Wicked Fast Marathon Poconos
A net-downhill point-to-point on the D&L Trail, dropping 680 feet from Lehigh Gorge to Lehighton on a certified course built for qualifying times.
Quick facts
- About 680 feet of net drop at a consistent one percent grade.
- USATF-certified marathon course, certification PA24004DNB.
- Hard-packed rail-trail surface along the Lehigh River, not pavement.
- Point-to-point run from Lehigh Gorge State Park through Jim Thorpe to Lehighton.
About the Wicked Fast Marathon Poconos
The Poconos edition of the Wicked Fast series applies a simple formula: put runners on a hard-packed rail trail beside the Lehigh River and let a steady one percent grade do quiet work for 26 miles. The USATF-certified course is pitched squarely at Boston qualifiers and PR attempts rather than crowds or spectacle.
Course
From above Rockport in Lehigh Gorge State Park, the route follows the D&L Trail downstream past cliffs, forest, and old railroad landmarks, through Jim Thorpe, to a finish in Lehighton. The surface is firm crushed gravel rather than pavement, so footing deserves a thought even though road flats still work.
Race-day weather
Mid-September in the Poconos usually starts in the 50s and stays comfortable in the shaded gorge. Humidity can linger from summer, and the tree cover that cuts sun can also trap still air on warm days.
Past Wicked Fast Marathon Poconos dates and results
| Year | Date | Status | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Sunday, September 13, 2026 | Upcoming | — |
Wicked Fast Marathon Poconos FAQ
When is the Wicked Fast Marathon Poconos?
The 2026 Wicked Fast Marathon Poconos is on Sunday, September 13, 2026.
Is Wicked Fast Marathon Poconos a Boston qualifier?
Yes. Wicked Fast Marathon Poconos is a Boston Marathon qualifier. To use the result, you must run the certified full-marathon course within the qualifying window and meet the current standard for your age and gender. Meeting the standard lets you apply but does not guarantee entry, and net-downhill courses can receive a time adjustment under current B.A.A. rules. Review the Boston qualifying times and downhill-course rules, or browse upcoming Boston qualifier marathons.
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