Susquehanna Super Hike & Ultra Trail Run (25k hike, 50k run)

Pequea, PA, US
Sep 12, 2015

Next entry deadline: Jun 30, 2015

Type: Running - Local

event website

added by: hughmac4

On September 12, 2015, the Keystone Trails Association will sponsor the seventh annual Susquehanna Super Hike & Ultra Trail Run, a trail challenge event for adventurous trail runners and hikers on the wild river hills of the lower Susquehanna Gorge.

This daunting trail challenge event on the Mason Dixon and Conestoga Trails alternates breathtaking vistas with steep descents into dark, scenic hollows followed by strenuous climbs to the next vista. Prepare yourself for the steep hills, rocky terrain and deep ravines of the Susquehanna Super Hike, an arduous, undulating and challenging course.

This year, participants can choose between a 50K "Ultra Trail Run" and a 25K "Super Hike"! Hikers and trail runners are invited to register for the length best suited for their fitness level and interest. Both events follow the same trails, with the 25K participants starting later and at a different location than the 50K participants.

Although the Susquehanna Super Hike is a supremely challenging timed event, the challenge is not to "win" or "come in first," but to complete the hike in 12 hours or less. For many participants, the Susquehanna Super Hike and Ultra Trail Run is the ultimate test of physical fitness and mental toughness. "Winning" is the personal satisfaction that comes with finishing the course in the allotted time.

The event course will traverse both sides of the Susquehanna River in Lancaster and York Counties. The 50K Ultra Trail Run will begin at 7:00 AM at the Pequea Creek Campground, one mile east of the village of Pequea in Lancaster County. The course follows the Conestoga Trail southward, while paralleling the Susquehanna River, crosses the Norman Wood Bridge, and then follows the Mason Dixon Trail northward. The 25K will start at Holtwood Recreational Area. Both the 50K and 25K will finish at the Otter Creek Campground, on Rt. 425 in York County.

Just a few of the highlights include Wind Cave, House Rock Vista, Tucquan Creek, the Pinnacle Overlook, Kelly's Run, crossing the Susquehanna River on the Norman Wood Bridge, historic Lock 12, and Oakland Run. Participants of the longer course will also enjoy the scenic Urey Overlook and Otter Creek.

In this timed event, runners will release through the starting gate ahead of the hikers. Participants are required - for safety reasons - to reach each checkpoint within a certain time period and to complete the hike no later than 7:00 PM (12 hours from the start for 50K participants; 10 hours from the start for 25K participants). This requires a sustained, minimum pace of almost 2.6 miles per hour (50K course) or 1.6 miles per hour (25K course).

50K CHECK-IN: Check-in for the 50K will be on Saturday, September 12 from 5:30 AM to 7:00 AM at Pequea Creek Campground. There will NOT be an option to check-in on Friday evening this year. The 50K will start at Pequea Campground on Saturday morning at 7:00 AM. Ample parking is available at Pequea Creek Campground. NOTE: Shuttle buses will be available to transport you back to Pequea Creek Campground when you finish.

25K CHECK-IN: Check-in for the 25K will be on Saturday, September 12 from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM at Holtwood Recreational Center. There will NOT be an option to check-in on Friday evening this year. The 25K will start at Holtwood Recreational Center on Saturday morning at 9:00 AM. Ample parking is available at Holtwood Recreational Center. NOTE: Shuttle buses will be available to transport you back to Holtwood Recreational Center when you finish.

THANKS: Three trail clubs are responsible for building and maintaining the Mason Dixon and Conestoga Trails and have been hard at work preparing the route for this event: the York Hiking Club, the Lancaster Hiking Club, and the Mason Dixon Trail System. Without their efforts, the Susquehanna Super Hike and Ultra Trail Run would not be possible!

FEEDBACK: Want to know how past Super Hike participants enjoyed the event? Click here.

VOLUNTEERS: Volunteers are needed for the Susquehanna Super Hike & Ultra Trail Run. Many volunteer opportunities are available including registration (Friday evening and Saturday morning), parking, checkpoints, trail sweeps, and more. Approximately 120 volunteers are needed. Please register to volunteer online, or contact Shanna Klucar, Program Administrator, at 717.238.7017 or shanna@kta-hike.org for more information.

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Attending:

		hughmac4 (log) First Ultra of the year
		hughmac3 (log)
		ErikEddy hiked alot in this area.. maybe another year.