
Jim Thorpe, United States of America · Saturday 13 September 2025
The event is held in Pennsylvania along the D & L Trail, beginning just south of White Haven and following the Lehigh River before finishing in Lehighton. The course is characterized by a gentle and consistent downhill grade of about -1%, with a maximum elevation of 1,274 feet, making it an appealing choice for runners seeking a fast time or aiming to qualify for the Boston Marathon. The surface is hard-packed gravel, which provides stable footing as it passes through wooded landscapes and offer
Adjusted Time
4:39:52
Time difference: +39.9 minutes compared to a flat, road, temperate course.
Jack and Jills Downhill (PA) Marathon is a full marathon held in Jim Thorpe, United States of America, scheduled for Saturday 13 September 2025. The course is run on trail surface with 47m of total elevation gain, reaching a maximum altitude of 372m above sea level. For registration and full race details, visit the official Jack and Jills Downhill (PA) Marathon website.
This is a very flat course with only 47m of total elevation gain across the full distance. The course ranges from 184m to 372m above sea level — a 188m elevation range that makes it one of the flatter races available. Runners targeting a personal best will appreciate the minimal climbing.
Based on historical weather data for September, the expected race day conditions are as follows. Moderate temperatures between 14°C and 28°C are expected. While comfortable for most runners, those targeting fast times should pay attention to hydration, as these temperatures can impact performance over the full distance. There is a low chance of rain (6%), so dry conditions are likely.
Jack and Jills Downhill (PA) Marathon is a trail race, meaning the course includes unpaved surfaces such as dirt, gravel, or forest paths. Trail surfaces are inherently slower than road courses due to uneven footing, technical sections, and often steeper gradients. Trail-specific shoes with good grip are recommended, and runners should expect a finish time 10-20% slower than their equivalent road marathon time.
Our difficulty rating for Jack and Jills Downhill (PA) Marathon is calculated using a model that combines elevation gain, temperature impact, and surface type. Use the difficulty calculator above to enter your target finish time and see exactly how many minutes this course would add or subtract compared to a perfectly flat, cool, road-based marathon. Faster runners and slower runners are affected differently by the same course conditions, so the difficulty is personalised to your pace.
Looking for an easier marathon or a tougher challenge? You can also compare Jack and Jills Downhill (PA) Marathon against other marathons to find the right race for your goals.
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