A Sweet Spot for Runners: Thousands Race Through the Hershey Harrisburg Region this November

With more than 9,200 hotel rooms and easy access to Harrisburg International Airport (MDT), Amtrak’s Keystone Route, and proximity to over 40% of the population within 500 miles, the Hershey Harrisburg Region in Pennsylvania is well poised to welcome large-scale races and other competitions year-round. Organizers and runners alike are drawn to the area’s accessibility, scenic beauty and post-race attractions.

This November, three race organizers and more than 3,700 runners from across the country discovered firsthand why the Hershey Harrisburg region is the “sweet spot” for runners.

PIAA Cross Country State Championships | Hershey, PA

More than 1,600 runners from 390 Pennsylvania high schools ran the Hershey Parkview Course, known for its mix of flat and hilly terrain on the site of a former golf course. Winding through wooded areas and open fields and within earshot of the roaring roller coasters at nearby Hersheypark, this premier course is known for its iconic views and scenic beauty in Hershey, the Sweetest Place on Earth®. The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) is the governing body for high school sports in the state. The PIAA has hosted the Cross Country State Championships in Hershey since 2001.

NIRCA Cross Country National Championships | Hershey, PA

More than 1,600 athletes from 65 U.S. collegiate running clubs ran the Hershey Parkview Course. (See above for course details.) The National Intercollegiate Running Club Association (NIRCA) is the national governing body for collegiate running clubs. NIRCA hosts a variety of events for its approximately 150 collegiate running clubs including cross country, road running, and track and field championships. NIRCA hosted its National Cross Country Championships at Hershey Parkview Course in 2024 as well. The event also includes an Open 6k inviting members of the community to tie up their laces and run the course.

Enders YMCA Harrisburg Marathon | Harrisburg, PA

This year’s event reached record registrations with more than 1,500 participants. The Boston Marathon-qualifying course is known for its mostly flat and low elevation terrain where personal bests are often achieved. The course winds through Pennsylvania’s Capital City with gorgeous views of the riverfront, historic architecture lining city streets, and forested paths. The race starts and ends on City Island which is walkable to local hotels and features ample on-site parking.

The Harrisburg Area YMCA annual race series includes a marathon, half marathon, 5k, mile and more held in locations in Harrisburg and Hershey. The YMCA Harrisburg Marathon, Half & Relay has been held for over 50 years and is in its sixth decade of Boston-qualifying events.

Post-Race Fun

Beyond the run, participants enjoyed the region’s sweet attractions like Hersheypark (group discounts were available), Hershey’s Chocolate World (the free Chocolate Tour Ride is a must), Hershey Bears professional ice hockey and more. In Harrisburg, runners enjoyed down time where there’s a small city feel with big city amenities like dining, museums, and live music. A free tour of what is often considered to be one of the most beautiful Capitol buildings in the country is a must-do while in town.

If you would like to learn more about these courses or one of the many other versatile venues in the Hershey Harrisburg region, please visit http://www.hhsportsandevents.com.