The Rail Trail Marathon & Half takes runners and hikers through the gentle yet stirring landscapes surrounding Honesdale, Pennsylvania. Stretching across the converted railway paths, this course offers a mix of forested corridors, open fields, and river-adjacent stretches that pulse with life. Covering 26.2 miles for the full marathon and 13.1 miles for the half, the trail is mostly flat with an elevation gain of about 600 feet, making it accessible to both newcomers and seasoned trail adventurers.

Underfoot, the terrain switches between packed dirt and crushed stone, a firm platform that guides your pace without surprise. You move alongside the Lackawaxen River, which seems to dare you onward with its steady current, especially in sections where the path narrows and the water rushes nearby. Trees crowd the trail’s edges, their branches shifting with the breeze, like watchful guardians observing each footfall.

Planning for this marathon means preparing for a sustained effort. Hydration stations are spaced along the route, but carrying a lightweight hydration pack is wise, especially in warmer months. Sturdy trail shoes with good grip will keep you steady on gravel and occasional slippery patches. Early morning starts are ideal, catching the cool air before afternoon sun warms the trail.

The simplicity of the route belies its quiet challenge. It demands respect—not explosive sprints, but steady endurance against nature that is fiercely itself: woodlands breathing, rivers flowing, a wind that can either refresh or press against you. After the race, Honesdale’s small-town charm offers well-earned comfort—from local diners serving energizing breakfast to quaint shops for stretching and recovery.

Whether running the full or half, the experience is more than crossing the finish line; it’s engaging with the land, its rhythms, and the subtle shifts in terrain and atmosphere. The Rail Trail Marathon & Half is an invitation not just to test your limits but to recognize your place within this living environment.