The 55th Annual Switchback Scamper
- Date
- September 27, 2026
- Location
- 625 Lentz Trail, Jim Thorpe, PA
- Distance
- 5K · 10K
- Price
- $30
From the Organizer
Course: Run Distance is 10k. Beginning in Summit Hill borough, thru the streets for the first 2 miles, next 2.5 miles on gravel and grass covered trails, 1/4 mile on highway to trail, final .2 on pavement. All downhill trail is the former Switchback Railroad. This is a point to point race. (Transportation to the race start is NOT provided. Please organize a plan to carpool to the start) The start is at the intersection of W White Street and Church St in Summit Hill, Closest address to the starting line is 447 W White St, Summit Hill, PA 18250 .
Finish: at the beautiful Match Chunk Lake Park - Summit Hill police escort at start, ambulance/medical assistance at finish.
Registration/ Packet Pickup: Mauch Chunk Lake Park - Wildoner/Koch Pavilion from 12 noon until 1:30 p.m. (Alternate route to lake via 443 to 902 to Lentz Trail to the March Chunk Lake Park, or 209 S right on Beaver St. to right on Flagstaff Road to left onto Lentz Trail to MCLP or from Hazelton area 93 to 209N, right on Walnut Ave, to right on Center Ave, Continue on Center Ave until end, proceed straight onto highway (Lentz Trail), lake entrance on left.
Contact : Walt Schlepper @ 484-553-1556 with any questions.
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
69°
Typical Low
49°
Chance of Rain
36%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Lehighton 1ssw, 4 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Jim Thorpe, PA
City Elevation
555 ft
Nearest Airport
ABE
Lehigh Valley International Airport · 22 mi
Major Hub
PHL
Philadelphia International Airport · 74 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
Line up lodging and travel early to lock in your race weekend.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at The 55th Annual Switchback Scamper, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
102
Days to train
- Race
- The 55th Annual Switchback Scamper
- Date
- September 27, 2026
- Location
- 625 Lentz Trail, Jim Thorpe, PA
Coming Up
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From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it’s the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer’s event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is The 55th Annual Switchback Scamper?
- The 55th Annual Switchback Scamper is a running race held in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania on September 27, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
- When and where is The 55th Annual Switchback Scamper?
- Sunday, September 27, 2026 in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania at 625 Lentz Trail. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for The 55th Annual Switchback Scamper?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
The 55th Annual Switchback Scamper
Sep 27, 2026