2021 Half Marathon Info and FAQs

The 2021 Half Marathon will follow the same route that we followed in 2020. Participants will begin and end in the Jim Thorpe Municipal Parking Lot next to the Train Station. You will follow an out-and back course on the Lehigh Gorge Section of the D&L Trail alongside (and across) the Lehigh River. The majority of the run takes place on smooth, hard-packed gravel ideal for road running shoes. 

ACCESS THE UPDATED 2021 HALF MARATHON COURSE MAP HERE (The Elevation is not correct. It is fast and FLAT. It runs through a gorge, so the MapMyRun feature picks up phantom hills when it does not perfectly follow the trail). 

When/Where is Bib Pickup?
There is NO day-of bib pickup. If you cannot make the designated bib pickup times, you MUST have your packet mailed to you.
All runners can pick up bibs on Friday May 21st from noon to 7pm.
Marathon and 7-Mile runners can pick up their bibs on Saturday May 22nd from 10am to 2pm.

A friend may pick up your bib with a copy of your ID. A picture on a phone will suffice.

When/Where do I park?
Park @ The Jim Thorpe Municipal Parking Lot next to  the Train Station. 12 Lehigh Ave, Jim Thorpe PA.
Due to new Carbon County policy, parking will cost $12 per car. Everyone who parks will be required to visit one of the many kiosks newly installed in the parking lot. Parking is very limited in Jim Thorpe and we strongly encourage carpooling and arriving early. 
THE LOT WILL OPEN AT 6:30 am for the half marathon. THE LOT WILL NOT OPEN UNTIL 6:30 am.

When does the 1/2 marathon begin?
To maximize social distancing, the starting line will open at 7am. Runners will be allowed to start anytime between 7am and 8:30am. The race is chip timed, so your time will not start until you cross the starting mat. Rolling start window between 7:00 and 8:30 (chip-timed).

Will there be aid stations on course?
Yes! Roughly every two miles, we will have contactless water stations with water and fuel. We will not have sports drinks on the half course.

"Contactless" means that water bottles and fuel will be out on the tables for your to take as you pass. Trash cans will be set up roughly 100 yards past each station. We have worked very hard with park officials to get the permits for this race. *If you do not put your water station trash in a trash can, you will be disqualified, will not receive a finishing time, and will not be allowed to register for future festivals. (We apologize for the harsh measures, but this is incredibly important).

Do I need to wear a mask? 
Face coverings are required in the race staging area (before you start and after you exit the finishing chute). They are optional on-course.
If you are sick, or with someone who is sick, please skip this year’s festival.

Will there be portable toilets on course?
The Lehigh Gorge Trail is a remote trail through the beautiful wilderness. Restrooms will be limited. For the half marathon, they will be located at the start/finish and at miles 2 and 11.

What additional Covid-19 measures have you taken?
*We have severely capped the number of runners on each day to remain in compliance with PA "green phase" guidelines.

*All participants will be expected to wear face coverings in the starting area and to maintain a 6-foot distance from all runners not in their household or social-distancing “bubble”. It is up to you whether you wear one along the course. 

*RESULTS will be posted IMMEDIATELY online and will be available on your phone (no results kiosk available at the finish line).

*We will NOT have an awards ceremony. Age group awards certificates will be e-mailed following the race. Overall and Masters’ division awards will be shipped to winners. (There will be no master’s division for the 8-miler). PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR SHIPPING ADDRESS IS CURRENT.

TIME LIMIT
Half Marathon: 4 hours