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Marathons in the RUN717 Area

Here is a list of marathons within driving distance in the South Central Pennsylvania area. Let me know if you know of any additional races that should be added.

Would you like some guidance on how to pick a marathon? Read my post for some tips: How to Pick a Marathon

George Washington Birthday Marathon	Greenbelt, MD	2/16/2020
Lower Potomac River Marathon	Piney Point, MD	3/8/2020
B&A Trail Marathon	Severna Park, MD	3/15/2020
RnR DC Marathon	Washington DC	3/28/2020
Two Rivers Marathon	Lackawaxen, PA	3/28/2020
Two Rivers Marathon	Lackawaxen, PA	3/29/2020
Salisbury Marathon	Salisbury, MD	4/4/2020
Western Maryland Rail Trail Marathon	Hancock, MD	4/5/2020
Coastal Delaware Running Festival	Rehoboth Beach, DE	4/19/2020
Discover Bank Delware Marathon	Wilmington, DE	4/26/2020
North South Marathon	Gettysburg, PA	4/26/2020
Pittsburgh Marathon	Pittsburgh, PA	5/3/2020
Potomac River Run Marathon	Carderoc, MD	5/3/2020
Cleveland Marathon	Cleveland, OH	5/17/2020
Jim Thorpe Marathon	Jim Thorpe, PA	5/17/2020
Pocono Marathon aka Run for the Red	Pocono Summit, PA	5/17/2020
York Marathon	York, PA	5/17/2020
Independence Series	Various	6/3/2020
God’s Country Marathon	Galeton, PA	6/6/2020
1/2 Sauer 1/2 Kraut	Philadelphia, PA	6/13/2020
Conquer the Canyon	Wellsboro, PA	end of July
Drakes Well Marathon	Titusville, PA	beg of Aug
Run the Loop Marathon	Downingtown, PA	1st Sun Sept
Abebe Bikile Peace Marathon	Washington DC	9/12/2020
Via Marathon	Allentown, PA	9/13/2020
Chasing the Unicorn	Washington Crossing, PA	9/13/2020
Erie Marathon	Erie, PA	9/13/2020
Potomac River Run Marathon	Carderoc, MD	10/3/2020
Wineglass Marathon	Corning, NY	10/4/2020
Morgantown Marathon	Morgantown, WV	10/4/2020
Monster Mash Marathon	Dover, De	10/7/2020
GAP Marathon	Frostburg, MD	10/7/2020
GAP Trestles Marathon	Meyersdale, PA	10/9/2020
Salisbury Marathon	Meyersdale, PA	10/10/2020
Hancock Marathon	Hancock, MD	10/11/2020
Steamtown Marathon	Scranton, PA	10/11/2020
Baltimore, MD	Baltimore, MD	10/17/2020
Marine Corps Marathon	Arlington, VA	10/17/2020
Bucks County Marathon	Wasington Crossing, PA	11/8/2020
Harrisburg Marathon	Harrisburg, PA	11/8/2020
Richmond Marathon	Richmond, PA	11/14/2020
Philadelphia Marathon	Philadelphia, PA	11/22/2020
NCR Marathon	Sparks, MD	11/28/2020
Rehoboth Beach Marathon	Rehoboth Beach, DE	12/5/2020

Are you overwhelmed with choosing a marathon? It’s no wonder because there are over 800 marathons in the US alone, according to Running in the USA. How do you go about choosing the right race for you? Here are some things to consider:

WHEN: Narrow down your race date first. If you can’t pick a date, at least narrow the timing down. Take into account your family schedule, work commitments and holidays. I find it easier to search for race options once I’ve picked my marathon month. Also, consider your training schedule – you may not want to run a September marathon if you have to run huge mileage in the August heat and humidity.

COURSE: Terrain, elevation and elevation change are also important factors to consider. Know your running strengths, and decide on a race that is good for these strengths. Some courses are pancake-flat, like the Chicago Marathon, and advertised as super fast. Other courses are net downhill, like Steamtown. Both courses can be fast, but speed isn’t guaranteed. I like marathons with rolling hills. Think also about specific course characteristics – some offer shade and protection from the sun. Many spring marathons along the east coast can be windy, which makes for a challenging race day.

COURSE SUPPORT AND SWAG: All marathons offer support on the course, which can include water and sports drinks, fuel and timing clocks. It’s important to know when these are offered so you can have a fuel plan. Be sure you practice your long runs with the sports drink used on the course. Some races also offer on-course entertainment that can help the miles pass. Besides finisher medals, more races are trying to give runners an entertaining and unique experience. Some races are known for their post-race parties (Rehoboth Beach has a great one!) Most races give shirts and some races offer specific finisher items such as hats or glassware. These runners are showing a spiffy blanket from the Richmond Marathon.

LOCATION: Hometown marathons offer easy logistics and are usually the most affordable. A local race can be easy to plan because you can sleep in your own bed. Reducing stress can help you focus on the race. On the other hand, traveling to a race can be a great way to see different areas.

SIZE: The size of the marathon refers to the number of participants. A larger marathon may offer more on-course support due to the increased resources. Running with tens of thousands of runners offers comradery and can help the miles pass quickly. Depending on your pace, you may find yourself running some miles alone in a smaller race, but smaller races can provide a more intimate experience. Larger marathons are typically found in larger cities, so decide if that’s important. Keep in mind that larger-city races often require you to register early, months ahead of the race.

TECHNICAL: Is the course USATF-certified course? This matters if you’re trying to qualify for the Boston Marathon. Boston-qualifying races will usually advertise this and you can check on Boston’s site.

COST: Races can be expensive, however, they often offer early registration discounts. When considering cost, take into account travel and housing fees. It isn’t worth traveling to an inexpensive race if you have to fly there or if the race is in an expensive city.

NEED MORE HELP? There are a number of websites that can help you narrow down your search. One of my favorites is Marathon Guide. This site allows users to search by date and includes previous results. You can also read comments by other runners who have raced the marathon you are considering. Another excellent website is Find My Marathon. This website includes course profile information and it assigns a score to each marathon that can help you determine your best option for getting a PR or Boston qualification. Another great site is Running in the USA. This site offers an interactive map of upcoming marathons. All three sites are great resources for picking your marathon – whether you are a newbie or seasoned marathoner. But nothing beats talking to other runners!

Are you near the RUN717 area? Check out my list of local marathons here!

LANCASTER JUNCTION RAIL TRAIL

Information about a local rail trail

LOCATION: 99 Champ Blvd, Manheim, PA 17545

Click below for driving directions.

Looking for a new place to run? This rail trail has been on my to-do list because it’s near Spooky Nook. My son has been practicing lacrosse there so I was eager to check it out. The Lancaster Junction Rail Trail is one of the many convenient rail trails we have in our area.

A sign lets you know that you are in the correct place! One of the many features of this rail trail are bathrooms located near the parking.

I love rail trails. I cannot get lost, I enjoy running out and back, and I enjoy the softer surface. This trail is about 2.5 miles one way, so I would not suggest doing all of your long run here. Crushed stone surfaces are not ideal for shorter speed intervals, but they are great for easy runs, recovery days, and the occasional tempo run. Most rail trails have unique features that keep them interesting and they are very user friendly. This rail trail even has a bathroom at the parking area.

Not far into your run you are greeted by sweet-smelling pine trees.

Further along, you have a little creek to enjoy.

Do be careful when running on this rail trail – there are two road crossings. One at Spooky Nook Road, the other at Colebrook Road. Both are well marked.

There is no chance of getting lost – this sign makes the end quite clear!

Do you like running on rail trails? Check out my other blog post about local rail trails: https://run717.com/2019/05/16/enola-low-grade-rail-trail-manor-township/

Where to Buy Running Shoes

Specialty Store, Department store or online???

We can argue whether runners need GPS devices and heart monitors, but few would disagree about the necessity of proper running shoes. The question is: Do we visit a local specialty store, or do we shop at a department/big box retailer, or log online?

My definitive answer – SHOP LOCAL! It benefits the consumer AND the community.

There is a lot of talk about why we should shop local, but what are the benefits?

Relationships. When I go to my local running store, I’m greeted by name. They have a history of what shoes I’ve purchased and when I bought them. They know what type of shoe I should be wearing and if I pronate, supinate, or if I’m a neutral-footed runner. Could you imagine going into a big box retailer and asking a sales clerk if they’d keep track of this information or could make such recommendations based on your running history and goals?
Newbie? If you are new to running, or maybe it is your first visit to a specialty shop, you will be given extra attention. Stores often provide gait analysis and will examine the wear on your current running shoes to determine shoes that would meet your needs.
Testing. Many stores also have a treadmill for you take a test run.
Resource. Most of the salespeople at local running stores are runners. If you have any question related to running, they can find the answer – from where to run, who to run with and other tips.

Buying running shoes from a local specialty shop also benefits the community! Not only do running stores employ your neighbors, but they also support the running community through donations, races, volunteering and running groups.

A few words about department stores: Often, their selections are based with fashion or comfort in mind, not running. Getting the proper shoe and fit is key for injury prevention. It might be tempting to save a few dollars, but you get what you pay for.

I get most of my running shoes at Flying Feet in York, PA. We are blessed to have this store in our community, not only for the products available, but also for the services and knowledge they provide. Click below for driving directions.