Hellbender 5k & Half Marathon

Race Overview

• Date: 2026-08-23
• Location: Route 54 Parking Area - Weiser State Forest, Bear Gap, PA
• Distance: 5K & Half Marathon
• Website: Hellbender Race

Race Description

• Return of the Event: The Hellbender is back for 2026!
• Course: A great course for both road or trail runners, fast and flat, out and back along scenic lakes.
• Impact: Falcon Race Timing teams up with RCVCA to promote clean water in the forest and surrounding Roaring Creek Watershed.
• Proceeds: Benefits RCVCA.

Event Schedule

• Registration: 7am
• Half Marathon Start: 8:00am
• 5K Start: 8:30am
• Packet Pickup: Race morning starting at 7am (Course closes at Noon).

Location Details

• Address: Route 54 Parking Area, Weiser State Forest, Roaring Creek Tract, Bear Gap, PA 17824
• Access: Can only be accessed on the Route 54 side of the park.
• Directions: Entrance is 3.5 miles west of the intersection of Route 54 and 61. 4.3 miles east of the intersection on Route 54 with Route 487.
• Coordinates: (Lat 40.8213, Long -76.4922)

Conservation Efforts

• Species Name: Hellbender, an aquatic salamander native to eastern U.S.
• Conservation: Requires healthy, pristine streams and creeks to survive.
• Threats: Urbanization and development have fouled many habitats.
• Long-Term Goals: Benefit various species through conservation efforts.

Course Information

• Race Types: Both 5K and half marathon follow out-and-back courses starting at Route 54 parking area.
• Park Size: The race takes place in a 9,000-acre park, part of Weiser State Forest.
• Scenery: Course winds along reservoir lakes and through the forest.
• Half Marathon Course: Mostly fast and flat through the Roaring Creek Tract, alongside the shores of the lakes.