Wiconisco Township, Pennsylvania · Saturday, October 3, 2026
The Red Barn Challenge is an ultra event held on Saturday, October 3, 2026. It is located in Wiconisco Township, Pennsylvania.
The Hellbender is back for 2026! This is a great course for both road or trail runners. Fast, flat, out and back along the scenic lakes and beautiful Weiser State Forest. Falcon Race Timing has teamed up with the RCVCA to help promote clean water in the state forest and surrounding Roaring Creek Watershed. Proceeds with help benefit RCVCA.
Registration – 7am
Half Marathon Start – 8:00am
5k Start – 8:30am
Packet Pickup: Race morning starting at 7am.
Race course will close at Noon.
Race shirts, finisher medals and a post-race meal is included in the entry fee for all participants.
Where:
Route 54 Parking Area (Located on PA RT 54 between Mount Carmel and Elysburg)
Weiser State Forest
Roaring Creek Tract
Bear Gap, PA 17824
The race can only be accessed on the Route 54 side of the park. The 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. (Lat 40.8213, Long -76.4922).
The race gets its name from the species of aquatic salamander known as the hellbender, which are native to the hills and mountains of the eastern U.S., and can grow to as much as two feet long. Because they breathe through their skin, they require healthy, pristine, unpolluted streams and creeks to survive. Due to development and urbanization over recent decades, however, many of their habitats have become fouled and their numbers have drastically declined — they’re just one of the many species the race organizers hope to benefit over the long term with their efforts here.
Both the 5K and the half marathon races follow out-and-back courses that start and finish at the Route 54 parking area in Bear Gap, which lies between the two small towns of Elysburg and and Mount Carmel. From there, runners make their way along the roads that wind along the reservoir lakes inside this 9,000-acre park, one of 16 tracts that make up the Weiser State Forest in what is known as the ridge and valley region of eastern Pennsylvania.
The course for the half marathon is mostly fast and flat through the Roaring Creek Tract, and takes runners both along the shores of the lakes inside the park.
RunPA Trail Jamboree
PLEASE NOTE: THIS RACE IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE BSA PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT CAMP MACK OR THE BSA FOR RACE INFORMATION. THIS IS AN EVENT PUT ON BY RUNPA.
Join RunPA for one of the Biggest Events of the Year!
The RunPA Trail Jamboree! This event will be held at Camp Mack on Saturday
Come out Friday Night to set up and camp and prepare for some weekend adventure. A FUN weekend of trails and running for the entire family!!!!
THIS EVENT IS CHIPPED!!!!! SO YOUR LOOPS ARE AUTOMATICALLY COUNTED!!!!!!
FRIDAY August 28th ARRIVE anytime after 5PM
For those that wish to come in and set up early you may do so on Friday August 28th after 5pm. Come set up your camp or base camp for the race. Endurance runners will be able to set up right near the start and finish area. You may camp in this area or set up your base camp and camp at any of the campsites located in the area. There is plenty of spots to set up.
CAMPING: Camping is always FREE for this event. You may set up camp starting after 5pm on Friday. Feel free to set up your camp in the staging area or bring a cot or air mattress and set up a spot in the pavilion if you would like. There is also camping in the field at the parking lot or pick a spot at one of the many campsites with platforms. If you have a small camper or van we can accommodate. (NOTE THERE ARE NO HOOKUPS THOUGH)
All camping ends Saturday night. All runners will need to be off the property Saturday evening.
RACE DAY REGISTRATION WILL BE AVAILABLE
Events Include: RunPA Camp Mack Hustle Trail Race 12, 6 and 3 Hour Endurance Run FREE Kids Trail Race
TIMES and DISTANCE: ALL RACES ARE CHIP TIMED
BIB PICK-UP / REGISTRATION
ALL BIB PICK-UP AND REGISTRATIONS ARE ON SATURDAY PLEASE NOTE THE TIMES!!!!
FRIDAY: 5:30PM-6:30PM BIB PICK-UP AND RACE DAY REGISTRATION FOR THE CAMP MACK HUSTLE ONLY
SATURDAY: 6AM-7:15AM BIB PICK-UP AND RACE DAY REGISTRATION FOR THE ENDURACE RACES ONLY
SATURDAY: 8AM-8:45AM BIB PICK UP AND RACE DAY REGISTRATION FOR FREE KIDS RACE ONLY
FRIDAY - AUGUST 28TH
RunPA Camp Mack Hustle Trail Race Night Race! starts Friday at 7PM
This race will take runners through aprrox 3.5 miles on a night race. Headlamp required!!!!
SATURDAY - August 29TH
ENDURANCE TRAIL RUN 12 Hour 6 Hour 3 Hour starts at 7:30am
12, 6 and 3 hour start at 7:30am If you are running the 12 6 or 3 hour event you may arrive to set up your tent Friday afternoon after 5pm. Set up your station and pick up your bib. Kids Run will start at 9:00am (Ages 12 and under)
Kids Run will start at 9:00am (Ages 12 and under) ON SATURDAY
ENDURANCE RUN COURSE: 1 Course Chip Timed
NEW IMPROVED COURSE!!!!!
approx 3-1/2 mile loop
Course consists of single track and double track, roots, rocks, some grassy fields and dirt and stone roads near the beginning / end. It is not technical by an means. Great course for seasoned runners and beginners!! SEE COURSE MAP AND ELEVATION PROFILE ON BOTTOM OF PAGE.
This event uses a 3.4 mile-ish course that you run as many times as you wish over 12/6/3 hrs. You can run-rest-run or run nonstop. You must complete your final loop before the time is up. Any loop that is unfinished will not count. Any runners starting a loop after 6:30PM must carry a working light or headlamp with them.
MUST BE 12 years or older for the Endurance Runs
KIDS TRAIL RUN: FREE KIDS TRAIL RUN - FREE
This trail run is geared towards getting kids ages 12 and under outdoors and giving them opportunities to try the sport of trail running.
The course will be about 1.5miles long with a few small hills for the kids to challenge themselves. There may be some small stream crossings, depending on amount of any rain. The course will be well-flagged and staffed with volunteers to guide the racers. There will be one aid station at the halfway point. No runners will be out there alone at any point. Parents/Guardians are allowed to run with their kids if needed but should not sign themselves up for the event
COURSE MARKINGS:
Direction signs
Colored ribbons
ARRIVAL:
You may arrive to set up your tent Friday afternoon after 5pm. Set up your station and pick up your bib. You may camp the night before if needed.
REGISTRATION:
BATHROOMS / SHOWERS: There are REAL bathroom facilities with a limited number of showers as well. But REAL BATHROOMS!!!!
RACER TENTS: There will be an area to set up a tent to relax and use as your personal aid station. They will be able to be set up near the start/finish.
PACER:
PACERS ARE WELCOME AND MAY JOIN YOU AFTER YOUR FIRST LOOP. Pacer registration is $15. NOTE: No race/prizes are provided to pacers.
NO ALCOHOL IS PERMITTED ON THE PROPERTY - PLEASE RESPECT THIS RULE.
AID STATIONS
One main aid station at the Start/Finish for ALL RACES
Aid Station at the Start Finish will be supplied with Water, Electrolytes, Energy Bars, etc.
Racers participating in the 12/6 and 3 Hour race will need to be self sufficient out on the course. It is recommended that racers bring their own meals and fuel.
SWAG
CAMP MACK HUSTLE - FRIDAY NIGHT TRAIL RACE
No frills race with no swag. Awards to overall male and female runner.
ENDURANCE RACE:
Each Runner will receive a RunPA Finishers award!
KIDS RACE
Free Kids Race!!!
Optional SWAG is available for purchase until July 31st during registration checkout.
AWARDS
12/6/3/ hour: Awards will go to the first overall male and female in each event with the most completed miles
Overall male and female in the Camp Mack Hustle
ALL DISTANCES ARE APPROXIMATE AND MAY VARY DUE TO REROUTES OR TRAIL CONDITIONS
ABSOLUTELY NO LITTERING - It should go without saying that littering is forbidden. Anyone caught littering will be disqualified immediately and ejected from the property and marked as DNF - LITTERBUG DOUCHEBAG and banned from all future events held by the race director. Pack it in Pack it out.
THERE ARE NO REFUNDS, DEFERALS, OR TRANSFERS.
THERE ARE NO REFUNDS, DEFERALS, OR TRANSFERS.
Registration: 8:00 AM
Race Start: 9:00 AM
Entry Fee: $20 until May 31. June 1 until race day $30
Race Day: $35
Starting and finishing at the Mount Carmel Area Jr/Sr High School, the course will take participants on a loop through the streets and trails in and around Mount Carmel. The course features a variety of different landscapes and sites that are unique to the Community.
There will be a FREE kids run around the school parking lot.
Proceeds benefit the Mount Carmel Area Community Center, a safe gathering place for the social, cultural & educational needs of the Community.
The Phillips Phun Run is a proud member of the Anthracite Running Series. Email [email protected] or visit us on Facebook for more information about the Series.
Join the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, at Fort Indiantown Gap for the 15th annual March for the Fallen event on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at Fort Indiantown Gap. This event is rain or shine!
March for the Fallen is an event for the military and civilian communities to join annually in honoring the memory of all fallen service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of our great nation. We are bringing this event back to its roots. The event races will be manually timed. You will have from your event start time until 6:00pm to complete the course.
Awards will be provided to individual race winners by the Training Site. The events are the 28- and 14-mile heavy or light marches, 5k run/walk, a 28-mile hand cycle and a virtual 5k run/walk. Heavy marches consist of rucking with a pack weighing at minimum 35lbs. There is a minimum 10lb ruck for light division to qualify for an award. Spectators are also welcome in support of the event but cannot be along the march route. The safest and most comfortable place for spectators will be at the Community Club.
The 28- and 14-mile marches offer challenging routes varying from asphalt roads to rolling and steep mountain trails of dirt and gravel on the training lands of Fort Indiantown Gap. The course start point elevation is 500.77' and climbs to 1239.43' on Second Mountain of the Appalachian Mountain Range; low point elevation is 484.28' and is within the first mile of the course.
Bibs will be provided at check-in. Bibs must be always displayed on your back and visible for safety purposes. Bibs are required to be on the courses. Those found on the courses without the proper event bib will be removed.
Packet Pickup will be Friday 18 Sep 4:30-7:00PM at the Community Club on Fisher Ave and the day of the event starting at 5:30AM.
T-shirts will be sold separately and can be purchased at the link below. *T-shirt’s must be ordered by Sunday, August 30 at 11:59pm to pick up the day of or have delivered for a fee the week of the race. Store will re-open 1 Sept 2026 for t-shirt purchases for delivery only after the 19 Sept race.
CLICK HERE TO ORDER A T-SHIRT
While a donation is not required to participate, registration is a must.
Pets are not permitted. Exceptions are made for working service dogs with proper licenses, leashes and vaccinations.
Personal drones are not authorized on the installation, offenders will be removed from the installation by security personnel.
**Valid ID will be required to enter Fort Indiantown Gap Base.
Celebrate with us at our annual Tröegs Rugged Trail Run for Conservation! We are geared up for making this another successful fundraiser in support of the Ned Smith Center's lands and trails system. The Center boasts a beautiful woodland setting with over 9 miles of trails winding through 500+ acres of land, a scenic bridge over the Wiconisco Creek, a children’s natural play area, three rotating art galleries featuring the art of Ned Smith and various national and local artists, a gift shop, and innovative educational programming for all ages. The Center is thrilled to partner with Tröegs Brewing Company for this exciting event! All proceeds will support the Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art.
The race will begin at 5pm for the Hopback Trail and around 5:10pm for the Rugged Trail. Following the race, an after-party featuring live music, a basket raffle, food and drink, and vendors. The awards ceremony will commence around 7pm. Winners do not need to be present to receive their awards, but Raffle winners must be present to collect their baskets.
While the Ned Smith Center is pet friendly, we do not allow dogs to participate in the race. They may cheer their runner on from the finish line and enjoy the after party. Dogs may also be spectators around the trails.
This year we will feature your own photos #TroegsRugged5K or your can tag @TroegsBeer or @nedsmithcenter on Twitter. Please share your photos of the event for more race day fun.
Note - while the trails remain open for public use during the race, only runners who have registered are allowed to run the courses with the group. Signs will be posted along the course to inform hikers of the pending race.
Registration: Early Bird registration is $45 for ages 13+ (12 and under is $15) ends at midnight on April 30, 2026. Starting May 01, 2026, the price will increase to $50. Day-of Registration will be $55 for ages 13+ (12 and under is $20). Registration includes a Rugged Trail Run 5K t-shirt, a pizza token, a Tröegs Rugged Trail Ale token, and a SWAG bag. T-shirts and SWAG bags will be available for same day registration as supplies last.
Packet Pick-up/ Check-in: Runners may pick up their packets and check in early at the Ned Smith Center Gift Shop from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM on Friday, September 19th, or runners may check in on the day of the race from 3:30 PM to 4:45 PM. For adult runners and attendees cerebrating post race at the beer stand, please plan to show your ID and receive a wristband prior to the race. IDs will NOT be check post race at the beer stand. Snacks to help you fuel up and water bottles are welcome, but please refrain from bringing other outside food and beverages. Thank you for your cooperation.
TIMES:
5:00 PM Start for Hopback Trail
5:10 PM Start for Rugged Trail
Post-Race Party: Begins at 5:30 PM, ending at 10:00 PM!
TWO routes will be available:
The HopBack Trail: This route is walker-friendly and is a great option for beginning and intermediate trail runners. This trail will take you along the Wiconisco (or Wic) Creek that runs along the property and will bring you around to the beautiful rail trail before crossing over the creek and through our Nature Discovery Play Area at the Center.
The Rugged Trail: This route features more challenging elevations and terrain, perfect for those who are looking for a more “rugged” trail experience. This trail features a 700 ft elevation climb through the woods of Berry Mountain. This course is designed to be both exhilarating and exhausting.
Race volunteers will be along each route to ensure competitors are on the correct path and in case of an emergency.
SHIRTS: Unisex XS - XXL available. You MUST register by August 16th to be guaranteed a shirt in the requested size.
AWARDS: The top male and female runners for each race will be awarded Overall Winners spots, with the top male and female for each trail receiving a special prize. Age Group Winners will be awarded to the top male and female runner in each age categories: 19 & Under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60.
Stick around for a post-race party, featuring live music on the DeSoto Amphitheater stage! Food will be available for purchase. Handcrafted beer from Tröegs Brewing Company will be featured during this event while supplies last Limited Edition: The Rugged Trail Ale is brewed specially for this event and will be the featured beer at the stand.
ALL race participants will receive:
5K Race Shirt
A FREE pour of Tröegs beer (for participants age 21+) or Root Beer (for participants under the age of 21)
A FREE slice of pizza from DB's Pizzeria & Pub, Halifax.
Trail mix, bananas, and other goodies will be available after the race to re-fuel
EVENT: HOPBACK TRAIL (BEGINNER)
The HopBack Trail: This route is walker-friendly and is a great option for beginning and intermediate trail runners. This trail will take you along the Wiconisco (or Wic) Creek that runs along the property and will bring you around to the beautiful rail trail before crossing over the creek and through our Nature Discovery Play Area at the Center.
EVENT: RUGGED TRAIL 5K
The Rugged Trail: This route features more challenging elevations and terrain, perfect for those who are looking for a more “rugged” trail experience. This trail features a 700 ft elevation climb through the woods of Berry Mountain. This course is designed to be both exhilarating and exhausting.