THE Conestoga Trail Run - 10 Tough Miles

  • Date Sun 28th September 2025
  • Time 10:00AM EST
  • Location Holtwood, Pennsylvania
  • Price $80.50
  • Races 1 race
  • Distances 10 Mile

Event summary

Get ready for an exhilarating adventure at the Conestoga Trail Run on September 28, 2025, in the picturesque Holtwood, Lancaster, Pennsylvania! This iconic race features a challenging 10-mile course that boasts some of the most rugged and scenic trails in Eastern Pennsylvania. As the original and oldest trail run in the area, this cult classic has been thrilling trail runners for over 30 years. Participants can expect steep hills, rocky paths, and stunning views of the Susquehanna River, as well as encounters with small stream crossings and vibrant mountain flora.

The race will kick off at 10:00 AM at Pequea Creek Campground, with registration and bib pick-up taking place earlier at Kelly's Run Nature Preserve. Make sure to arrive early to secure your spot, as only the first 200 entries will be accepted. This event is designed for experienced trail runners aged 14 and older, so come prepared for an unforgettable day of running, community, and breathtaking nature. Donโ€™t miss your chance to be part of this extraordinary experience!

Organiser's Description

COME OUT FOR THE RUNNING OF

THE WORLD FAMOUS & CULT CLASSIC CONESTOGA TRAIL RUN - 10 TOUGH MILES

PLEASE READ RACE DESCRIPTION IN ITS ENTIRETY

THIS IS THE ORIGINAL AND OLDEST TRAIL RUN ON THE CONESTOGA

AND IN THE COUNTY FOR OVER 30 YEARS!!!

This amazing 10 mile trail race uses some of the most brutal, rocky, and challenging trails to be found in Eastern Pennsylvania. The course is very hilly and has numerous small stream crossings. Although this event should be considered somewhat dangerous and only for experienced trail runners, it is probably one of the most scenic races that you will encounter. Beautiful hilltop views of the Susquehanna River, clear feeder streams, huge rock formations, and an abundance of Mountain Laurel and Rhododendrons will greet the first 200 accepted entries. _YOU MUST BE 14 YEARS OLD OR OLDER TO ENTER._

RACE INFORMATION



KELLYS RUN NATURE PRESERVE: 257 OLD HOLTWOOD RD, HOLTWOOD, PA 17532

This is where bib pick-up and race day registration will take place. This is also the finish line! Kelly's Run has a pavilion where we set up for our event and has a small grassy area to watch runners cross the finish line. ALL RUNNERS WILL NEED TO COME TO KELLY'S RUN TO PICK UP THEIR RACE BIBS AND CHECK IN.

PARKING:

* PLEASE NOTE: There is VERY LIMITED PARKING in this lot DO NOT go around any cones or barriers in this lot. Once this lot is closed overflow parking will be located at the address below. You can also follow the additional parking signs:
* OVERFLOW PARKING IS LOCATED AT: 9 NEW VILLAGE RD, HOLTWOOD, PA 17532
* From the overflow parking you may either follow the mowed trail to the park pavilion or walk the road back to the park.
* SEE MAP OVERVIEW AT BOTTOM OF THE PAGE.

RACE STARTING LOCATION: PEQUEA CREEK CAMPGROUND LOCATED AT: 86 FOX HOLLOW RD, PEQUEA, PA 17565

* Although Kellys Run in Holtwood is where we park and register & bib pick up the race actually starts at the Pequea Campground
* Pequea Creek Campground located at: 86 Fox Hollow Rd, Pequea, PA 17565
* TRANSPORTATION: We have buses that will bus runners from the Kellys Run to the start at Pequea Creek Campground. These buses are only ONE WAY and do not return to Kellys Run. Please do not leave any items on the bus neither we or the bus company is responsible for any of your items. Please do not litter on the buses.
* If you decide to drive yourself to the campground please try to arrive around the same time as the buses. Don't want to miss the start of the race at 10am.
* You must pick up your bib at Kellys Run in Holtwood. No bibs will be available at the campground.

PEQUA CAMPGROUND:

* The Campground is Private Property and we work with them to allow us to start our race on their property. Please help us continue this by following the rules they have asked us to post here:
* Please use the porta potties or the campground bathrooms. Do not go behind or on someone's tent or camper or in the bushes on the campground property.
* Do not walk through someone's campsite. Please stay on the path or paved road at all times.
* It's also a great place to stay the night or weekend too for the race! (although you will still need to pick up your bib in Holtwood) The campground is nestled along the Pequea Creek and close to the Susquehanna River and the Wind Cave. So lots to see and do or just relax!
* If you do decide to drive to the campground there is a fee to park on the property - the parking fee of $5 at the campground office. After the start of the (race promptly starts at 10am) - You may not stay and linger at the campground or at any of the camp spots regardless if they are vacant. The campground asks that after the start of the race that anyone not registered at the campground vacate the property.
* Please help us by adhering to the campground rules. We are a guest for the race and they are gracious enough to allow us to start the race on their property. Thank you.

_***YOU MUST REGISTER BY SEPTEMBER 1ST TO BE GUARANTEED A SHIRT.***_

EVENT SCHEDULE

* BIB PICK UP: 8AM - 9AM (ARRIVE EARLY WITH ENOUGH TIME TO PICK UP YOUR STUFF)
* ANNOUNCEMENTS: 9:05AM IN THE PARKING LOT
* BOARD BUSES: 9:10AM
* BUSES LEAVE FROM HOLTWOOD: 9:20AM _BUSES WILL LEAVE WITHOUT YOU._
* BUSES ARRIVE AT PEQUEA CAMPGROUND : APPROX 9:45 AM
* RACE START AT PEQUEA CAMPGROUND ON THE CONESTOGA TRAIL: 10:00AM
* AWARDS CEREMONY TO FOLLOW

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



REGISTRATION

Before you sign up please note we DO NOT and WILL NOT offer any REFUNDS, DEFERRALS, BIB SWITCHES OR TRANSFERS OF ANY SORT FOR ANY REASON. We will not respond to any email inquiries asking for such requests. If you do not like this rule please do not sign up for this race.

All runners must register using their legal names printed on their drivers license. All runners must sign a waiver either electronically via online registration or at race day registration.

This event is held rain or shine.

RACE BIBS

* Race bibs will have a chip on the back for chip timing Please do not fold or damage the chip - doing so will result in your time not being recorded and we don't want that to happen.
* Race bibs MUST be worn on the FRONT of the runner and VISIBLE at ALL TIMES so we can check runners in at aid stations and verify at the finish.
* You must run under your own registered race bib / registered name. Running under someone else bib or name that is not yours is not allowed.
* NO BANDITS
* No one other than the registered runner may run in the race. The assigned race bib is only for the use of the registered runner and no runner shall transfer or give a bib to another non registered runner. Any person running under another runners bib number is not allowed or tolerated.
* Runners agree not to allow any unauthorized use of a race bib or registration. If so both the non registered runner and registered owner of the bib will be held solely responsible for any action including legal action for allowing another person to use their registration.

WHY WE STRESS THIS POINT AND MAKE IT A "BIG DEAL"?

_Bib numbers our YOUR identifier out on the trail. If their is an emergency your bib number tells us who YOU are in an emergency. It allows us to contact your emergency contact information if needed because we will know who you are. We also need to know who is out on the trail and if we are looking for someone and we think we are looking for "John" or "Sarah" and yelling those names on a trail and your running under someone elses bib and your name is actually "Bill" or "Jane" what good does that do? We also have private property owners land that we run on and waivers that need signed. I could go on but you get what I'm saying........._

CHIP TIMING

This event is chip timed. The start of the race is a gun time. Meaning the race will start (along with everyone's time) at the same time 10:00am. So the closer to the starting line you may want to be. Your time will be recorded at the finish.

AID STATIONS / WATER STOPS:
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT YOU CARRY YOUR OWN WATER, POWER BARS, GELS AND ANYTHING YOU FEEL YOU MAY NEED OUT ON THE TRAILS. IF ALLERGIC TO BEES (SEE OUR BEE WARNING), BRING WHAT YOU NEED, JUST IN CASE. WE WILL HAVE SEVERAL AID STATIONS ALONG THE TRAIL:

* Road Crossing (Mile 2) - WATER
* Aid Station #1 House Rock (Mile 3) - WATER / SPORTS DRINK
* Aid Station #2 Pinnacle Overlook (Mile 7) - WATER /SPORTS DRINK/ BANANA / PRETZELS / CRACKERS & MORE
* FINISH LINE: POST RACE PICNIC- We will provide food, chips, pretzels, other snacks, water, sodas and other goodies in pavilion #2 after the race. Please plan to stay and enjoy the party and award ceremony. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted at the race site.



COURSE MARKINGS & COURSE WARNINGS

The Conestoga Trail Race is a well marked course and marked with ORANGE RIBBON. This race DOES NOT always stay on the Conestoga Trail. It goes onto unmarked trail and private property. Even those spots are well marked with ORANGE RIBBON. FOLLOW THE ORANGE RIBBON AT ALL TIMES.

_BE TRAIL SMART! ALTHOUGH THE COURSE IS WELL MARKED IT IS ULTIMATELY THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE RUNNER TO STAY ON COURSE. IF YOU DO NOT SEE ORANGE RIBBON - YOU ARE NOT ON THE TRAIL AND THAT MEANS YOU MIGHT GET ALOT OF TOUGH EXTRA MILES OR PERHAPS TOTALLY LOST. WE ONLY WANT YOU TO GET THE MILES YOU PAID FOR SO BE SURE TO STAY ON A TRAIL WHERE THERE IS ORANGE RIBBON. IF YOU DO NOT SEE RIBBON AND ARE LOST GO BACK TO LAST SPOT YOU SAW RIBBON AND GET BACK ON TRAIL. THIS RACE HAS A SWEEPER AND WE CHECK YOU IN AT EACH AID STATION BUT YOU MUST BE RESPONSIBLE TO STAY ON COURSE.___

_NO COURSE CUTTING - COURSE CUTTING IS CHEATING. YOU MUST FOLLOW THE MARKED RACE COURSE.___

_IF YOU REQUIRE ASSISTANCE ALONG THE COURSE PLEASE STAY ON THE TRAIL!!!!! IF YOU CAN MAKE IT TO AN AID STATION PLEASE DO SO AND WE CAN ASSIST YOU FROM THERE. IF YOU CANNOT MAKE IT TO AN AID STATION AND YOU SEE ANOTHER RUNNER PLEASE ASK THE RUNNER TO REPORT YOU TO THE NEXT AID STATION. WE WILL HAVE FRESH LEGS AVAILABLE TO REACH YOU FROM AN AID STATION. OTHERWISE OUR RACE SWEEPERS WILL LOCATE YOU AS THEY SWEEP THE COURSE. IT IS IMPORTANT TO STAY ON THE TRAIL._

_COURSE MARSHALLS AND VOLUNTEERS - YOU MUST LISTEN TO THE DIRECTIONS OF ALL COURSE MARSHALS' AND VOLUNTEERS. ANY DISRESPECT TOWARDS A COURSE OFFICIAL OR VOLUNTEER IS UNACCEPTABLE AND WILL NOT BE TOLERATED AND MAY LEAD TO DISQUALIFICATION. OUR VOLUNTEERS MAKE THE RACE HAPPEN AND GIVE FREELY OF THEIR TIME. WE LOVE OUR VOLUNTEERS!!!_

***THERE ARE BEES ON THIS COURSE***

IF YOU HAVE A KNOWN ALLERGY YOU ARE REQUIRED TO CARRY AN EPIPEN - AT LEAST ONE & BENADRYL AND ANY OTHER MEDICATION. BEES AND BEE STINGS CAN BE VERY SERIOUS AND VERY DANGEROUS. PLEASE TAKE THIS PRECAUTION SERIOUSLY. WE WANT EVERYONE TO HAVE A FUN AND SAFE RACE AND ALSO KNOW THERE ARE BEES / YELLOW JACKETS ON THIS COURSE. ENOUGH THAT THE CONSERVANCY EVEN HAS SIGNS POSTED OF THE DANGER AND HAVE CLOSED PRESERVES DUE TO THE DANGER. AND IF THERE IS AN EMERGENCY DEPENDING WHERE YOU ARE ON THE TRAIL IT CAN TAKE SOME TIME TO REACH YOU.



DO NOT LITTER

This really should go without saying, however, if you are caught littering you will be disqualified from the race and asked to leave the course. Litterbugs will not be tolerated. You'll be banned from any races we put on in the future.

CUTOFF TIME

**EVERY RUNNER MUST READ AND UNDERSTAND THIS CUTOFF TIME AND THE RULE. IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT PLEASE DO NOT SIGN UP FOR THIS RACE.**

* THERE IS A HARD CUTOFF FOR THIS RACE: If you do not reach the PINNACLE Aid Station (Mile 7) within 2-1/2 HOURS (150 MINUTES) from the start you are REQUIRED to withdraw from the race. A ride will be provided back to Kelly's Run in Holtwood. THIS IS FOR THE SAFETY OF EVERYONE.
* You must check in to this aid station with 2-1/2 hours. This means you must be physically within the aid station within the cutoff time. If a runner reaches the aid station at the 2-1/2 cutoff time they will have 5 minutes to depart or they may not continue.

THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS CUTOFF TIME. FAILURE TO COMPLY WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE DISQUALIFICATION FROM THE RACE AND A PERMANENT BAN FROM RUNNING THE RACE IN THE FUTURE. IF YOU DO NOT LIKE THIS RULE PLEASE DO NOT SIGN UP FOR THIS RACE.
***PINNACLE AID STATION - CUTOFF 2-1/2 HOURS***



HAVE THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE!!!

This is an experience and a race that is put on by trail runners for trail runners that LOVE trail running, nature, community, supporting one another and having one hell of a time!!! Life is a party - celebrate!!! We thank you for coming out and running the Conestoga Trail Run - 10 Tough Miles!

SWAG:

Each registered runner will receive a moisture wicking t-shirt in unisex sizing if registered PRIOR TO SEPTEMBER 1ST, 2025

Any runners registered after September 1st, 2025 are not guaranteed a shirt.

_WE DO NOT SHIP OR SAVE ANY SHIRTS THAT ARE NOT PICKED UP ON RACE DAY_

AWARDS:

Awards will be presented to the following:

OVERALL Male and Female finishers ($50 Cash Award)

Top three Male and top three Female finishers in the following age groups:

* 19 and under
20-29
30-39
40-49
50-59
60-69
* 70+

_WE DO NOT SHIP OR SAVE ANY AWARDS IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO BE PRESENT PLEASE MAKE ARRANGEMENTS FOR SOMEONE TO ACCEPT THE AWARD ON YOUR BEHALF_

RESULTS

Results will be available via a QR code at the finish line. (Pending service availability) Results will also be posted online at RunSignUp.com and on the Lancaster Road Runners Club page www.lrrclub.org [https://www.lrrclub.org]

COURSE RECORD

Over the past couple years the Conestoga Trail has been altered. Some may say its easier others say its not. Even this year the course will be altered some as work on the trail continues to divert from the original.

Course record of 102. (Zach Miller 2015)

THIS EVENT IS PUT ON BY THE LANCASTER ROAD RUNNERS CLUB



THERE ARE ABSOLUTELY
NO REFUNDS - NO DEFFERALS - NO BIB TRANSFERS - NO BANDITS

FAILURE TO FOLLOW THIS RULE WILL RESULT IN AUTOMATIC DISQUALIFICATION AND REMOVAL FROM OUR COURSE.

***WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REFUSE/REJECT ANY ENTRY***




RACE DIRECTOR

JASON LOGUE

717-598-2725

[email protected]

Races

  • The Conestoga Trail Race - 10 Tough Miles

    Incl. $5.50 Fee & Moisture Wicking T-Shirt - UNISEX

    Sun 28th September 2025 (10:00AM EDT)

    $80.50

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

Location

Holtwood Recreation Park / Kellys Run, 257 Old Holtwood Road, Holtwood, 17532, PA, United States

Who's In

See who else is doing this event

Be the first

No-one has marked this event as 'Doing' or 'Maybe' yet. Will you be the first?

More from findarace.com

You might like

Sep 28, 2025

$80.50