1/2 Sauer 1/2 Kraut Marathon & Half Marathon

Saturday, June 8, 2024 • Philadelphia, PA • Course Map

Set for its 15th annual running along the creekside park trails just outside Philadelphia, the “1/2 Sauer 1/2 Kraut” Marathon & Half Marathon is the brainchild of the founders of the local running organization Uber Endurance Sports, which states its mission is to organize “fun affordable races with a German twist” — which means plenty of German food at the finish line.

The 13.1-mile course for the half marathon race is set to take runners along the trail that winds through Pennypack Park, the 1,600-acre public park that lies just to the northeast of Philadelphia’s downtown and whose history dates all the way back to 1905.

Runners will follow an out-and-back route for much of the race along the Pennypack Trail, which encompasses 10 miles of trails through the park that wind through a combination of wooded forests, open meadows and stretches along the creek that runs through the park.

Described by the race organizers as a largely flat course throughout — thanks in no small part to the fact that it unfolds along creek and river trails — the 1/2 Sauer 1/2 Kraut race also features plenty of stretches shaded by trees. Runners will start the race near the southern end of the park, along the trail just off Shawn Street.

From there, the course winds northwest through Pennypack Park all the way up to a loop section just before Fox Chase Farm, where runners will encounter what organizers call the “Mount Cuckoo” section, a one-mail trail between mile markers 6 and 7.

This stretch takes runners is described as “relatively easy” by most trail running standards, though runners will need to keep in mind that they’ll likely encounter rocks, twigs, possibly some water or muddy sections and even some horse droppings along the way, as these trails are used for horseback riding throughout most of the year.

Once they make their way around the Mount Cuckoo loop section of the race, the course then puts runners back on the Pennypack Trail for the return route back to the start/finish line area.

The race is limited to 1,000 runners, so runners thinking of participating are encouraged to sign up early. Following the race, the post-race party will get underway and will feature bratwurst, sauerkraut and German potato pancakes.

Race Weather & Climate

Located along the winding Delaware River in southeastern Pennsylvania, Philadelphia typically sees mild to warm and occasionally hot weather in June, a month that has brought record temperatures here as low as 44 degrees (in 1984) and as high as 102 degrees (in 1934).

On race day (June 8), the average low is 63ºF and the average high is 80ºF.

Past Results

Course Map

See the race route map for the 1/2 Sauer 1/2 Kraut Half Marathon here.

Starting Time

7:30 AM

Fees

  • $69 – $75 for the half marathon
  • $75 – $79 for the full marathon

Registration

To reserve your spot in the 2024 running of Philadelphia’s “1/2 Sauer, 1/2 Kraut” Marathon or Half Marathon, register online at UltraSignUp.com here.

Official Race Website

uberendurancesports.com

Comments

Ever run in the “1/2 Sauer 1/2 Kraut” race? Share your impressions here, or post your review in the Comments below.

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2 comments… add one
  • Kelsey Steilen January 14, 2016, 11:51 am

    I was wondering where the course map is for the full marathon (26.2)?

    Reply
  • Marilyn Wellnitz June 8, 2015, 1:01 pm

    I’m running in the race and was wondering if friends and family can gain admission to the after race party. Would they be able to hang out and have the beer and food with me? I’m assuming they would have to pay. Please let me know, thank you!

    Reply

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