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End of the Road Half Marathon & One Tunnel 4 Miler

End of the Road Half Marathon & One Tunnel 4 Miler

Run through abandoned tunnels and fall foliage on Pennsylvania's historic turnpike.

Race Date

Oct 24, 2026

Location

Waterfall, PA

Runner Favorite84

Quick facts

Date
Saturday, October 24, 2026
Location
Waterfall, Pennsylvania
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 26.2 Miles, 17.1 Miles, 13.1 Miles, 4 Miles, 4 Mile Virtual Race
Course
Loop Course
Terrain
Mixed
USATF certified
Yes
Finishers on record
3,495

Highlights

Good For

Destination WorthyBeginner FriendlyPR Friendly

Atmosphere

Local CommunityGreat SwagWell Organized

Course

ShadedScenic Route

The Experience

This unique autumn race takes runners deep into history on the abandoned Pennsylvania Turnpike, bypassed in 1968 and untouched by cars for decades. The course offers a captivating blend of five miles through long, dark tunnels and scenic rolling rural roads, all set against a backdrop of peak fall foliage.

With a typical field size of around 945 finishers and drawing participants from approximately 21 states, the End of the Road Half Marathon is a destination event. The course is USATF-certified and noted for its net drop, presenting a fast profile for those aiming for personal bests. While the tunnels provide a unique, immersive experience, the race also offers stunning mountain scenery on the open road sections.

Runners appreciate the limited field sizes for an uncrowded experience and the availability of official pacers for the half marathon. The event is also noted for its approachable 4-miler, suitable for newer runners and walkers, providing the thrill of racing through the famous abandoned tunnels. A repeat-runner loyalty of about 19% speaks to the memorable nature of this distinctive fall race, now in its ninth year.

Race-provided description

End of the Road Half Marathon (October 24–25, 2026 · Waterfall, PA) is one of Pennsylvania’s most unique fall races. Choose the Half Marathon or 4 miler and run through two long, dark tunnels on the abandoned Pennsylvania Turnpike, surrounded by peak autumn foliage. Looking for an October race that’s unlike anything else in the state? This event takes runners deep into history along a stretch of highway bypassed in 1968 and untouched by cars for nearly 50 years. The course blends five miles of tunnel running with rolling rural roads and stunning mountain scenery. Not ready for 13.1 miles? If you’ve run a 5K before, the 4 Miler is the perfect next step. It’s approachable for newer runners, fun for walkers, and still gives you the full thrill of racing through the famous abandoned tunnels.  Curious what it's like to run through the tunnels?  Watch our End of the Road Half Marathon & 4 Mile preview video with footage from 2024 participant, Natasha. Race Options: Half Marathon – Saturday or Sunday (choose your day)One Tunnel 4 Mile – SundayTwo-Day Challenges: 26.2 Road Closed Rambler – Half Marathon Saturday + Half Marathon Sunday17.1 Tunnel Traveler – Half Marathon Saturday + One Tunnel 4 Miler Sunday

Why Runners Love It: Run through 5 miles of tunnels – a headlamp or flashlight is requiredLimited field sizes each day for an uncrowded courseOfficial pacers for both Half Marathons to help you hit your time goalsMovie Night on the Turnpike Saturday evening (The Addams Family in 2025)Host hotel near the start/finish that hosts packet pickup (book early—sold out last year) Now in its eighteenth year, this race has welcomed runners from across the U.S., raising funds for The Old PA Pike’s efforts to turn the abandoned turnpike into a permanent greenway for runners, walkers, and cyclists. Be part of one of Pennsylvania’s most talked-about October races—and one of the most memorable courses you’ll ever run.

Logistics

Race Day

Saturday, October 24, 2026

Start Time

9:00 AM

Giveaway

Race Shirt

Start Location

3005 Pump Station Rd, Waterfall, PA, 16689

Directions

Course Info

USATF Certified

Course Type

Loop Course

Terrain

mixed

Scenery

Mountain, Rural

Surface

Paved

Difficulty

Rolling Hills

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Also Offers

26.2 Miles17.1 Miles13.1 Miles4 Miles4 Mile Virtual Race

USATF Certified Course

PA17060NP · End of the Road Half Marathon

Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.

Quality Score

Runner Favorite84
Methodology
Heritage18/20

9 years running

Size15/15

~945 finishers a year

Momentum3/5

shrinking

Loyalty19/20

19% returning runners

Course & details10/15

USATF certified · 5 timing sources

National draw8/10

runners from 21 states

Front-pack speed3/5

winner 1:23:49

Weather8/10

typical high 63°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

44°

Afternoon (High)

63°

Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish

0.0"

Precipitation

10 mph

Wind

68%

Humidity

Historical Finish Times

How 3,495 finishers actually crossed the line across 9 years.

Most recent

2025

Total finishers

3,495

Median time

2:22:42

Latest turnout

418

States

40

10%
25%
75%
90%
1:15p50 median ≈ 2:204:45

Turnout by year

20182025

'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25
See full results

Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.

Race Photos

Frequently asked

When is the End of the Road Half Marathon & One Tunnel 4 Miler?

The End of the Road Half Marathon & One Tunnel 4 Miler is held on Saturday, October 24, 2026, starting at 9:00 AM.

Where does the End of the Road Half Marathon & One Tunnel 4 Miler take place?

It takes place in Waterfall, Pennsylvania.

What distances does the End of the Road Half Marathon & One Tunnel 4 Miler offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 26.2 Miles, 17.1 Miles, 13.1 Miles, 4 Miles, 4 Mile Virtual Race.

Is the End of the Road Half Marathon & One Tunnel 4 Miler course flat and good for a PR?

The End of the Road Half Marathon & One Tunnel 4 Miler is a rolling hills, loop course course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.

How many people run the End of the Road Half Marathon & One Tunnel 4 Miler?

HalfRuns has finish records for 3,495 runners who have completed the End of the Road Half Marathon & One Tunnel 4 Miler.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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