York Marathon
York Marathon and Half Marathon offers a fast, certified course blending city streets with the Heritage Rail Trail.
Race Date
May 2, 2027
Location
York, PA
Quick facts
- Date
- Sunday, May 2, 2027
- Location
- York, Pennsylvania
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi)
- Course
- Point to Point
- Terrain
- Mixed
- USATF certified
- Not listed
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The York Marathon and Half Marathon, first run in 2002 and now in its 10th edition, presents a compelling blend of urban start and a scenic trail finish. The course begins on city streets before transitioning to the York County Heritage Rail Trail, a path known for its crushed stone surface ideal for running. This combination aims to provide a fast, certified experience, with a net elevation drop that can favor personal bests.
Runners can expect a race that draws participants from approximately 18 states, with around 573 finishers on average in past years. While the field has seen a slight decrease recently, the event maintains a loyal following, with about 17% of participants returning. The event is chip-timed and offers a rolling start window for both the marathon and half marathon, allowing runners to begin within a specified period.
The finish line is set in the heart of downtown York, offering a celebratory atmosphere. Participants receive a short-sleeved wicking shirt as part of their race swag. The event is hosted by the Arthur J. Glatfelter Branch YMCA, highlighting a strong community connection.
Race-provided description
Sunday, May 3, 2026 Whether you are aiming for a Boston Qualifying time or are running your first long distance race, the York Marathon and Half Marathon is a fast-paced chip-timed event hosted by the Arthur J. Glatfelter Branch YMCA. The race begins at the Arthur J. Glatfelter Branch YMCA, 90 N. Newberry St, York, PA 17401 and ends at Lafayette Plaza in the heart of the City of York. The flat course begins on city streets and transitions to the York County Heritage Rail Trail for the remainder of the race. The trail race surface is compacted crushed stone, ideal for running. Registration closes on April 30, 2026.
RACE START/HEATS Marathon: 6:00 am - Group start6:10 - 6:30 am - Rolling start; Runners can cross the start line at any time during this period Half Marathon: 7:00 am - Group start7:10 - 7:30 am - Rolling start. Runners can cross the start line at any time during this period
1:00 pm - Race Course Closes *** Runners must pass Brillhart Station by 11:45 am to make it to the finish l…
Logistics
Race Day
Sunday, May 2, 2027
Start Time
TBA
Start Location
Arthur J. Glatfelter Branch YMCA, York, PA, 17401
Course Info
Course Type
Point to Point
Terrain
mixed
Scenery
Park, Urban
Surface
Dirt Trail, Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Quality Score
Runner Favorite8010 years running
~589 finishers a year
growing or steady
17% returning runners
USATF certified · 6 timing sources
runners from 18 states
winner 1:15:18
typical high 71°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
51°
Afternoon (High)
72°
Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively
0.1"
Precipitation
12 mph
Wind
66%
Humidity
Frequently asked
When is the York Marathon?
The York Marathon is held on Sunday, May 2, 2027.
Where does the York Marathon take place?
It takes place in York, Pennsylvania.
What distances does the York Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles).
Is the York Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The York Marathon is a ultra-flat, point to point course.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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