Running in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania combines two world-class running cities (Philadelphia and Pittsburgh) with beautiful rural trail running through the Pocono Mountains, Amish country, and forested state lands. The state has a rich road racing history and a growing trail running scene.
Climate
Four seasons with cold winters and warm, humid summers
Terrain
Varied topography
Top Race
Philadelphia Marathon
Climate and Weather
Four seasons with cold winters and warm, humid summers. Philadelphia is milder than the mountainous interior. Pittsburgh gets lake-effect weather. Fall is spectacular for running with comfortable temperatures and peak foliage across the state.
Terrain and Landscape
Varied topography. The eastern part has rolling Piedmont and flat Philadelphia area. The central part is mountainous with the Appalachian ridges. Pittsburgh is famously hilly. The state has excellent rail trail networks through scenic valleys.
Top Running Routes
Schuylkill River Trail
30+ milesPhiladelphia
A paved trail along the Schuylkill River from Center City Philadelphia through scenic suburbs.
Great Allegheny Passage
150 milesPittsburgh to Cumberland, MD
A crushed limestone trail from Pittsburgh to the C&O Canal Towpath, offering multi-day running adventures.
Kelly Drive / MLK Drive
8.5 milesPhiladelphia
An iconic out-and-back along the Schuylkill River, passing Boathouse Row and the Philadelphia Art Museum.
Pine Creek Rail Trail
62 milesPennsylvania Grand Canyon
A flat trail through the stunning Pine Creek Gorge, known as the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania.
Frick Park Trails
5-10 milesPittsburgh
Wooded trails in Pittsburgh's largest park with rolling terrain and stream crossings.
Popular Races
Philadelphia Marathon
Philadelphia
Pittsburgh Marathon
Pittsburgh
Broad Street Run
Philadelphia
Running Culture
Philadelphia has one of the oldest running cultures in America, with the Broad Street Run (10 miles) being one of the largest road races in the country at 40,000 runners. Pittsburgh's marathon showcases the city's bridges and neighborhoods. The state's rail trail network is among the best in the nation for long-distance running.
Safety Tips
Pittsburgh hills are no joke. Prepare for significant elevation changes on city runs.
Ice can be treacherous on trails and sidewalks from December through February.
Ticks are common on wooded trails, especially in the Poconos and central PA forests.
Watch for traffic on Kelly Drive in Philadelphia, which is shared with vehicles.
Make Running in Pennsylvania a Game
Turn your Pennsylvania runs into a real-world strategy game. Capture territory by running loops, compete with local runners on leaderboards, and explore every street through a Fog of War mechanic. Motera adds purpose and competition to every mile.
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MoteraFrequently Asked Questions
What is the Broad Street Run?
The Broad Street Run is a 10-mile straight-line race down Broad Street in Philadelphia, from the northern neighborhoods to the stadiums in South Philly. It is one of the largest 10-mile races in the country with around 40,000 runners.
Is Pittsburgh good for running despite the hills?
Pittsburgh is excellent for running. The hills build strength and the views are worth the climb. Frick Park, Schenley Park, and the Three Rivers Heritage Trail offer great routes. The Pittsburgh Marathon is well-organized and celebrates the city's unique topography.
What is the Great Allegheny Passage?
The GAP is a 150-mile crushed limestone trail from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland, where it connects to the C&O Canal Towpath for a total of 335 miles to Washington, D.C. It is one of the premier long-distance trails in the eastern US.
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