Great Appalachian Valley Half Marathon
Crushed limestone rail trail out of Shippensburg makes this mid-July half flat and simple, run as an out and back on the Cumberland Valley Rail Trail.
Every link above goes to the race, its timing provider, or an official registration partner. Last checked July 27, 2026.
Quick facts
- Flat out and back on the crushed limestone Cumberland Valley Rail Trail.
- Start and finish at Shippensburg Township Park, the trail's southern trailhead.
- Four-hour limit across all distances, so walkers need to keep moving.
- First-time half marathon finishers receive a commemorative plaque.
2027 Great Appalachian Valley Half Marathon registration
Registration for the 2027 Great Appalachian Valley Half Marathon runs through the official registration page at runsignup.com.
About the Great Appalachian Valley Half Marathon
This one uses the Cumberland Valley Rail Trail, a 9.5-mile former railroad corridor running north from Shippensburg Township Park through south-central Pennsylvania farmland. The half turns around near the far end and comes back, so runners see the whole trail. A four-hour limit and a first-half-marathon finisher plaque signal who the race is really built for.
Course
Old rail corridor, so the grade barely moves and the tread is a consistent ten feet of packed crushed limestone. It is an out and back with the turnaround past six and a half miles, which means an early read on pace and a long second half with the same scenery in reverse. Farm fields and tree cover trade off along the way.
Race-day weather
Mid-July in the Cumberland Valley means humidity at an 8:00 start, often in the 70s with dew point doing most of the damage. Trail shade helps in stretches, but the open farm sections make hydration a real factor rather than a formality.
Past Great Appalachian Valley Half Marathon dates and results
| Year | Date | Status | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | Saturday, July 17, 2027 | Upcoming | — |
Great Appalachian Valley Half Marathon FAQ
When is the Great Appalachian Valley Half Marathon?
The 2027 Great Appalachian Valley Half Marathon is on Saturday, July 17, 2027.
How do I register for the Great Appalachian Valley Half Marathon?
Register for the Great Appalachian Valley Half Marathon through the official registration link: marathonscout.com/go/great-appalachian-valley-half-marathon/register. It opens the race registration page at runsignup.com.
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