If you’re looking for a flat, fast half marathon that sells out months in advance, the Hellbender 5k & Half Marathon on Sunday, August 23, 2026, deserves a spot on your calendar. Held in Bear Gap, Pennsylvania, this out-and-back road race along scenic lakes and the Weiser State Forest has become a summer favorite—and for good reason. With a cap of just 300 participants, it’s also one of the most exclusive half marathons you can run.
The Course: Flat, Fast, and Scenic
The Hellbender half marathon is a road race, but it welcomes trail runners too. The course is flat and out-and-back, making it a great option for runners chasing a personal best or a smooth first half. You’ll run along the shores of scenic lakes and through the beautiful Roaring Creek Tract of Weiser State Forest. The surface is paved, so no technical terrain to worry about—just steady, controlled effort from start to finish.
Because the course is flat, it’s ideal for setting a PR. The out-and-back layout also means you’ll pass the start/finish area midway, which can be a nice mental boost (and a chance to see the 5k runners starting later).
The Experience: Small Field, Big Community Feel
With only 300 spots, the Hellbender has an intimate, community-driven atmosphere. In 2026, it sold out on May 31—so if you want in, you need to plan ahead. There is no race-day registration and no waitlist, so registration closes once the cap is hit.
The race is organized by Falcon Race Timing in partnership with the Roaring Creek Valley Conservation Association (RCVCA). Proceeds support clean water initiatives in the state forest and the Roaring Creek Watershed. So your entry fee does more than get you a race bib—it helps protect the very landscape you’re running through.
All participants receive a race shirt, finisher medal, and a post-race meal. Packet pickup is race morning starting at 7:00 AM, with the half marathon starting at 8:00 AM and the 5k at 8:30 AM. The course closes at noon, giving you plenty of time to finish and enjoy the post-race festivities.
Who Is This Race For?
First-timers: The flat terrain and supportive small-field atmosphere make the Hellbender a fantastic choice for your first half marathon. You won’t feel lost in a crowd, and the point-to-point out-and-back means you always know what’s ahead.
PR-seekers: If you’re looking to set a new personal record, this is a prime opportunity. Flat courses don’t get much friendlier than this, and the August race date gives you all summer to train.
50-state chasers: Pennsylvania is a must-have state, and the Hellbender offers a unique, low-key experience that stands out from the big-city races. The early sellout adds a bit of challenge to the logistics, but that’s part of the adventure.
Logistics and Weather
The race takes place in Bear Gap, Pennsylvania, at the Route 54 parking area (between Mount Carmel and Elysburg). The entrance is 3.5 miles west of the intersection of Routes 54 and 61. Important: The race can only be accessed from the Route 54 side of the park.
Expect typical race-day temperatures in the low-to-mid 70s (lows around 62°F, highs around 78°F). August in Pennsylvania can be humid, so plan accordingly—hydrate well and consider light, breathable gear.
Parking is limited (it’s part of the reason for the 300-runner cap), so arrive early. Registration opens at 7:00 AM, and the half marathon starts promptly at 8:00 AM.
Ready to Run?
The Hellbender 5k & Half Marathon is the kind of race that feels like a hidden gem—until word gets out. With a history of selling out fast, the key is to register early. If a flat, scenic, community-focused half marathon sounds like your kind of adventure, don’t wait.
Check out the Hellbender 5k & Half Marathon page for details and registration.