55TH Annual
The 55th Annual Switchback Scamper
The 55th Annual Switchback Scamper is a running race on September 27, 2026 in Jim Thorpe, PA, with an entry fee of $30.
- Date
- September 27, 2026 (57 days to go)
- Location
- 625 Lentz Trail, Jim Thorpe, PA
- Price
- $30
- Sport
- Running
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.
57
Days to train
- Race
- The 55th Annual Switchback Scamper
- Date
- September 27, 2026
- Location
- 625 Lentz Trail, Jim Thorpe, PA
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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 an accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Coming Up
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Plan your trip
Make it a Racecation
Coming from out of town? There's more to Jim Thorpe than race day. We'll help you line up nearby lodging, flights, a rental car, and things to do so you can make the most of your racecation.
Plan your trip to Jim ThorpeFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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The 55th Annual Switchback Scamper
Sep 27, 2026