Keystone Trails Association Hosts Trail Challenge 25K Run/Hike in the Susquehanna Riverlands Conservation Landscape [PRESS RELEASE]

The KTA Trail Challenge is an event for adventurous trail runners and hikers that highlights the wild river hills of the lower Susquehanna Gorge.

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[PRESS RELEASE] Mechanicsburg, PA: Keystone Trails Association will host their 15th KTA Trail Challenge 25K Run/Hike on Saturday, September 9th, 2023 within Susquehannock State Park and along the Conestoga Trail. 

The Keystone Trails Association is a statewide organization committed to providing, protecting, preserving, and promoting hiking trails and hiking opportunities in Pennsylvania.

“We’ve been returning to the Susquehanna Riverlands Conservation Landscape (SRCL) for this event every year since 2009. ” shares Brook Lenker, Executive Director of KTA. “When you’re on the Trail Challenge Course, you’re immersed in raw beauty and rugged nature, but the cities of Lancaster and York - with abundant cultural opportunities - are close by. The SRCL region is rich in history and features some of PA’s most iconic hiking trails.”

The daunting 25K course alternates between breathtaking vistas with steep descents into dark, scenic hollows followed by strenuous climbs to the next vista. Although the event is timed, the challenge is not to "win" or "come in first," but to complete the arduous course within the time allowed. 

“We’ve improved this year’s Trail Challenge in multiple ways,” shares Casey Schneck, KTA Manager of Events and Publications. “We do our best to make changes based on suggestions and feedback from participants. It’s our goal to have recurring runners and hikers!”

These changes include a course reroute resulting in little time spent on pavement; eliminating the need to wait for the shuttle bus; achieving Trail Sisters approval to provide an equal race-day experience for female participants; and multiple start time options to accommodate the diverse skill levels of runners and hikers.

“We pride ourselves on providing hiking opportunities that help train hikers in best practices. The KTA Trail Challenge is a chance for hikers to test their skills!” shares Brook Lenker, Executive Director of KTA. “ For many participants, the KTA Trail Challenge is the ultimate test of physical fitness and mental toughness.”

Runners and hikers who complete both the KTA Trail Challenge and the Central Pennsylvania Conservancy’s Ironmaster's Challenge will receive a special, collaborative Iron Mettle Medal.

Learn more and register for KTA’s Trail Challenge 25K Run/Hike at www.kta-hike.org.

Questions about KTA’s Trail Challenge? Contact Casey Schneck, KTA Manager of Events and Publications at [email protected].

KTA thanks this year’s Trail Challenge sponsors for their support: Brookfield Renewable and Pennsylvania American Water, as well as the assistance of numerous local partners.


About Keystone Trails Association: The Keystone Trails Association offers a robust trail care program with volunteer opportunities available on PA trails, serves as the statewide voice of the hiking trail community and trail advocate in PA’s capital, and offers a wealth of hiking opportunities throughout the year that both long-time hikers and the next generation of hikers can enjoy together. 

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