
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
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
Atmosphere
Course
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
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Loop Course
Terrain
mixed
Scenery
Mountain, Rural
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Rolling Hills
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
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 Favorite849 years running
~945 finishers a year
shrinking
19% returning runners
USATF certified · 5 timing sources
runners from 21 states
winner 1:23:49
typical high 63°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (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
Turnout by year
2018–2025
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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