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Run for the Elk Marathon

Emporium, PA
Sunday, July 25, 2027


  4 Stars from 1 Reviews

Course Description

The Run for the Elk Marathon offers a peaceful, exceptionally flat, and fast route designed for runners prioritizing an even and predictable effort. The race takes place entirely on the West Creek Recreational Trail in Emporium, Pennsylvania, located along the backside of the state gamelands. The full marathon is two consecutive loops of the flat out-and-back half marathon course. The terrain is 100% hard-packed trail evenly topped with finely crushed limestone, making it smooth enough for standard road racing shoes without the need for technical trail footwear.


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Race Information

Race Dates

2027: Sunday, July 25, 2027
2026: Sunday, July 26, 2026

Course Information

Profile: Hilly
Type: Multiple Out and Backs
Surface: Road/Pavement

Boston Qualifier?: Yes
World Marathon Major Qualifier?: No

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 71°F (21°C)
Average High: 82°F (27°C)
Average Low: 59° F (15°C)

PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: Request Score
Course Score: Request Score

Race Size

2026: 49 Finishers
2025: 43 Finishers
2024: 39 Finishers
2023: 38 Finishers
2022: 32 Finishers
2021: No Results

BQ Percentages

2026: 8.2%
2025: 4.7%
2024: 7.7%
2023: 5.3%
2022: 0%
2021: N/A

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: No




Run for the Elk Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Run for the Elk Marathon was the 483rd largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 484th largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2026, 8.2% of Run for the Elk Marathon finishers have achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2025, 4.7% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Run for the Elk Marathon ranked 300th among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and currently ranks 133rd so far in 2026. In Pennsylvania, it ranked 14th in 2025 and 8th so far in 2026. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for comparing the Run for the Elk Marathon with other Boston Marathon qualifying races.

There are currently no Course or PR Scores for the Run for the Elk Marathon. If you would like scores calculated, send a request here.

Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.



Run for the Elk Marathon Elevation Chart


No course elevation available at this time.




Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the Run for the Elk Marathon

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Race Reviews


4.0
Based on 1 reviews
Write Your Own Review

Low key mid summer marathon

Full Review:

This is a very low key marathon that takes place on the West Creek Rail Trail in Emporium.

The course is certified. The rail trail is stone dust/fine gravel. It's an out-and-back 6.55 mile loop.

There were aid stations with water and Gatorade approximately ever 2 miles, and runners could drop their own bottles on course. It runs along the creek and is scenic. The course is mainly flat, but there are some sections with very modest elevation gains/declines.

It can get quite warm and humid in late July and the race director allows for runners to start as early as 6:00 am, although the official race start is 7:30.

Race Tips:

The rail trail is not necessarily the fastest surface to run on, but it also more gentle on the legs than asphalt/concrete.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

There is limited lodging in Emporium, but St. Marys is about a 30 minute drive and offers more options. There are also several parks that offer camping and cabin rental options.
Reviewed by J.S. About 2023