KTA Trail Challenge
Guidelines
• Be prepared for a challenge. This is a truly demanding course, not only for the distance, but the terrain. Most of the 50k is on the Conestoga Trail, with a total elevation change of 8,000 feet. All participants for the KTA Trail Challenge should be ready for mud, washouts, fallen trees, stinging insects, loose rocks, steep ascents and descents, gorgeous views to distract you, and possible high water at stream crossings.
• Participants are expected to carry all their own gear and necessities, including water, basic first aid, and rain gear. Pack expecting stinging insects, intense sun, and scrapes.
• Dress for the conditions: Light layers and wicking material for clothing. Trail shoes that are light, shed water, and give good grip. Wicking socks make for happy feet. The event is rain or shine.
• There will be 3 checkpoints on the 50k course and 1 checkpoint for the 25k with water, sports drink, snacks, basic first aid, and limited restrooms. Although there are water stations on the course, please arrive at the event with a filled water container (Camelback, hydration belt, etc.). Consider carrying at least one liter of water.
• Participants are required - for safety reasons - to reach each checkpoint within a certain time period and to complete the course no later than 7:00 p.m. This requires a sustained, minimum pace of almost 2.6 miles per hour including breaks for the 50k, and 1.6 miles per hour for the 25k.
• Participants will receive their t-shirts and finisher medallions at the finish line.
• Print out driving directions before you leave for the event. Plan extra time for your drive – unless you’ve been there before. (Scroll down for GPS Coordinates of Starts, Checkpoints, and Finish Line.) Cell phone service is intermittent at best.
• Bring 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, especially if you have dietary restrictions.
• Pack a basic first aid kit including: band aids, first aid cream, and blister treatment. Foot care is essential. Wear properly fitting shoes and treat hot spots on your feet before they turn into blisters.
• Sun and bugs: Bring along sunscreen and insect repellent (epi-pen if necessary) to protect yourself on the trail.
• Your complimentary Keystone Trails Association membership will be effective starting the day your registration is processed. KTA members receive our monthly digital newsletter, discounts on trail maps and guidebooks, invitations to KTA events, and updates on important trail information. Your membership (and registration fee) helps KTA to provide, preserve, protect, and promote hiking and hiking trails in Pennsylvania.
• Legends Catering of York returns to cater the finish line picnic.
• Participants are expected to carry all their own gear and necessities, including water, basic first aid, and rain gear. Pack expecting stinging insects, intense sun, and scrapes.
• Dress for the conditions: Light layers and wicking material for clothing. Trail shoes that are light, shed water, and give good grip. Wicking socks make for happy feet. The event is rain or shine.
• There will be 3 checkpoints on the 50k course and 1 checkpoint for the 25k with water, sports drink, snacks, basic first aid, and limited restrooms. Although there are water stations on the course, please arrive at the event with a filled water container (Camelback, hydration belt, etc.). Consider carrying at least one liter of water.
• Participants are required - for safety reasons - to reach each checkpoint within a certain time period and to complete the course no later than 7:00 p.m. This requires a sustained, minimum pace of almost 2.6 miles per hour including breaks for the 50k, and 1.6 miles per hour for the 25k.
• Participants will receive their t-shirts and finisher medallions at the finish line.
• Print out driving directions before you leave for the event. Plan extra time for your drive – unless you’ve been there before. (Scroll down for GPS Coordinates of Starts, Checkpoints, and Finish Line.) Cell phone service is intermittent at best.
• Bring 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, especially if you have dietary restrictions.
• Pack a basic first aid kit including: band aids, first aid cream, and blister treatment. Foot care is essential. Wear properly fitting shoes and treat hot spots on your feet before they turn into blisters.
• Sun and bugs: Bring along sunscreen and insect repellent (epi-pen if necessary) to protect yourself on the trail.
• Your complimentary Keystone Trails Association membership will be effective starting the day your registration is processed. KTA members receive our monthly digital newsletter, discounts on trail maps and guidebooks, invitations to KTA events, and updates on important trail information. Your membership (and registration fee) helps KTA to provide, preserve, protect, and promote hiking and hiking trails in Pennsylvania.
• Legends Catering of York returns to cater the finish line picnic.
GPS Coordinates for Landmarks Along the Courses
Policies
• Participants who exit the event early or do not reach a checkpoint within the designated time period will not have guaranteed transportation. Each checkpoint has radio operators who can relay messages to Pequea Campground if you have someone to pick you up. Cell phone coverage is not dependable along the course.
• Due to lack of internet accessibility and cell phone reception on the KTA Trail Challenge course, plan to be unable to reach event coordinators by telephone or email after Thursday, September 8.
• Due to lack of internet accessibility and cell phone reception on the KTA Trail Challenge course, plan to be unable to reach event coordinators by telephone or email after Thursday, September 8.