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, and the Mason-Dixon Trail System, 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, then together with the 25k course, historic Lock 12 and Oakland Run. Participants of the 50k enjoy scenic Urey Overlook and Otter Creek. The 25k course includes the beautiful Overlook Trail, Wisslers Run, and a sweeping view of the unique Muddy Run Power Reservoir. 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.
When: Saturday, September 7, 2019
Where: Lancaster County to York County - this is a rare, point to point course covering 2 counties
50k Start: Pequea Creek Campground, 7 a.m. - registration opens at 5:30 a.m. The elevation profile for the 50k and the map for both courses will be posted under Course Details and Elevation Profile tab to the left.
25k Start: Susquehannock State Park, 9 a.m. - registration opens at 7:30 a.m.
Finish Line for 50k and 25k: Otter Creek Campground, Airville, PA - parking for friends and family available in adjacent lot on Furnace Road.
How Long? This is a timed event. Participants must finish by 7 p.m.
Transportation: Shuttles will be available to take participants back to their cars at Pequea or Susquehannock State Park from the Finish Line during the event.
Checkpoints: There are 3 checkpoints along the 50k course. The 25k course shares 2 checkpoints. 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 on Pretzel City Sports (nominal fee applies).
I registered on Pretzel City Sports but haven't heard anything from KTA: Pretzel City Sports handles the credit card registrations for the KTA Trail Challenge. Every 3-4 weeks, they send KTA information about those who signed up. 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.
When: Saturday, September 7, 2019
Where: Lancaster County to York County - this is a rare, point to point course covering 2 counties
50k Start: Pequea Creek Campground, 7 a.m. - registration opens at 5:30 a.m. The elevation profile for the 50k and the map for both courses will be posted under Course Details and Elevation Profile tab to the left.
25k Start: Susquehannock State Park, 9 a.m. - registration opens at 7:30 a.m.
Finish Line for 50k and 25k: Otter Creek Campground, Airville, PA - parking for friends and family available in adjacent lot on Furnace Road.
How Long? This is a timed event. Participants must finish by 7 p.m.
Transportation: Shuttles will be available to take participants back to their cars at Pequea or Susquehannock State Park from the Finish Line during the event.
Checkpoints: There are 3 checkpoints along the 50k course. The 25k course shares 2 checkpoints. 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 on Pretzel City Sports (nominal fee applies).
I registered on Pretzel City Sports but haven't heard anything from KTA: Pretzel City Sports handles the credit card registrations for the KTA Trail Challenge. Every 3-4 weeks, they send KTA information about those who signed up. 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.