2026 Blair Regional YMCA October Half Marathon & Distance Races
Small-town Pennsylvania half with rolling hills and loyal following.
Race Date
Oct 3, 2026
Location
Hollidaysburg, PA
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, October 3, 2026
- Location
- Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi)
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
The Experience
The Blair Regional YMCA October Half Marathon is a study in small-town running done right. Each year, about 67 runners gather in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, for a 13.1-mile course that starts and finishes at the YMCA. First run in 2009, the 2025 edition marks the 17th annual—and nearly 40% of participants are repeat visitors, a testament to its quiet appeal.
The course is a road loop through rolling hills, with water stations every two miles and gels at mile 8. It’s a challenging but fair profile, offering rural scenery that regulars describe as 'beautiful' and 'scenic.' The field is modest, but the atmosphere is warm and community-driven, with the YMCA's own wellness series framing the event.
Finishers receive a tri-blend t-shirt, and the post-race spread is simple but satisfying. For those seeking a half-marathon that values connection over crowds, the October Half in Hollidaysburg is a hidden gem worth discovering.
Race-provided description
The 17th annual October Half Marathon & Distance Races features a 13.1-mile half marathon, a 10K run, and a 5K walk, all starting and finishing at the Blair Regional YMCA in Hollidaysburg, PA. The half marathon course includes rolling hills, with water stations every 2 miles and gels at mile 8. The race is open to participants aged 16 and over for the half marathon, and awards are given in multiple age categories.
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, October 3, 2026
Start Time
TBA
Start Location
1111 Hewit St., Hollidaysburg, PA, 16648
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Difficulty
Rolling Hills
Quality Score
Standout6412 years running
~67 finishers a year
growing or steady
40% returning runners
5 timing sources
runners from 2 states
winner 1:20:26
typical high 72°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
50°
Afternoon (High)
73°
Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively
0.1"
Precipitation
6 mph
Wind
72%
Humidity
Frequently asked
When is the 2026 Blair Regional YMCA October Half Marathon & Distance Races?
The 2026 Blair Regional YMCA October Half Marathon & Distance Races is held on Saturday, October 3, 2026.
Where does the 2026 Blair Regional YMCA October Half Marathon & Distance Races take place?
It takes place in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania.
What distances does the 2026 Blair Regional YMCA October Half Marathon & Distance Races offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles).
Is the 2026 Blair Regional YMCA October Half Marathon & Distance Races course flat and good for a PR?
The 2026 Blair Regional YMCA October Half Marathon & Distance Races is a rolling hills, loop course course.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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