Hotoberfest 13.1 Half Marathon

Saturday, August 17, 2019 • Philadelphia, PA • Course Map

Note: The 2019 race has been cancelled.

Set for its 10th annual running in mid-August 2019 along the creeks, streams and trails that wind their way through the woods of Philadelphia’s Pennypack Park, the Hotoberfest 13.1 Half Marathon saw just over 300 runners cross the finish line last year, at the event that marks the sixth and final race of the year in a race series staged by the locally-based Uber Endurance Sports.

Like the other races in the series — including the “1/2 Sauer 1/2 Kraut” race in June and the Dirty German Endurance Fest in May — the Hotoberfest (formerly Oktoberfest, from when it took place in October) 13.1 race also is a German-themed race, with what the organizers call “German carbohydrates” (they mean pretzels) served at each of the aid stations along the race route, which of course are maintained by ladies dressed up as St. Pauli Beer girls.

Runners will start and finish the out-and-back course for the race in Pennypack Park, which lies just a short drive northeast from downtown Philadelphia.

From there — the actual start/finish line is at the Pine Road park entrance — they’ll head out onto the paved biking, walking and running trails that wind alongside Pennypack Creek, through some of the 1,600 acres of the park’s woodlands, meadows and wetlands areas.

Most of the course keeps runners on the paved trails, with the exception of about two miles of the race, which take runners over trails made up of crushed cinder.

Organizers describe these sections as “very runnable” however, so they shouldn’t interfere with any runner trying to record a personal record time at the race — which is definitely a possibility, considering that the course is very flat and fast along the creek.

The scheduled starting time for the race is 8:00 AM, and runners will have 3 1/2 hours to complete the race’s 13.1 miles. Organizers plan also to give out awards for the best and funniest costumes, maintaining the spirit of the German-themed event.

Race Weather & Climate

Located in the state’s southeastern corner, along the Delaware River that divides Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Philadelphia typically sees warm (and sometimes hot) weather in August, with temperatures typically ranging from the high 60s to the mid-80s, and moderate precipitation all year long.

On race day (Aug. 17), the average low is 68ºF and the average high is 85ºF.

Past Results

Course Map

See the race route map for the Hotoberfest 13.1 Half Marathon here.

Starting Time

  • 8:00 AM – half marathon
  • 8:30 AM – 10K

Fees

  • $55 – $65 for the half marathon
  • $35 – $40 for the 10K

Registration

To reserve your spot in the 2019 running of the Hotoberfest 13.1 Half Marathon, register online at UltraSignUp.com here.

Official Race Website

www.uberendurancesports.com

Comments

Ever run in the Hotoberfest 13.1 Half Marathon? Share your impressions here, or post your review in the Comments below.

See more races in: October, Pennsylvania

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