Rock 'N The Knob Trail Challenge – PA’s Highest Trail Race

Race Overview

September 12, 2026: ALLEGHENY TRAILRUNNERS INC. IS PROUD TO PRESENT THE 14TH ANNUAL ROCK ’N THE KNOB – PA’S HIGHEST RACE. BREAKING THE WILL OF ALL WHO DARE TRY…

Race Start Times

• Ultramarathon Course (50K): Begins at 6:00am
• Medium Distance Course (20K-25K): Starts at 9:00am
• Short Course (10K): Starts at 10:00am

Course Descriptions

• Short Course (10K-ish): This course may be the most challenging 10K in PA (based on the fastest and average finish times). The 10K features challenges like Tree-odge, Devils Hairpin, Throat Punch Hill and Soul Sucker Slopes with over 1350 feet of climbing.
• Aid Station: There is one aid station at the base of the first climb called Throat Punch Hill at 3 miles.
• For more information: http://www.alleghenytrailrunners.com/rock-n-the-knob-trail-challenge/

• Medium Distance Course (20K-25K): This race is a doozy. It includes some gnarly sections like Blister Blaster, Teal is Real, I'll Nettle Do This Again, and I Need a Sherpa!
• Elevation: Includes almost 3500 feet of climbing - or 7000 feet of elevation change.
• Aid Stations: Three aid stations at Chappelle's Field (Mile 4.6), Ravens Rest (Mile 7.2), and Heavens Hairpin (Mile 11.1).
• Time Limit: Six and a half-hour time limit.
• For more information: http://www.alleghenytrailrunners.com/rock-n-the-knob-trail-challenge/

• Ultramarathon: This course will break the will of many as you repeatedly ascend Blue Knob Mountain, the most northern 3,000+ foot peak in the Alleghenies.
• Course Features: The 50K includes all the ‘greatest hits’ of both the medium course and 10K races.
• For more information: http://www.alleghenytrailrunners.com/rock-n-the-knob-trail-challenge/

Key Takeaways

• Elevation: At over 3,100 feet above sea level, it is Pennsylvania’s highest race.
• Race Options: Choose from a 10K, half-marathon, or 50K, each more technical than the Dirty Kiln Trail Race.
• Lodging: Available at Blue Knob All-Seasons Resort, located just feet from the start and finish.
• Extras: Our famous swag package and post-race food and beer included with the entry fee.

Start/Finish Address

1424 Overland Pass, Claysburg, Pennsylvania 16625. Bib pickup begins at 7am in the pavilion beside the Blue Knob Clubhouse Restaurant and Conference Center.