekend with that special someone. If you're looking for a place to stay, we recommend these fantastic places:
The Inn at Jim Thorpe
24 Broadway, Jim Thorpe, PA
(800) 329-2599
Hampton Inn, Lehighton
877 Interchange Rd, Lehighton, PA
(610) 377-3400
Country Inn and Suites, Lehighton
1619 Interchange Rd, Lehighton
(610) 379-5066
Pocono Mountain Visitors' Bureau
Looking for alternative options? Click here for information directly from the Pocono Mountain Visitors' Bureau.
Q: I have a question not answered here. What do I do?
Email us at info@runegades.com We pride ourselves on our customer service and will get back to you ASAP. If it is between April 27th and April 30th, please do not expect an immediate response. (We will all be working our tails off out on the courses!)
