About
Race Along the Abandoned Pennsylvania Turnpike
Learn more and register on RunSignup.
Step back in time and experience the striking scenery of a road frozen in history. This stretch of the Pennsylvania Turnpike, bypassed in 1968, has remained untouched by traffic for nearly 50 years. At the original old turnpike Half Marathon, you’ll journey through five miles of underground tunnels and miles of breathtaking fall foliage. Prefer a shorter adventure? The One Tunnel 4 Miler offers 2.4 miles in the tunnels paired with stunning autumn views above ground.
Event Details
📍 Location: Waterfall, Pennsylvania – Abandoned PA Turnpike
📅 Dates: Saturday, October 24th, and Sunday, October 25th, 2026
🏃♀️ Distances:
Half Marathon (Saturday and Sunday, 5 miles of tunnels)
One Tunnel 4 Miler (Sunday only, 2.4 miles of tunnels)
Two-Day Challenge (Sat. & Sun. Half Marathon or Sat. Half Marathon + Sun. 4 Miler)
🔦 Bring a Light: A headlamp or flashlight is required to navigate the dark tunnels – check out our recommendations.
Don’t Miss Out!
This is not your typical road race – it’s a rare chance to run on an abandoned highway, through eerie tunnels, and under a canopy of vibrant fall colors. With limited spots, the unforgettable Two-Day Challenge, and unique experiences like Movie Night on the Turnpike, this event is one-of-a-kind. Secure your spot today and make memories at the End of the Road!
Details
When and Where
Saturday October 24th, 2026
Cove Valley Travel Plaza on Closed PA Turnpike
3005 Pump Station Rd
Waterfall
, PA
16689
Parking
Parking will be available at the start/finish line. We will have parking attendants on hand to help you find a spot to park. Please keep in mind that there is only one way in and one way out. This means you need to leave time to park and get to the start line.
Schedule of Events
Friday, 10/18:
- Early Packet Pick Up: 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Holiday Inn Express Breezewood, 16503 Lincoln Highway, Breezewood PA 15533
Saturday, 10/19:
- Packet pickup: 7:00am – 8:45am at race site (Sunday participants may pick up as well)
- Pre-race meeting: 8:50am
- Half Marathon Starts: 9:00am
- Half Marathon awards: approx. 12:00pm
- Course closes: 1:30pm (4.5 hour limit, about 20:30 min per mile pace)
- EARLY PACKET PICKUP FOR SUNDAYS RACE: 4:45 PM – 6:30 PM (At Race Start Line)
- Movie Night on the Turnpike! 6:30 pm
Sunday, 10/20
- Packet pickup: 7:00am – 8:45am at race site
- Pre-race meeting: 8:55am
- Half Marathon and 4 Mile Start: 9:00am
- 4 Mile awards: approx. 10:00am
- Half Marathon awards: approx. 12:00pm
- Course closes: 1:30pm (4.5 hour limit, about 20:30 min per mile pace)
What You Get With Your Registration
Regular Registration –
- Post-race food and beverages
- End of the Road Half Marathon Custom Shirts
- Live splits on the race course
- Live results and chip timing
- Custom End of the Road Finisher’s Medals
- Unique age group and overall awards
Economy Registration-
- Post-race food and beverages
End of the Road Marathon Custom Shirts- Live splits on the race course
- Live results and timing
Custom End of the Road Finisher’s Medals- Unique age group and overall awards
Awards
- Finisher medals to everyone who completes the half marathon or 4 Mile race
- Awards to the top 3 overall males and females in each distance
- Awards to the top 3 males and females in the following age groups in each race: 19 and under, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39,40-44,45-49,50-54,55-59,60-64,65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+.
- There will be separate awards for the Saturday and Sunday half marathons
Maps
Course Maps
Half Marathon:
Starting right on the Abandoned Turnpike this year, runners will run the entire 13.1 miles on this historic landmark! They will run out through the two tunnels and then u-turn at the end of the Turnpike and follow the route back. Please be aware that this course contains long, crumbling sections of road and 2 tunnels that lack lights. Headlamps (or flashlights) will be REQUIRED gear for runners.
4 Mile:
Do you want to see the tunnel, but have no interest in running the entire course? We have the right event for you. This course will take you to the far end of the first tunnel before you return to the finish! Same awesome swag!
Rules
Rules & Guidelines
In the event the race should be canceled for reasons beyond the control of the Race Director or Race Committee (inclement weather or unsafe weather conditions; local, state or national emergency), refunds will not be made, but race packets, including race shirts, will be available at a location to be determined. Information will be available on the race website.
Refund Policy: No refunds for any reason will be issued for this event within 30 days of the event start date. Earlier than 30 days before the event, a request may be made for a 50% refund (this will be 50% of entry fee, excluding any processing fees). Entries CANNOT be transferred or deferred to another event or year. NO EXCEPTIONS will be made to this policy. By registering for this event you agree to this refund policy. To request a refund, please contact us on our Contact page and select “Registration” as the reason for your message.
Transfer policy: Entries can be transferred to another individual for a $5 transfer fee. T-shirt size will not be changeable. Entries CANNOT be transferred or deferred to another event or year. To request a transfer, please contact us on our Contact page and select “Registration” as the reason for your message.