Ghost Town Trail Challenge

Event Overview

Spend the day with us on the 2020 Trail of the Year, and partake in the 11th annual Ghost Town Trail Challenge!
New 50-miler option available to runners only

Discount for Members

• Membership Benefit: Friends of the Trails Members Receive $5 OFF!
• How to Join: To receive a $5 discount on your registration fee, become a Friend of the Trails today.
• Visit: Visit our website to become a member.
• Contact for Code: Send an email to cambriaconservationrecreation@gmail.com to get your coupon code!

The Challenge

The 11th Annual Ghost Town Trail Challenge, hosted by the Cambria County Conservation & Recreation Authority, will take place on Saturday, June 20, 2026. This is during the weekend of the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. The Challenge is known for its 32-mile long (50k), endurance hike/run along the entire length of the Ghost Town Trail, DCNR's 2020 Trail of the Year, from Black Lick, PA to Ebensburg, PA.

• Start Time: Participants begin at sunrise, challenged to complete the entire 32 miles by foot before sundown.
• Location: Challenge starts at Saylor Park in Black Lick, PA and ends at the Young People's Community Center in Ebensburg, PA.
• Challenge Events: Four Challenge events to choose from on June 20th.
• Distance Options: 50-Miler Run (Runners Only), Full Challenge (32 Miles), Half Challenge (16 Miles), Friends/Family Challenge (7.5 Miles).

Transportation Information

Transportation will be provided for participants from the finish line in Ebensburg, PA to their respective starting areas, more information below. If you are planning to transport yourself to your start line that morning, please email cambriaconservationrecreation@gmail.com by June 6, 2026.

Schedule

• 50-Miler Run: Shuttle loading time from 5:10 a.m. - 5:20 a.m. with the start at 6:15 a.m.
• Full 32 Miles: Shuttle loading from 5:40 a.m. - 5:50 a.m. with start at 7:00 a.m.
• Half 16 Miles: Shuttle loading from 6:50 a.m. - 7:10 a.m. with start at 8:00 a.m.
• Friends/Family 7.5 Miles: Shuttle loading from 8:00 a.m. - 8:10 a.m. with start at 8:45 a.m.

Challenge Proceeds

ALL proceeds from the Ghost Town Trail Challenge will benefit the enhancement and expansion of the Cambria County Trails.

Registration Fees

• Early Bird: January 1 - February 28
• Regular Registration: March 1 - April 30
• Late Registration: May 1 - June 6
• Youth Participation: ALL YOUTH 17 AND UNDER PARTICIPATE FREE.

Swag/Goodies

All pre-registered participants will receive transportation, aid station amenities, post race meal, and race swag with their registration.

Ruck Information

Patches will be available for those that are rucking the Challenge, and must be purchased for $20. Requirements include wearing a Ruck/backpack with weights based on participants' weight.

Learn more about Rucking at Goruck.

Packet Pick-Up

Packet pick-up will be Friday, June 19th from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. at the Up-N-Running store in Ebensburg, PA.

Address: Up-N-Running
208 W. High St.
Ebensburg, PA 15931

Aid/Fuel Stations

First aid via bicycling patrollers and EMS will be available at multiple points along the trail.

Start/Finish Lines

Start lines for individual events are as follows:

• 50-Miler Run Start: Dilltown Trailhead
• Full 32 Mile (50k) Challenge Start: Saylor Park, Blairsville
• Half/16 Mile (25k) Challenge Start: Wehrum Trailhead
• Friends/Family 7.5 Mile (12k) Challenge Start: Nanty Glo GTT Trailhead

Finish for ALL Events: Young People's Community Center (YPCC), Ebensburg, PA.

Restroom Locations

Restroom facilities will be available along the entire trail at several locations as specified in the original description.

Course Elevation

There is an approximate 1,000 ft. elevation gain over the course of 32 miles, with specific details for both the 50k and 50-mile events available in the original document.

Timing, Results, & Photos

All Ghost Town Trail Challenge events will be officially timed via RunSignUp.

Preparation

Make sure that you are properly trained and physically prepared to participate in this event.

Challenge Day Preparation

Consider wearing a hydration pack or bringing large water bottles, and wearing comfortable shoes.

Cut Off Times for 50k and 50-Miler

Specific cut-off times will be enforced at various aid stations, ensuring all participants complete the challenge by a designated time.

2026 Cambria County Trails Series

All proceeds benefit the Friends of the Trails program, which exists to enhance and expand the Cambria County Trails. For details and to register, visit Cambria Conservation and Recreation.

Registration Link

For more information and registration, please visit the event page: Ghost Town Trail Challenge.