2ND ANNUAL FALL CLASSIC!
We are continuing to keep the Fall Classic fresh and find new ways to race on the LHHT.
The 2nd LHU Fall Classic will be the first ever Northend and Northbound 50K! And will include a 2 person relay option.
Starting at Mile 39 (Laurel Summit State Park) and ending at Mile 70 (Rt 56) in Seward. A fantastic and challenging part of the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, complete with rock mazes, ferns, moss and rhododendron tunnels. And if you're a perpetual LHU 50Ker, a part of the course you may have never raced.
BENEFITTING THE Pennsylvania Parks & Forest Foundation!
None of this would be possible without the hard work of the PPFF, Friends Group, RidgeRunners and everyone who gives back to the trails in Western PA! Year-round maintenance and care is required to keep this trail amazing.
Please consider donating to their work: Donate NOW!
NEW for 2025 - 50K RELAY!
We’re excited to offer a 2 person relay as part of the 2025 LHU Fall Classic!
Relay legs are ~17.4 miles and ~13.4 miles.
The relay exchange will happen at Mile 17.4 aid station on Rt 271. Relay members should plan their own transportation to and from the exchange point on Rt 271. The AM (pre race) shuttle can be used if needed for the first runner to get from the finish line to the start line.
No pacers are allowed to join the relay teams. Relay team members can also run the full race individually but need to be registered for both and must run the first leg for their team.
COURSE
Interactive Course Map HERE. (Click on Menu > Racer Info or Hills to view course stats such as elevation etc)
A point to point race on the gorgeous Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail. Beginning in Laurel Summit State Park near Laurel Mountain Ski Resort, off Rt 30 heading North on the LHHT to its terminus at Rt 56 in Seward, PA.
The route is run entirely on the LHHT and has over 3,700ft elevation ascent and 5,100 elevation descent. You'll be counting your way up from Mile Marker 39 to 70 and finishing just beyond the 70M marker at the Rt 56 trailhead
AID STATIONS
Aid Stations confirmed at course mile 6.5 (~Mile Marker 46 ), mile 17.4 (~Mile marker 57), and mile 22.5 (~Mile marker 62), All will be fully stocked and staffed.
The aid station are located at the trailhead parking lots. Every racer must run completely to the aid station for checkins / timing.
We take pride in our aid stations and can get you what you need. And we take requests when you register! Our established community of amazing volunteers and staff will be ready for you. Skratch is typically our electrolyte hydration. We'll have a lot of AS staples, like fruit, pb&j, potatoes, pretzels, chips, and some candy. And we often throw in some broth, bacon, quesadillas and pierogi. Vegan and GF options available in food, gels, starches and more.
CREW / SPECTATORS / PACERS
Spectators and Crew will have access to the aid stations at Miles 6.5 and 17.4 to crew and cheer for racers. There will be NO ACCESS at Mile 22.5 aid station for spectators, crew or pacers. (due to it's remote access)
Pacers can join their racer only at Mile 17.4 and must be able to make it to the finish at Mile 31.
The Relay exchange will happen at Mile 17.4 (Rt 271 Aid Station)
RACE DAY!
6:30 AM: Check-in opens
7:30 AM: Race starts
12:00PM: Post Race Party Begins!
TBD PM: Cutoff at Mile 17.4
5:30PM: Finish Line Cutoff
PARKING & SHUTTLE
Start Line will be at the Linn Run Parking Lot at the intersection of Linn Run Rd and Laurel Summit Rd. Please leave extra time to arrive as the lot is on a gravel road.
Finish Line parking will be at Rt56 Trailhead in Seward.
There is a shuttle available before the race, not after. Unless you are being dropped at the finish line, we suggest racers use the shuttle as the Start Line parking is limited. To use the shuttle - Park at the Finish Lot (Rt 56) in Seward and be transported to the Start Line. The shuttle will be $15 to help us cover the cost and can be selected in the checkout process. The last shuttle will leave Rt 56 trailhead at 6:15 AM.
AWARDS
Every finisher will receive a finisher award. Top awards given to Non-Binary 1st/2nd/3rd, Female 1st/2nd/3rd and Male 1st/2nd/3rd.
JOIN OUR VOLUNTEER COMMUNITY!
We'd love to have you join the team. Click HERE to see the options. We offer free race entries for a full day of volunteering!
Event's current local time: 4:53 AM ET
