Event Description

September 18, 2021: Allegheny Trailrunners Inc. is proud to present Rock 'N The Knob Trail Challenge – PA’s Highest Trail Race

The marathon begins at 8:00am and the Half Marathon starts at 9:00am and the 10K starts at 10am.

The race will offer three courses: a 10K course, a half-marathon course and a challenging marathon course for the more experienced.

TAKEAWAYS:
10K course: The 10K course may be the most challenging 10K in PA* (*based on the fastest and average finish times.) The 10K features challenges like Tree-odge, Devils Hairpin, Throat Punch Hill and Soul Sucker Slopes! Two major climbs give you over 1350 feet of climbing. There is one aid station at the base of the first climb called Throat Punch Hill at 3 miles.

Half-marathon: Get ready – this half-marathon is a doozy. We took the marathon course and cutting it in half but leaving in more than half of the challenges and sufferfest. The half features some gnarly sections like Blister Blaster, Teal is Real up Deep Hollow Notch, I'll Nettle Do This Again and I Need a Sherpa! We are amending the course in 2021 to include more elevation madness with almost 3500 feet of climbing - or 7000 feet of elevation change.  There are three aid stations and a six 1/2-hour time limit. There are 3 Aid Stations: At Chappelle's Field (Mile 4.6); At Ravens Rest (Mile 7.2); At Heavens Hairpin (Mile 11.1). Since we are including another big climb so we will be adjusting our cut-off times so stay tuned. 

Mountain Marathon: For mountain-goats, this course has broken the will of many as you repeatedly attempt to ascend one of the highest peaks in the Central Alleghenies – finishing with nearly 6,400 feet of climbing on your legs and 13,000 feet of elevation change. The marathon includes all the greatest hits of both the half and 10k races - an more! For 2021, we will be adding a new climb to make this one of the toughest marathon distance races in the Mid-Atlantic region. There are 6 Aid Stations: At Pavia (Mile 7) Chappelle's Field at 10.5 miles, Raven's Rest at 13.1 miles, Heavens Hairpin at 18.3, Quitters Row at 20.3 miles and Throat Punch at 23 miles. You have 9 hours to complete the race. Since we are including another big climb, we will be adjusting our cut-off times so stay tuned. 

In Summary:

• At over 3,100 feet above sea level, it is Pennsylvania’s highest race.
• A 10K, half-marathon or 26-mile options. Both are more technical (rocky) than our little sister, the Dirty Kiln Trail Race.
• All three races are capped at 100 people (300 total). 
• Lodging packages available at Blue Knob All-Seasons Resort, wake up feet from the start and finish.
• Our famous swag package.
• Post-race food and beer tasting is included with the entry fee.

Start/Finish Address: 1424 Overland Pass Claysburg, Pennsylvania 16625. Bib pickup begins 7am in the pavilion beside the Blue Knob Clubhouse Restaurant and Conference Center.