Hellbender 5k & Half Marathon

Race Overview

• Date: 2026-08-23
• Location: Route 54 Parking Area - Weiser State Forest, Bear Gap, PA
• Participants: This race is sold out at 300 participants due to parking restrictions.
• Previous Sell-Out Dates:
  • 2026: Sold out on May 31.
  • 2025: Sold out on June 4.
  • 2024: Sold out on June 30.

Important Registration Information

• No Registration: No race day registration and no wait-list.
• Contact Restrictions: Please do not email asking to get into the race or join a wait-list. It will not be allowed.

Race Course Description

• Course Type: This is a great course for both road or trail runners.
• Scenic Route: Fast, flat, out and back along the scenic lakes and beautiful Weiser State Forest.
• Beneficiary: Proceeds will help benefit RCVCA to promote clean water in the state forest and surrounding Roaring Creek Watershed.

Event Schedule

• Registration: 7am
• Half Marathon Start: 8:00am
• 5k Start: 8:30am
• Packet Pickup: Race morning starting at 7am. Race course will close at Noon.

Event Location

• Venue: Route 54 Parking Area (Located on PA RT 54 between Mount Carmel and Elysburg)
• Park: Weiser State Forest
• Tract: Roaring Creek Tract
• Address: Bear Gap, PA 17824

Access Information

• Access Point: The race can only be accessed on the Route 54 side of the park.
• Directions: The entrance is 3.5 miles west of the intersection of Route 54 and 61 and 4.3 miles east of the intersection on Route 54 with Route 487.
• Coordinates: (Lat 40.8213, Long -76.4922)

About the Hellbender

• Species: Named after the species of aquatic salamander known as the hellbender.
• Habitat: Native to the hills and mountains of the eastern U.S., requiring healthy, pristine streams and creeks to survive.
• Environmental Impact: Many habitats have been fouled due to urbanization, affecting their numbers.
• Organizers' Goal: Race organizers hope to benefit the hellbender and other species over the long term.

Course Details

• Course Layout: Both the 5K and the half marathon races follow out-and-back courses starting at Route 54 parking area.
• Scenic Views: Runners make their way along the roads winding along the reservoir lakes inside this 9,000-acre park.
• Half Marathon Course: Mostly fast and flat through the Roaring Creek Tract, along the shores of the lakes.

More Information

• Race Link: Hellbender 5k & Half Marathon