The York Marathon was the 222nd largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 188th largest in 2022.
This year 17.1% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 19% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the York Marathon the 60th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 65th highest percentage so far in 2024.
Its Course Score of 99.55 ranks it as the 86th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 6th fastest course in Pennsylvania.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are above the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the York Marathon a PR Score of 98.65. This PR Score ranks it as the 199th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 10th fastest in Pennsylvania.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
York Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 519 feet (158m) Min Elevation: 362 feet (110m)
What I Liked:
1) Well spaced and plentiful aid stations supplied with gatorade, water and gu gels. Volunteers were ready to hand out the fluids as runners passed
2) Didn't know what to think of the out and back, but it really helped with the pacing and knowing where fellow competitors were as I neared the turnaround
3) Impressed with the post race with a variety of food options, recovery stations, etc.
What I did not Like:
1) 6 Am start time was a little early, but was needed for me to be with the faster runners as the faster start time was then for a rolling start which was between 6-7:30 Am for the marathon
Race Tips
1) It may have been just been because of covid, but if you expect to place or compete for a top 3 age group finish opt for the 6 Am time.
2) Expect to have multiple road crossings, and possibly have drivers ignore the stop signs given by volunteers happened twice as drivers ignored the volunteers or were not paying attention
3) Course is mainly on the York Heritage trail, so expect some people on bikes or other people on the path that may provide obstacles that are not involved in the race.
With the rolling start parking was no problem as most people wouldn't want to get there at 5:20 AM. However, after the race I notice there was still some available parking, and they provide information on parking that is a block from both the starting and finish lines
TK's review of 2022 York Marathon.
1 /
5 Stars
Review
Easy to get to the start, especially with the rolling start. I really hope they do away with that though. I get that they did it for Covid reasons, and I really respect and appreciate that. But it's just not a conducive way to start a marathon. It really lacks that adrenaline and hype you need. The course support was horrible. People at the water stations weren't handing out waters, they were just seated. They weren't even cheering for the runners. There were people directing traffic, but they didn't tell runners where to go. I actually started to run the wrong way at one part.
Race Tips
It's very flat and very small. I felt like I was just going out for a run by myself; it didn't feel like a race at all. Really just disappointed by the course support.
The bib and shirt pick-up is incredibly easy. I really like the little draw string backpack from this race if that's any consolation. Probably the best one I've ever received.
LNW's review of 2018 York Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
I had never run a flat course before this one. And never a trail race. I had no idea what to expect. The volunteers were incredibly supportive. Enthusiastic, though spread out spectators. Plenty of water stops, with gel provided. Gorgeous scenery. I love the rail trail location. A bit of a tight squeeze at first, but the pack thinned as the race continued. There's a tunnel! Dark enough to be fun without risk to runners. Compacted crushed substrate was way easier on the knees than typical asfault. Good food spread after the race, and showers available. Bag check available too. A fast race. I PR'd by 21 minutes with only five weeks between races. Will make a point to run this race again!
Race Tips
Train on flats. I was very well trained for hills, but this course is very flat. That's a different type of wear and tear on the knees. Practice a bit of trail running if you can. Otherwise the surface might slow you. I did fine with just a few trail runs off and on.
Arrive a bit early to make parking easier. Bring all your bags with you and check them to avoid a trip to your car.
I parked right by the finish line. That worked well for me.
BC's review of 2018 York Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
This was an excellent marathon. The trail surface was easy on the joints. The race was well run. Scenery was beautiful, the weather was great. I will definitely run in 2019
This course is flat and scenic. Starts in the lovely small city of York, Pa, then after mile one it transitions to a rail trail. At mile 13.1 you turn around and run the same route back. The 6 am start was early but we stayed at lovely old Yorktown Hotel which was 5 block walk to start/finish. The race was well run and had more volunteers than runners.
Race Tips
This is a low budget affair compared to the big marathons like NY or Boston. It's a great race for qualifying or getting a pr, but you'll need to be self motivated because there isn't a crowd of spectators to cheer you on.
Lots of wonderful restaurants within walking distance and Yorktown Hotel is perfect race hotel.
Parking is available right at the YMCA where race starts. If you stay at Yorktown Hotel there is free parking in the parking garage across the street.
White Rose a Tavern was a lively spot for dinner and food was delicious and inexpensive.
4.2 Stars from 5 Reviews
