About This Race
Trails 4 Tails offers runners a choice between a 40-mile ultra, team relay format, or 25K distance on a mixed-terrain course that blends natural beauty with local history. The route showcases diverse Pennsylvania landscapes, weaving through open fields, winding singletrack, and when conditions permit, scenic stretches along lake shoreline. Historical landmarks punctuate the journey, including passages through the Chestnut Orchard, Rummel Farm site, and the historic Mary Ann Furnace area. What sets this race apart is its alternating directional format—odd years run clockwise, even years counterclockwise—ensuring returning runners face a fresh challenge each edition. The course includes approximately one mile of pavement but predominantly follows natural terrain. The 40-mile relay option allows teams to share the ultra distance, making the longer challenge accessible to runners who prefer a collaborative approach. Organized by the York Road Runners Club since 2008, this race has built a loyal following over more than a decade of consistent execution. The reasonable entry fees and cause-driven nature reflect the grassroots running community values, while the varied distance options accommodate runners at different stages of their ultra journey.
The course presents a mixed-terrain challenge combining approximately one mile of pavement with open fields and winding singletrack trails. When lake conditions allow, runners enjoy scenic stretches along the shoreline. The route passes through historically significant areas including the Chestnut Orchard, the former Rummel Farm site, and the Mary Ann Furnace area, providing cultural context alongside the physical challenge. The alternating clockwise and counterclockwise direction each year ensures the course experience remains fresh for returning participants.
Notable Features
The race's unique alternating directional format provides a different experience each year, while the historical landmarks including the Mary Ann Furnace area and Rummel Farm site add cultural depth to the physical challenge. The inclusion of relay and 25K options makes this event accessible to runners at various experience levels, fostering a inclusive community atmosphere around the ultra distance challenge.