The Chinklacamoose Marathon on Sunday April 27, 2014 will take participants through central Clearfield County on a tough course utilizing Rails to Trails, roads, and off-road hiking trails. Participants can run a full or half marathon and can compete as an individual or relay team. This Marathon is definitely not a “walk in the park” so come prepared for a real challenge!
Chinklacamoose was the name of the Leni-Lenape or Delaware Indian village located where Clearfield borough now stands. It is a reminder of the history of both the Borough itself as well as Clearfield County. Since the time of the Delaware Indians, humans have settled near the West Branch of the Susquehanna throughout much of its length in large part due to the valuable resources of food, water, and transportation that the River provided them. Over time, dependence on the River waned as public water supplies were developed, groceries stores became more abundant, and the primary mode of transportation switched from canoes to cars. The dependence waned, but did not disappear. Many of the small communities in Clearfield County as well as businesses and civic organizations are hanging on to their connection to the River as a source of recreation, tourism, and ecological importance. Together, the Clearfield County Conservation District, the Curwensville Lake Recreation Area, and the Clearfield County Rails to Trails Association are hosting the Chinklacamoose Marathon to celebrate and highlight the history and connection we maintain with the West Branch of the Susquehanna River. Not only will this event showcase what Clearfield County has to offer, but the proceeds will help support environmental education and conservation efforts in the county.
The Chinklacamoose Marathon, Half Marathon & Relay is located in the heart of Clearfield County in north central PA. The course is primarily on trails and dirt roads, intermixed with hardtop segments on sparsely travelled country roads. The course was designed to showcase the beauty of this region as it passes through farmland and dense hemlock forests while paralleling the West Branch of the Susquehanna River and its tributaries throughout most of its length. The half marathon is a flat out and back, located entirely on the Clearfield-Grampian Rails Trail. The full marathon offers challenging single track trails and ascents which run peak to peak through the river gorge – it is a true ridge runner’s marathon. The relay breaks the course down into diverse segments for teams with runners of varying ability levels. Proceeds benefit the Clearfield County Conservation District, the Curwensville Lake Recreation Area, and the Clearfield County Rails to Trails Association.
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