Belmar Bridge Half Marathon

  Experience the Only Race at the Sandy Creek Trail!

The Sandy Creek Trail, located in Venango County, is a stunning rail trail. The trail was developed from 2000 to 2005 when the former Franklin and Clearfield Railroad was converted to the now 12-mile paved trail. The Sandy Creek Trail winds its way along the Allegheny River and East Sandy Creek. The rail trail travels through the nearly untouched wilderness of Venango County, Pennsylvania. The trail boasts an impressive 8 bridges.

  "You couldn't ask for anything better" - Karen M. 2021 Participant  

The Belmar Bridge is the most breathtaking feature of the Sandy Creek Trail. At 1385 feet long, this wooden deck bridge crosses the Allegheny River and offers sweeping views of the river valley.

 

"The Belmar bridge over the Allegheny River is one of the most spectacular views I've ever encountered..." -Brody TrailLink 

 

Not only does this trail feature bridges, but it has a tunnel as well – the Deep Valley Tunnel – that is. This tunnel is another focal point of the trail and is 967 feet long. Ten percent of your race registration fee supports the Allegheny Valley Trails Association (AVTA), a volunteer, non-profit organization that continues to maintain and develop recreational trails throughout the Oil Heritage Region of Pennsylvania. 

  "It’s impossible to resist the urge to stop and take in the view." - Pittsburgh Magazine

 

30 Minute Window Start:

All participants will have the option to start their race at any point from 8:00 am to 8:30 am in order to aid social distancing. The start will be chip timed so there is no penalty to starting later. All results will be based on net (chip) time. 

Restrooms & Aid Stations:

Portable restrooms will be placed near the start/finish area and along the course. 
Aid Stations with refreshments and first aid kits will be available along the course.Race Parking will be available along Belmar Acres Road. 

Awards:

Awards will be given to the Top 3 Overall Male and Female Open & Masters Finishers as well as the top 3 male and female finishers in the following age groups: 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+. There will be no in-person award ceremony. All awards will be mailed. 

Packet Pickup:

Packet pickup will be from 6:30 AM to 8:00 AM at the Start/Finish Area.

 

"The Course was very well marked and safe" - Shannon R.  2020 Participant  

 

Course: 

Out & back on the flat, paved Sandy Creek Trail. Course Time Limit 4 hours. 

Directions:

The Belmar trailhead is at Belmar Village on the west side of the River. Access is from Route 8, 3 miles south of Franklin. Turn on Pone Lane and drive past Franklin High School to Belmar Road. Turn right and follow it to the parking area at the foot of the hill with the river and bridge in sight. GPS N 41 19.983 W 79 46.467