Get ready to lace up those shoes, or battle boots, or whatever you plan on wearing this Sunday, April 24 for the 6th Annual Gettysburg North-South Marathon and 10 Miler. A well-loved community tradition held in Gettysburg each spring, the battle between North and South is once more raging—this time in the form of a friendly race competition.
An event designed to honor the Battle of Gettysburg and the men who fought here, this unique marathon competition welcomes in racers representing both sides of the Civil War Army—Northern and Southern alike—to take to the surrounding battlefield grounds in a race through scenic landscapes and fields. The Battle of Gettysburg, site of the most famous battle fought during the American Civil War, symbolizes the turning point in American history and ultimately the return to singleness within the United States.
Runners may sign up to represent whichever side they choose for this event, based on their current state of residence, where they grew up, where their ancestors lived during the Civil War, or for any other reason or interest. To learn more about costs or to register, visit this link.
The scored competition between each side will be decided based on a cumulative combination of times for top male and female runners on each side. A commemorative beer glass will be distributed to runners. These glasses feature the event logo on one side and a quote from Abraham Lincoln on the other. You must be present to receive your prize as they will not be mailed out. The winning side will be announced at the conclusion, during the awards ceremony.
The racecourse will commence right onto College Avenue/Mummasburg Road, passing through the Battlefield and then toward the roads of Cumberland, Franklin, and Butler Township, past orchards and fields. Most of the climbs are located within the first 11 miles, with the last 15 miles being flatter terrain, completing a loop around to the starting point. This course is measured according to USATF standards and is certified so that results may qualify runners for the Boston Marathon. The 10 Mile Course begins at the finish line on East Broadway and spans the last five miles of the marathon course backwards before turning around and finishing in the reverse order. To view maps and terrain for both courses, click here. http://www.gettysburgnorthsouthmarathon.com/course.html
The schedule for the race follows. On pre-race day, April 23, open registration will take place between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. at Freedom Hall located inside Gettysburg Gateway Theater at Presidential Circle. A pasta dinner will be held at the Appalachian Brewing Company from 5 p.m.to 8 p.m. that evening. On race day, April 24, you can pick up race numbers, chips, and late registration between 6:15 a.m. and 7:15 a.m. The National Anthem will be sung at 7:15 a.m. and then runners will gather for the 7:30 a.m. takeoff. The 10 Miler will begin at 7:45 a.m. Awards for the 10 Miler will be announced at 10 a.m. followed by the Marathon Awards at noon. View the complete schedule of events here. To learn all other information on the marathon, click here.