Rock 'N The Knob Trail Challenge – PA’s Highest Trail Race
- Date Sat 13th September 2025
- Time 6:00AM EDT
- Location Claysburg, Pennsylvania
- Price $59.55 - $96.65
- Races 3 races
- Distances Ultra, Half Marathon, 10km
Event summary
Get ready for an exhilarating adventure at the 14th annual Rock 'N The Knob Trail Challenge, taking place on Saturday, September 13, 2025, in the stunning landscapes of Claysburg, Bedford County, Pennsylvania. Known as Pennsylvania's highest trail race, this event offers a thrilling variety of race distances, including a challenging Ultramarathon Course (50K) starting at 6:00 AM, a Medium Distance Course (20K-25K) launching at 9:00 AM, and a Short Course (10K) kicking off at 10:00 AM.
Participants can expect a true test of endurance with courses that feature steep climbs and rugged terrains, including notorious sections like Throat Punch Hill and Soul Sucker Slopes. The 10K course may just be one of the most challenging in the state, while the 50K ultramarathon promises a grueling yet rewarding trek up Blue Knob Mountain. With breathtaking views, exciting swag packages, and delicious post-race food and beer, this event is not only a race but a celebration of trail running. Don't miss your chance to conquer Pennsylvania's highest race on September 13th!
Participants can expect a true test of endurance with courses that feature steep climbs and rugged terrains, including notorious sections like Throat Punch Hill and Soul Sucker Slopes. The 10K course may just be one of the most challenging in the state, while the 50K ultramarathon promises a grueling yet rewarding trek up Blue Knob Mountain. With breathtaking views, exciting swag packages, and delicious post-race food and beer, this event is not only a race but a celebration of trail running. Don't miss your chance to conquer Pennsylvania's highest race on September 13th!
Organiser's Description
SEPTEMBER 13, 2025: ALLEGHENY TRAILRUNNERS INC. IS PROUD TO PRESENT THE 14TH ANNUAL ROCK N THE KNOB PAS HIGHEST RACE. BREAKING THE WILL OF ALL WHO DARE TRY
The Ultramarathon Course (50K) begins at 6:00am and the Medium Distance Course (20K-25K) starts at 9:00am and the Short Course (10K) starts at 10am.
The race will offer three courses: a Short Course (10K-ish), a Medium Distance Course (20K-25K) and a challenging Ultramarathon Course (50K) for the more experienced.
TAKEAWAYS:
Short Course (10K-ish): This course may be the most challenging 10K in PA* (*based on the fastest and average finish times.) The 10K features challenges like Tree-odge, Devils Hairpin, Throat Punch Hill and Soul Sucker Slopes! Two major climbs give you over 1350 feet of climbing. There is one aid station at the base of the first climb called Throat Punch Hill at 3 miles. More: http://www.alleghenytrailrunners.com/rock-n-the-knob-trail-challenge/
Medium Distance Course (20K-25K): Get ready this race is a doozy. We took the marathon course and cutting it in half but leaving in more than half of the challenges and sufferfest. The half features some gnarly sections like Blister Blaster, Teal is Real up Deep Hollow Notch, I'll Nettle Do This Again and I Need a Sherpa! We are amending the course in 2021 to include more elevation madness with almost 3500 feet of climbing - or 7000 feet of elevation change. There are three aid stations and a six 1/2-hour time limit. There are 3 Aid Stations: At Chappelle's Field (Mile 4.6); At Ravens Rest (Mile 7.2); At Heavens Hairpin (Mile 11.1). More: http://www.alleghenytrailrunners.com/rock-n-the-knob-trail-challenge/
Ultramarathon: For mountain-goats, this course will brake the will of many as you repeatedly attempt to ascend Blue Knob Mountain, the most northern 3,000+ foot peak in the Alleghenies. The 50K is our infamous mountain marathon boosted to an ultramarathon which includes all the greatest hits of both the medium course and 10k races. More - http://www.alleghenytrailrunners.com/rock-n-the-knob-trail-challenge/
IN SUMMARY:
* At over 3,100 feet above sea level, it is Pennsylvanias highest race.
* A 10K, half-marathon or 50K options. Both are more technical (rocky) than our little sister, the Dirty Kiln Trail Race.
* Lodging is available at Blue Knob All-Seasons Resort, wake up feet from the start and finish.
* Our famous swag package.
* Post-race food and beer is included with the entry fee.
Start/Finish Address: 1424 Overland Pass Claysburg, Pennsylvania 16625. Bib pickup begins 7am in the pavilion beside the Blue Knob Clubhouse Restaurant and Conference Center.
The Ultramarathon Course (50K) begins at 6:00am and the Medium Distance Course (20K-25K) starts at 9:00am and the Short Course (10K) starts at 10am.
The race will offer three courses: a Short Course (10K-ish), a Medium Distance Course (20K-25K) and a challenging Ultramarathon Course (50K) for the more experienced.
TAKEAWAYS:
Short Course (10K-ish): This course may be the most challenging 10K in PA* (*based on the fastest and average finish times.) The 10K features challenges like Tree-odge, Devils Hairpin, Throat Punch Hill and Soul Sucker Slopes! Two major climbs give you over 1350 feet of climbing. There is one aid station at the base of the first climb called Throat Punch Hill at 3 miles. More: http://www.alleghenytrailrunners.com/rock-n-the-knob-trail-challenge/
Medium Distance Course (20K-25K): Get ready this race is a doozy. We took the marathon course and cutting it in half but leaving in more than half of the challenges and sufferfest. The half features some gnarly sections like Blister Blaster, Teal is Real up Deep Hollow Notch, I'll Nettle Do This Again and I Need a Sherpa! We are amending the course in 2021 to include more elevation madness with almost 3500 feet of climbing - or 7000 feet of elevation change. There are three aid stations and a six 1/2-hour time limit. There are 3 Aid Stations: At Chappelle's Field (Mile 4.6); At Ravens Rest (Mile 7.2); At Heavens Hairpin (Mile 11.1). More: http://www.alleghenytrailrunners.com/rock-n-the-knob-trail-challenge/
Ultramarathon: For mountain-goats, this course will brake the will of many as you repeatedly attempt to ascend Blue Knob Mountain, the most northern 3,000+ foot peak in the Alleghenies. The 50K is our infamous mountain marathon boosted to an ultramarathon which includes all the greatest hits of both the medium course and 10k races. More - http://www.alleghenytrailrunners.com/rock-n-the-knob-trail-challenge/
IN SUMMARY:
* At over 3,100 feet above sea level, it is Pennsylvanias highest race.
* A 10K, half-marathon or 50K options. Both are more technical (rocky) than our little sister, the Dirty Kiln Trail Race.
* Lodging is available at Blue Knob All-Seasons Resort, wake up feet from the start and finish.
* Our famous swag package.
* Post-race food and beer is included with the entry fee.
Start/Finish Address: 1424 Overland Pass Claysburg, Pennsylvania 16625. Bib pickup begins 7am in the pavilion beside the Blue Knob Clubhouse Restaurant and Conference Center.
Races
-
Ultramarathon Atop Blue Knob (50K)
Incl. $6.65 Fee & Shirt
Sat 13th September 2025 (6:00AM EDT)
$96.65
For mountain-goats, this course will break the will of many as you repeatedly attempt to ascend one of the highest peaks in the Central Alleghenies finishing with around 7500 feet of climbing on your legs. The 50K includes all the greatest hits of both the half and 10k races like Throat Punch, Eurus, Teal is Real! COURSE DESCRIPTION: https://www.alleghenytrailrunners.com/rock-n-the-knob-50k-description/ COURSE MAP: https://www.alleghenytrailrunners.com/50k-course-map-and-charts/ -
Medium Distance Course Atop Blue Knob (20K to 25K)
Incl. $5.15 Fee & Shirt
Sat 13th September 2025 (9:00AM EDT)
$70.15
Get ready this half-marathon is a doozy. We took our marathon course and cutting it in half but leaving in more than half of the challenges and suffering in with over 3500 feet of climbing on the 14 mile course! The half features some gnarly sections like Blister Blaster, Teal is Real, Ill Nettle Do This Again and I Need a Sherpa! We are amending the course in 2021 to include more elevation madness with almost 3500 feet of climbing or 7000 feet of elevation change! Rated in the Top 10 (#8 ) among the Toughest Trail Half-Marathons in the Northeast by Trails Collective. Half Marathon: 3500 feet of climb in 13.1 miles is 267 feet of climbing per mile [back-half is 382 feet/mile] COURSE DESCRIPTION: https://www.alleghenytrailrunners.com/rock-n-the-knob-half-marathon-course-description/ COURSE MAP: https://www.alleghenytrailrunners.com/rock-n-the-knob-half-marathon-map/ -
The Short Course Spruce Knob (10K-Ish)
Incl. $4.55 Fee & Shirt
Sat 13th September 2025 (10:00AM EDT)
$59.55
The 10K course may be the most challenging 10K in PA* (*based on the fastest and average finish times.) The 10K features trails like Lost Porcupine, Code-Red, Tree-odge, Devils Hairpin, Throat Punch Hill and Soul Sucker Slopes! Two major climbs give you nearly 1500 feet of climbing. There is one aid station at the base of the first climb at Throat Punch Hill. ***For 2023, we have a new and more exciting and beautiful course!*** [No pacers, drop bags, or crew.] Rated #14 as the Toughest Trail 10Ks in the Northeast by Trails Collective and #1 Toughest in Pennsylvania. 10K: 1496 feet of climb in 6.2 miles is 241 feet of climbing per mile [back-half is 390 feet/mile] COURSE DESCRIPTION: https://www.alleghenytrailrunners.com/rock-n-the-knob-challenge-10k-course-description/ COURSE MAP: https://www.alleghenytrailrunners.com/10k-course-maps-and-charts/
Reviews
Done this event?
First-hand event reviews from people who have been there, done that and got the breathable T-shirt, really help everyone choose their next event.
Add a review
Rock 'N The Knob Trail Challenge – PA’s Highest Trail Race
