KTA Trail Challenge
What is the KTA Trail Challenge? The KTA Trail Challenge is an event for adventurous trail runners and hikers on the wild river hills of the lower Susquehanna Gorge. This daunting trail challenge event on the Conestoga Trail, State Park 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 KTA Trail Challenge, an arduous, undulating and demanding course. Although the KTA Trail Challenge is a timed event, the challenge is not to "win" or "come in first," but to complete the hike in 12 hours or less (10 hours for the 25k). For many participants, the KTA Trail Challenge 50k 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. Just a few of the highlights of the 50k course include Wind Cave, House Rock Vista, Tucquan Creek, the Pinnacle Overlook, Kelly's Run, crossing the Susquehanna River on the Norman Wood Bridge, Mill Creek, Lock 12 and Peavine Island. The 25k course stays on the Lancaster County side of the Susquehanna. Everyone who reaches the finish line earns a beautiful, carved wooden medallion. All participants receive a tech t-shirt at the Finish Line as well as entrance to the Finish Line Picnic catered by Legends Catering of York.
What's New?
The Trail Challenge course was redesigned in 2021 to be tougher and more challenging than ever before. 25k participants will now take on the harsh ascent to the Pinnacle Overlook, a favorite challenging section of the trail, while 50k runners and hikers will do it twice. The 50k challenge will be a lollipop trail, from Pequea across the Norman Woods Bridge to the Mill Creek and Peavine Island loops then back up to Pequea. The 25k will run from Susquehannock State Park up to the finish line now located at Pequea Creek Campground. This cut out the longest stretches of paved roads and gives runners more mileage on our fantastic forested trails.
The Trail Challenge will now use chip timing to give you a smoother process and more precise times.
When: Saturday, September 10, 2022
Where: 25k: Along the Susquehanna river in Lancaster County - from Susquehannock State Park to Pequea Creek Campground.
50k: Along the Susquehanna River in Lancaster and York Counties- from Pequea Creek Campground to Mill Creek and Peavine Island and back.
50k Start: Pequea Creek Campground, 7 a.m. - registration opens at 5:30 a.m.
25k Start: Susquehannock State Park, 9 a.m. - registration opens at 7:00 a.m.
Finish Line for 50k and 25k: Pequea Creek Campground, all day.
How Long? This is a timed event. Participants must finish by 7 p.m.
Transportation: Shuttles will be available to take 25k participants back to their cars at Susquehannock State Park from the Finish Line during the event.
Checkpoints: There are 3 checkpoints along the 50k course and 1 along the 25k course. Each will have water, sports drink, snacks, and volunteers to cheer you on.
What to Bring: All the gear and necessities that help you hike/trail run. Most important: water (refillable containers), basic first aid (like blister treatment, an epi-pen if you carry one), sunscreen, bug repellent, and raingear. The event is rain or shine, and in the great outdoors. Consider bringing extra snacks, i.e., gels/ energy bars. There will be plenty of food available at the checkpoints, but it’s good to have an extra energy supply when you need it.
How to Register: There are two ways to sign up. Download the REGISTRATION FORM to send in with your cash or money order. Or, to use a credit card or PayPal, SIGN UP HERE.
I registered online but haven't heard anything from KTA: Registrations for the KTA Trail Challenge will be processed every 3-4 weeks. That's when you'll receive the confirmation email from the KTA office. If you have pressing questions before then (it can be a long wait when you're training, we know!) please reach out us at ktaadmin@kta-hike.org or call the office at 717-766-9690.
What's New?
The Trail Challenge course was redesigned in 2021 to be tougher and more challenging than ever before. 25k participants will now take on the harsh ascent to the Pinnacle Overlook, a favorite challenging section of the trail, while 50k runners and hikers will do it twice. The 50k challenge will be a lollipop trail, from Pequea across the Norman Woods Bridge to the Mill Creek and Peavine Island loops then back up to Pequea. The 25k will run from Susquehannock State Park up to the finish line now located at Pequea Creek Campground. This cut out the longest stretches of paved roads and gives runners more mileage on our fantastic forested trails.
The Trail Challenge will now use chip timing to give you a smoother process and more precise times.
When: Saturday, September 10, 2022
Where: 25k: Along the Susquehanna river in Lancaster County - from Susquehannock State Park to Pequea Creek Campground.
50k: Along the Susquehanna River in Lancaster and York Counties- from Pequea Creek Campground to Mill Creek and Peavine Island and back.
50k Start: Pequea Creek Campground, 7 a.m. - registration opens at 5:30 a.m.
25k Start: Susquehannock State Park, 9 a.m. - registration opens at 7:00 a.m.
Finish Line for 50k and 25k: Pequea Creek Campground, all day.
How Long? This is a timed event. Participants must finish by 7 p.m.
Transportation: Shuttles will be available to take 25k participants back to their cars at Susquehannock State Park from the Finish Line during the event.
Checkpoints: There are 3 checkpoints along the 50k course and 1 along the 25k course. Each will have water, sports drink, snacks, and volunteers to cheer you on.
What to Bring: All the gear and necessities that help you hike/trail run. Most important: water (refillable containers), basic first aid (like blister treatment, an epi-pen if you carry one), sunscreen, bug repellent, and raingear. The event is rain or shine, and in the great outdoors. Consider bringing extra snacks, i.e., gels/ energy bars. There will be plenty of food available at the checkpoints, but it’s good to have an extra energy supply when you need it.
How to Register: There are two ways to sign up. Download the REGISTRATION FORM to send in with your cash or money order. Or, to use a credit card or PayPal, SIGN UP HERE.
I registered online but haven't heard anything from KTA: Registrations for the KTA Trail Challenge will be processed every 3-4 weeks. That's when you'll receive the confirmation email from the KTA office. If you have pressing questions before then (it can be a long wait when you're training, we know!) please reach out us at ktaadmin@kta-hike.org or call the office at 717-766-9690.