YMCA Harrisburg Marathon, Half, and Relay

Celebrate 54 years of the YMCA Harrisburg Marathon, Half & Relay with us! This Boston-qualifier has been affectionately dubbed the “Mini-Boston” — not just in being a stepping stone to one of the most prestigious races in the country, but because Harrisburg’s heart comes alive as thousands of runners and spectators cheer you on throughout the course all the way to the finish line. This fast, flat marathon winds through urban street, forested paths, across bridges, and through natural features unique to Pennsylvania’s capital city on the river.

Lodging is available throughout the Harrisburg area. There are a few options within walking distance to the start/finish line and several that are a 5-10 minute drive.

The Penn Harris Hotel Harrisburg is offering a discounted rate for the marathon weekend.

• Special rate for participants by clicking here

• 1150 Camp Hill Bypass, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania 17011

• Approximately 10 minute drive to start/finish line

Full Marathon (26.2 miles)

• Participants must be at least 15 years old to register

Half Marathon (13.1 miles)

• Participants must be at least 13 years old to register

Relay

• Participants must be at least 13 years old to register

• 10-12 year old children are able to participate but must be accompanied by an adult registrant.

AWARD CEREMONY

The ceremony for the Half Marathon will begin at 10:30am

The ceremony for the Marathon will begin at 11:45am

AWARD NOTES

• Marathon and Half Marathon overall awards are based on gun time

• Marathon and Half Marathon age group awards are based on chip time

• Relay awards are based on cumulative time (total of all four participants)

MARATHON AWARDS

Overall Awards (1st, 2nd, & 3rd place for all four categories below)

• Overall male

• Overall female

• Overall male masters (40+)

• Overall female masters (40+)

Age Group Awards (1st, 2nd, & 3rd place for male and female categories listed below)

• 19 and under

• 20-24

• 25-29

• 30-34

• 35-39

• 40-44

• 45-49

• 50-54

• 55-59

• 60-64

• 65-69

• 70+

HALF MARATHON AWARDS

Overall Awards (1st, 2nd, & 3rd place for all four categories below)

• Overall male

• Overall female

• Overall male masters (40+)

• Overall female masters (40+)

Age Group Awards (1st, 2nd, & 3rd place for male and female categories listed below)

• 19 and under

• 20-24

• 25-29

• 30-34

• 35-39

• 40-44

• 45-49

• 50-54

• 55-59

• 60-64

• 65-69

• 70+

RELAY AWARDS

(1st, 2nd, & 3rd place for each category listed below)

• Open Division (cumulative age of 52-159)

  • All Male

  • All Female

  • Coed

• Masters Division (cumulative age of 160+)

  • All Male

  • All Female

  • Coed

• 50+ Masters Division (all members 50+)

2025 Events

• Sunday, May 4, 2025: Halfity Half Marathon

• Wednesday, July 16, 2025: Harrisburg Mile

• Sunday, September 7, 2025: Harrisburg Half Marathon & 10K

• Saturday, October 4, 2025: Tröegs Hop Dash 5K

• Sunday, November 9, 2025: Harrisburg Marathon/Half/Relay

For more information, check out the race website.

The Harrisburg YMCA Marathon course is a USATF (United States Track & Field) Certified 26.2-Mile Course. The Harrisburg Marathon course certification number is PA24011NP, and you can view the certificate here. The USATF certification validates that the course has been officially measured following procedures required by United States Track & Field. The Harrisburg Marathon is a qualifying event for the Boston Marathon.

Course Map

The Marathon, Half Marathon, and Relay all start and finish in the north parking lot of City Island.

The full marathon is two-loops of the course. The half marathon is one-loop of the course. The relay will complete two loops of the course.

You can view the versions of the course maps here:

• A PDF with the map and mile markers: Click Here

Course Notes

Since this is a two loop course, there will be passing involved. Please be mindful of the runners around you and yield to participants who are passing you. 

We will have volunteers throughout the course, so please take the time to thank them as you go by! We could not make the race happen without our wonderful volunteer crew.

Please note that there may be pedestrians using the same paths as the course. There may be some people on bikes, with strollers, walking dogs, etc. 
 

Marathon Course

The marathon course has been certified. The course certification number is listed above.

Marathon participants will complete two 13.1-mile loops of this course. The start, halfway, and finish lines are all in the same area in the north parking lot on City Island. 

Half Marathon Course

Half marathon participants will complete one 13.1-mile loop of the course. The start and finish lines are in the same area in the north parking lot on City Island. The full marathon participants will complete two loops of the course (13.1 miles each). 

Relay Course

The relay course will have the same start and finish as the full and half marathon. Each relay participant will complete their leg of the relay (leg 1 - leg 2 - leg 3 - leg 4). There will be one relay exchange point on City Island near the start/finish line, and another relay exchange point along N 3rd Street just after Italian Lake. More information can be found on the relay page.

Relay Legs 1 & 3 - approx. 7.35 miles

Relay Legs 2 & 4 - approx. 5.75 miles

Deferrals

• There will be no deferrals

• Registrants will have the option to switch to virtual or transfer their bib

• Marathon runners have the option to switch to the half, as long as spots are available

Switch to Virtual or Change Distance (full to half)

• No cost to switch to virtual

• Registrants can make change through Friday, Oct 31st, by logging into their RunSignUp account

• After Oct 31st, please email julie.drabenstadt@ymcaharrisburg.org to switch to virtual

Bib Transfers

• No cost to transfer your bib to another participant

• Bib transfers must be initiated and completed by Friday, Oct 31st

• Bib transfers are not permitted after Oct 31st

• Click here for instructions for how to transfer your race bib to a new participant

Results can be found here: https://falconracetiming.com/event/harrisburg-marathon-harrisburg-pa-5/

Many of your questions can be answered by reading through the information on the pages of the race website. Some of the key areas are packet pickup, race start times, relay team info, virtual info, course info, and parking. After reading through the information, you may still have questions. Below are some FAQs that may help answer your questions. If, after reading all of the information, you still have questions, please send an email to channey.whiteford@ymcaharrisburg.org. Registration questions, please email julie.drabenstadt@csagh.org. Please keep in mind that emails received after Tuesday, November 4th may not be answered in a timely manner.

Can I pick up the race packet for another person? Yes, that's fine. If you do pick up the race packet for another person, please make sure they're aware. Otherwise, they may come to packet pick-up, not find their bib, and the race staff will have to assign them a new bib.

Can I wear headphones? Headphones are discouraged since this is an open course. If you choose to wear headphones, please be aware of your surroundings, especially when being passed by other runners. This is a two loop course and many runners are going for a Boston Qualifying time. It is the responsibility of all participants to be considerate of other runners and yield to them when being passed or passing.

Can I run with my child in a baby jogger or with my dog on a leash? No, we do not allow baby joggers or animals on the course for safety reasons.

Is transportation provided for relay participants? No, we do not provide any transportation/shuttle service. Participants will need to provide their own transportation to/from the relay station. You can read more information about the relay and relay stations here.

Is there a bag drop? No, we do not offer a bag drop option at this event. The race is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Will there be post-race food? Yes, there will be food available after the race for participants. The food is available to participants only. Spectators or anyone without a race bib will not be permitted in the food line. Please only take food for yourself.

All participants will receive a finisher medal displaying the race distance on the ribbon and a lightweight tech hoodie. 

The Enders Marathon, Half and Relay is the third piece of the 3-piece set! You can still earn the other two pieces by participating virtually in the  Halfity-Half and YMCA HBG Half Marathon and 10K. Register online to participate virtually and you will receive your medals in the mail.

• YMCA Harrisburg Halfity-Half: Register here

• YMCA HBG Half Marathon and 10K: Register here

This event SOLD OUT last year, so don't wait to register.

REGISTRATION SPOTS ARE LIMITED. ONCE SOLD OUT, REGISTRATION WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE.

In-person registration is available at packet pickups and race day morning, while spots are available.

Online registration remains open through Saturday, Nov 8th at 5PM.

Online registration and in-person registration are both completed in RunSignUp. Paper registrations are not offered. On race day, online registration is closed with in-person registration being the only option. Credit cards or exact payment is required for in-person registration.

There are maximum capacities, and registration will only be offered if spots are available. Don't wait to register!

Relay teams must register by 5PM on Saturday, Nov 8th.

Available for full marathon participants.

Click here for pace times from MarathonPacing.com

Packet Pickup Times and Locations:

• Friday, November 7, 2025

  • Inside Track (6301 Grayson Rd # 22, Harrisburg, PA 17111)

  • 4:00 - 7:00PM

• Saturday, November 8, 2025

  • East Shore YMCA (701 N Front St, Harrisburg, PA 17101)

  • 10:00AM -  3:00PM

• Sunday, November 9, 2025 (Race Day)

  • City Island (245 Championship Way, Harrisburg, PA 17101)

  • 6:00 - 8:00AM

Virtual participants should not come to packet pickup. Please see the Virtual Participant tab for more information.
 
Can I pick up for another person? Yes, that is fine. If you do pick up the race packet for another person, please make sure they know. Otherwise, they may come to packet pick-up, not find their bib, and the race staff will have to assign a new bib for them.

How do I find my bib number? Prior to the first packet pickup, each participant will receive an email with their assigned bib number. You can also find your bib number by logging into your RunSignUp account (once bib numbers are assigned).

Can I pick up my bib on race morning? Yes, packet pickup is offered on race day morning (see schedule above). If you pick up on race day, please make sure you arrive early enough to park, get your bib, get carded, and be at the starting line on time.

Participant shirts are distributed on a first come basis and shirt sizes are not guaranteed.

Registration is limited. Once spots are sold out, registration will not be available.

Please plan on arriving early on race day. With the limited access to City Island, expect to encounter delays and plan accordingly. Carpooling is encouraged. Spectators are asked to not park on City Island prior to 8:30am unless carpooling with a participant.

The start/finish line is located on City Island.

City Island address: 245 Championship Way, Harrisburg, PA 17101

There is parking on City Island for participants. There is no fee to park on City Island. The City Island parking lots will get full. There is also street parking and parking garages in Harrisburg city within walking distance. There may be fees for the parking garages. The River Street garage and Walnut Street garage are two convenient options. Each are about a 15 minute walk to the start line accessible using the Walnut St walking bridge. The Market Square garage is not available on weekends. You can access more information about the garages by clicking here.

Please be aware that there will be a lot of cars arriving within a similar timeframe which always causes backups. There will be timeframes when the traffic entering City Island will be stopped for the safety of the participants. Please plan on arriving early to ensure that you have enough time to be ready for the race start times.

Spectators are asked to not park on City Island prior to 8:30am unless carpooling with a participant. 

6:30 AM  Full Marathon Walkers
7:30 AM  Full Marathon & Relay (Leg #1)
8:15 AM  Half Marathon

2:30 PM  Course Closes

NOTE: Participants must start at the appropriate time for their registered distance.

Full marathon participants (not including those signed up as walkers) must start at 7:30AM.

Half marathon participants must start at 8:15AM.

_____________________________________

Start Zones

Participants should find the appropriate start zone at the start line based on their estimated finish time.

MARATHON

ZONE 1 (GREEN) - 3 hours and under

ZONE 2 (RED) - 3 hours to 4 hours 15 minutes

ZONE 3 (PURPLE) - 4 hours 15 minutes to 5 hours 15 minutes

ZONE 4 (ORANGE) - over 5 hours 15 minutes

HALF MARATHON

ZONE 1 (GREEN) - 1 hour 45 minutes and under

ZONE 2 (RED) - 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours

ZONE 3 (PURPLE) - 2 hours to 3 hours

ZONE 4 (ORANGE) - over 3 hours

Participants should find the appropriate start zone at the start line based on their estimated finish time.
 
MARATHON
ZONE 1 (GREEN) - 3 hours and under
ZONE 2 (RED) - 3 hours to 4 hours 15 minutes
ZONE 3 (PURPLE) - 4 hours 15 minutes to 5 hours 15 minutes
ZONE 4 (ORANGE) - over 5 hours 15 minutes
 
HALF MARATHON
ZONE 1 (GREEN) - 1 hour 45 minutes and under
ZONE 2 (RED) - 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours
ZONE 3 (PURPLE) - 2 hours to 3 hours
ZONE 4 (ORANGE) - over 3 hours

RaceJoy participant tracking is available for this year's event. Tracking is set up for the Marathon, Half Marathon, and Relay. If you are in the relay, this is a great way to know where your teammates are on the course! 

To use the RaceJoy tracking, runners and spectators just need to download the app and follow the instructions. RaceJoy is a GPS-based tracking app that follows the participant's progress in real-time. Both the runner and the spectator must download the app, and keep their phones with them. RaceJoy offers some fun features in addition to tracking. Instructions and more information for participants and spectators can be accessed here.

REGISTRATION SPOTS ARE LIMITED. ONCE SOLD OUT, REGISTRATION WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE.

Full Marathon (26.2 miles)

• Aug 1 - Sept 30 - $115

• Oct 1 - Oct 30 - $125

• Oct 31 - Nov 8 (until 5pm) - $137

• Nov 9 (Race Day) - $140 (Registration spots are limited. Once sold out, registration will not be available.)

Half Marathon (13.1 miles)

• Aug 1 - Sept 30 - $100
  

• Oct 1 - Oct 30 - $106
  

• Oct 31 - Nov 8 (until 5pm) - $117
  

• Nov 9 (Race Day) - $120 (Registration spots are limited. Once sold out, registration will not be available.)

4-Person Marathon Relay

• Aug 1 - Sept 30 - $285
  

• Oct 1 - Oct 30 - $305
  

• Oct 31 - Nov 8 (until 5pm) - $320
  

• Nov 9 - Race Day Registration Not Available for Relay Teams

Virtual - Marathon

• $55

Virtual - Half Marathon

• $55

*Registration is limited. Once spots are sold out, registration will not be available.

Please note that participant shirts are distributed on a first come basis and are not guaranteed. 

Relay teams consist of 4 participants.

The first team member to register will establish the team and pay the registration fee. The subsequent team members to register will choose to join the team during the registration.

Please note that there is no race day registration for relay teams. Relay teams must be registered by 5PM on Saturday, 11/8/25.

When registering a team have the following info ready.

• Team name

• Cumulative age of all team members

  • This will be the cumulative age as of race day (Sunday, November 9th)

• You will have to choose the category your team will be in (see below)

• Emergency name and contact

• What leg each person is running

  • The leg assignments can be changed prior to race day. To change the leg assignments prior to Friday, Oct 31st, please log into your RunSignUp account, and edit your registrations responses. To change the leg assignments after Oct 31st, please email julie.drabenstadt@ymcaharrisburg.org.

Relay categories:

• Open (cumulative age 52-159)

• Masters (cumulative age 160+)

• 50+ Masters (all participants 50+)

Relay legs:

• Relay legs 1 and 3 - approx. 7.35 miles

• Relay legs 2 and 4 - approx. 5.75 miles

• Please visit the course page for more details on the relay legs/courses.

Relay exchanges:

• Relay Exchange #1: City Island

• Relay Exchange #2: Italian Lake

Start time:

• The first leg of the relay starts at 7:30am along with the marathon participants.

• Legs 2, 3 and 4 are dependent on the time of the prior runner(s) on their team.

Additional Relay Info:

• Please note that there are no shuttles. Relay participants will need to have their own transportation to/from Relay Exchange #2.

• Visit the course page for more details on the course and relay exchanges.

• Relay team bibs will not be handed out individually to team members at packet pickup. Relay team members should determine who is picking up the team packet. 

• Only one relay member should be on the course. The other relay members should not be running alongside on the course. 

• The four finisher medals will be given to the leg 4 runner. The other relay members may not run across the finish line with the leg 4 team member.

The Relay Team instruction packet will be included with the race packet.

The course offers many wonderful spots to see and cheer on the runners! You can see the runners at the start, finish, and any mile in between. Check out the course maps to select your spots. 

For the morning, we ask that spectators do not park on City Island unless you are carpooling with a participant. The City Island parking is limited and we would like to have as many spaces as possible for the participants. They will be plenty of street and garage parking in Harrisburg city. Please see the parking page for more information.

After 8:30am, spectators are welcome to park on City Island. Please be aware of participants on the course when entering and exiting City Island.

This year, you can give a little more to those in need at the YMCA Harrisburg Marathon! As a charitable organization, the Harrisburg Area YMCA strives to provide even more support around the holiday season. Help make someone's year – shop our wishlist below and drop off your gift at this year's Marathon. Toys will be given out to Harrisburg City youth at the Camp Curtin YMCA in December.

Those who drop off toys at the donation site will receive one raffle ticket per toy. The raffle winners will be drawn during the award ceremony. Please keep in mind, only new and unopened toys will be accepted. Thank you for your support!

AMAZON WISHLIST

The virtual option is open to any participants who want to complete the full marathon or the half marathon on their own time and course of choice. 

Virtual participants receive:

• Race shirt

• Race medal

• Race bib

Virtual participants should not come to packet pickup. Your race packet (bib, shirt, and finisher medal) will be mailed to you after the live event.

To report your race time, you will go to the results page on the race website and enter your time by clicking on the option to submit your virtual time. The website is https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Harrisburg/HarrisburgMarathon. You will be able to submit your virtual results after the live race is completed through Dec 31st.

* Please note that the selected race shirt size is not guaranteed.

Interested in volunteering? Please sign up here. Contact our Race Director, Channey Whiteford, with any questions, channey.whiteford@ymcaharrisburg.org

There are lots of volunteer jobs including water stations, packet pickup, finish line, food, course volunteers, and more! 

Marathon Walkers: You are encouraged to pick up your race packet, which includes your race bib, at Packet Pickup prior to race day. If you do pick up on Sunday (race day) morning, please arrive early. Packet pickup opens at 6:00am on Sunday. Marathon walkers start at 6:30am. 

Directional signs will be located at all turns and intersections. Please follow all signs.

Volunteers, along the course and at the aid stations, will not be scheduled until 7:30-8:00am, depending on the location. Please carry water with you for the first part of the race. 

Please take a moment to review the course maps. The more prepared you are on race day, the less you will need to follow course markings and the less of a chance you will miss a turn.

It is fine to walk/run while on the course.

Please only use the 6:30am start time if you think you need the extra time to finish all 26.2 miles by 2:30pm (8 hours). 

All walker times will be gun time at the start and chip time at the finish.

The walker option is ONLY for the Marathon distance. Half marathon walkers should register using the Half marathon option.

There will be 5 water stations on the 13.1-mile course loop (image above) that will be hit 6 times during each loop. 

There will be water and Gatorade available at all stations, served in bottles / cups.

Participants are also encouraged to carry their own hydration packs and nutrition along with them.

Porta-potties will be located at the start/finish area, by all stations, and at additional locations throughout the course. 

First Loop

Water Station 1 (Mile 1.7) - Water, Gatorade (Frost Glacier Freeze), and assorted Candy

Water Station 2 (Mile 4.5) - Water and Gatorade (Frost Glacier Freeze) + Honey Stinger Gels

Water Station 3 (Mile 7.5) - Water and Gatorade (Frost Glacier Freeze) + Bananas

Water Station 2 (Mile 8.8) - Water and Gatorade (Frost Glacier Freeze) + Honey Stinger Gels

Water Station 4 (Mile 11.7) - Water and Gatorade (Frost Glacier Freeze) + Pickle Juice

Water Station 5 (Mile 12.5) - Water and Gatorade (Frost Glacier Freeze) + Pickle Juice

Second Loop

Water Station 1 (Mile 15) - Water, Gatorade (Frost Glacier Freeze), and assorted Candy

Water Station 2 (Mile 17.7) - Water, Gatorade (Frost Glacier Freeze), + Honey Stinger Gels

Water Station 3 (Mile 20.8) - Water and Gatorade (Frost Glacier Freeze) + Bananas

Water Station 2 (Mile 22) - Water and Gatorade (Frost Glacier Freeze) + Honey Stinger Gels

Water Station 4 (Mile 24) - Water, Gatorade (Frost Glacier Freeze) + Pickle Juice

Water Station 5 (Mile 25) - Water and Gatorade (Frost Glacier Freeze) + Pickle Juice

We are offering customized YMCA bib snaps to secure your race bib on race day. Snaps purchased will be included in your race packet.

Already registered and didn't select the snaps? That's okay, you can log back into your RunSignUp account through Nov 5th to edit your registration and purchase the bib snaps. Here is a link with more information on add-on management, https://help.runsignup.com/support/solutions/articles/17000062916-add-on-management.