Veterans Marathon (PA)

Well organized race where mental discipline will be needed. Out and back course with minimal spectators, minus aid stations and near the turn around point. Conditions were ideal (mid to upper 40s to start and mid 50s at the finish). Course is shaded but not 100%. You park within .25 miles of the race start and support crew is friendly and welcoming. Chocolate milk tasted excellent!! Would recommend carrying a water source and refill at aid stations. You would be hard pressed to find a local race for this price. Plan to run again.

This is a pretty straightforward course. You run out 13.1 on a rail trail, and back 13.1. And then another 300+ yards to the finish line. What? Yes, the stopwatch doesn't lie. And this may not seem like a big deal, but it is when you bust butt the entire 2nd half to meet your time goal, and you do, but then have to run a bit further and miss your goal as a result. On the plus side, this was a super affordable race, for a good cause, on an enjoyable course that's easy on the body, with good weather. Fix the course and I'll be back.

As others have noted here this is a well organized low key event that is inexpensive and raises money to support area vets. Veterans who enter pay $26.20 and get a free shirt. The pasta dinner was great and cost only $10. There were only 70 finishers in the full marathon so by mile 14 I was pretty much on my own. It was also 74 degrees which I hadn't expected but the course along the river was very peaceful and the aid stations were good. An excellent side trip to the nearby Johnstown Flood national park visitor center was a highlight also. Highly recommended.