January 20, 2021

Belmar Bridge Half Marathon

Experience the Sandy Creek Trail!

Experience the Sandy Creek Trail in Venango County, PA. The Sandy Creek Trail is considered by many runners and cyclists to be the most scenic rail trail in Western Pennsylvania. The race course begins and ends at the Belmar Bridge, a 1385 foot long bridge spanning the Allegheny River. The out and back course is relatively level and entirely paved except for the 8 wood boarded bridges along the length of the course. There is also a nearly 300-meter long tunnel along the course.

LocationSandy Creek Trail, Belmar Bridge Trailhead, Franklin, PA
DateOctober 10, 2021
TerrainLow-Grade Paved Rail Trail
DifficultyEasy
Typical Weather42-63 degrees
Course TypeOut & Back
Race Start Time8:00-8:30 AM
Registration OpensFebruary 3, 2021
Stroller FriendlyNo
Pet FriendlyNo

Pricing

Opening: $55 (February 3 – February 5)

Early: $65 (February 6 – April 30)

Regular: $80 (May 1 – August 9)

Late: $95 (August 10 – September 10)

Course Map

Course Records

Male Overall: Jeffery Eide (Seminole, FL) 1:17:32.29 (2020)

Female Overall: Morgan Camerlo (Hidden Valley, PA) 1:24:06.41 (2020)

Male Masters: Tommy McNear (Negley, OH) 1:32:04.85 (2020)

Female Masters: Melissa Good (Linesville, PA) 1:43:58.15 (2020)

Reviews

Very well run Belmar Bridge Half Marathon in the midst of a pandemic! The course was very well marked and safe. Water stations were safe and appropriately distanced!

Shannon R.

The recent inaugural Belmar Bridge Half Marathon was a terrific event. The course was very scenic with 7 or 8 cool bridges crossed twice (to/from), beautiful views and perfect weather.

Christopher M.

Packet Pickup

All race packets will be shipped to participants before the race. Participants can expect to receive their packets at least a week prior to the race.

Travel

Host Hotel

Holiday Inn Express Franklin – Oil City (225 Singh Dr, Cranberry, PA 16319)

Information coming soon.

Other Lodging Options (Distance from Start/Finish Area)

Flights

Check for flights into these local airports:

International

  • Erie International Airport (ERI)
  • Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)
  • Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)

Regional/Domestic

  • Venango Regional Airport (FKL)
  • DuBois Regional Airport (DUJ)
  • Northeast Ohio Regional Airport (JFN)

Other Local Attractions

DeBence Antique Music World (7.1 miles)

Venango Museum of Art, Science & Industry (14.5 miles)

Freedom Falls & Rockland Tunnel (21.8 miles)

Oil Creek State Park (21.8 miles)

Dennison Point Overlook (22.9 miles)

Kennerdell Overlook (24.2 miles)

Drake Well Museum (28.3 miles)

Results/Photos

2020 Belmar Bridge Half Marathon Results

2020 Belmar Bridge Half Marathon Photos

2020 Belmar Bridge Half Marathon Virtual Awards Ceremony

Directions to Start/Finish Area

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Franklin – Oil City

225 Singh Dr, Cranberry, PA 16319
 
Take PA-257 S to US-322 W in Cranberry
 
2 min (0.5 mi)
 
Head northeast toward PA-257 S
 
141 ft
Sharp left onto Singh Dr
 
0.1 mi
Turn right onto PA-257 S
 
0.3 mi
Turn right onto US-322 W
Pass by McDonald’s (on the left in 0.2 mi)
10 min (6.9 mi)

Take Belmar Rd to your destination in Sandycreek Township

11 min (6.2 mi)
 
Turn left onto Liberty St
 
0.6 mi
Turn right onto 3rd St
 
0.2 mi
3rd St turns left and becomes Bully Hill Rd
 
0.9 mi
Turn left onto Belmar Rd
 
4.5 mi
Turn right
Destination will be on the left
56 ft

Belmar Bridge Trailhead

Franklin, PA 16323