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.
Although the KTA Trail Challenge is a timed event, the challenge is not to "win" or "come in first," but to complete the strenuous hike in the time allowed. For many participants, the KTA Trail Challenge is the ultimate test of physical fitness and mental toughness. This daunting hiking and trail running event on the Conestoga and 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 an arduous, undulating, and demanding course.
How to Register: Sign up online at ultrasignup.com. Download the REGISTRATION FORM to sign up by mail with check.
What you get:
When: Saturday, September 9, 2023.
Where: Along the Susquehanna river in Lancaster County
Susquehannock State Park, 1880 Park Dr, Drumore, PA 17518
Check In: Susquehannock State Park - Early Bird: 7:00-7:45 or Relaxed: 7:45-8:30
Start: Pequea Creek Campground - Early Bird: 8:15 or Relaxed: 9:00 a.m.
Finish Line: Susquehannock State Park, all day. Participants must finish by 7 p.m.
Transportation: Shuttles will be available in the morning to take participants from check-in at Susquehannock State Park to the Starting Line at Pequea Creek Campground.
Checkpoints: The Pinnacle Overlook is stocked with water, sports drink, snacks, and volunteers to cheer you on. The 372 road crossing aid station will have traffic safety volunteers and water.
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.
Will there be a 50K option: We decided to focus all our efforts on the 25K challenge this year. We are working hard to improve the flow and experience of the KTA Trail Challenge. We expect the 50K to return in the future and benefit from the changes we've made this year. We have also partnered with the Ironmaster's Challenge, which hosts 15K and 50K course options. Finishers of both events will receive a special, collaborative Iron Mettle Medal.
When can I register: Registration opens on March 15th and closes after September 6th.
Is same-day registration available: No, you must register in advance.
Refund Policy: This event has a No Refund policy. The Trail Challenge occurs rain or shine. In the event of extreme weather conditions or other circumstances that may risk the safety of participants, volunteers, and the local community, the event may be cancelled. In the event of a cancellation, KTA does not guarantee but may consider refunds.
Although the KTA Trail Challenge is a timed event, the challenge is not to "win" or "come in first," but to complete the strenuous hike in the time allowed. For many participants, the KTA Trail Challenge is the ultimate test of physical fitness and mental toughness. This daunting hiking and trail running event on the Conestoga and 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 an arduous, undulating, and demanding course.
How to Register: Sign up online at ultrasignup.com. Download the REGISTRATION FORM to sign up by mail with check.
What you get:
- Food and beverages at checkpoints and picnic at the finish line catered by Legends Catering of York
- Transportation via shuttle bus from registration to starting line
- Trail Challenge long sleeve tech t-shirt
- 1 year membership with Keystone Trails Association, the statewide voice of Pennsylvania's hikers
- Carved, wooden medallion for finishers
When: Saturday, September 9, 2023.
Where: Along the Susquehanna river in Lancaster County
Susquehannock State Park, 1880 Park Dr, Drumore, PA 17518
Check In: Susquehannock State Park - Early Bird: 7:00-7:45 or Relaxed: 7:45-8:30
Start: Pequea Creek Campground - Early Bird: 8:15 or Relaxed: 9:00 a.m.
Finish Line: Susquehannock State Park, all day. Participants must finish by 7 p.m.
Transportation: Shuttles will be available in the morning to take participants from check-in at Susquehannock State Park to the Starting Line at Pequea Creek Campground.
Checkpoints: The Pinnacle Overlook is stocked with water, sports drink, snacks, and volunteers to cheer you on. The 372 road crossing aid station will have traffic safety volunteers and water.
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.
Will there be a 50K option: We decided to focus all our efforts on the 25K challenge this year. We are working hard to improve the flow and experience of the KTA Trail Challenge. We expect the 50K to return in the future and benefit from the changes we've made this year. We have also partnered with the Ironmaster's Challenge, which hosts 15K and 50K course options. Finishers of both events will receive a special, collaborative Iron Mettle Medal.
When can I register: Registration opens on March 15th and closes after September 6th.
Is same-day registration available: No, you must register in advance.
Refund Policy: This event has a No Refund policy. The Trail Challenge occurs rain or shine. In the event of extreme weather conditions or other circumstances that may risk the safety of participants, volunteers, and the local community, the event may be cancelled. In the event of a cancellation, KTA does not guarantee but may consider refunds.
