Kickstart the Season with Spring Races & Walks Across Northeastern PA
Spring in Northeastern Pennsylvania brings warmer days, blooming landscapes, and the perfect conditions for getting outside. It’s also the start of a busy season for spring races, walks and trail runs across the region.
From downtown 5K races through local communities to peaceful trail runs and charity walks, there are events for every pace. Runners can chase a new personal record, while walkers can enjoy a relaxed route with friends and family. Many of these spring races and walks support great local causes. Participants help raise funds for nonprofits, youth programs, health initiatives and community organizations across the region.
Whether you prefer road races, charity walks, fun runs or trail runs, spring in NEPA offers countless ways to stay active outdoors. It’s also a great way to discover new places while connecting with local communities.
Lace up and check out these spring races and walks happening throughout the region this season.
March 14 | Scranton, PA
The Brian P. Kelly Memorial 2-Mile Footrace in Scranton kicks off St. Patrick’s Day Parade festivities on Saturday, March 14 with a flat out-and-back course along the official parade route. The race begins and ends at the Scranton Cultural Center and welcomes runners looking for a festive start to parade day in downtown Scranton.
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March 15 | Wilkes-Barre, PA
The Diamond City Shamrock 5K in Wilkes-Barre begins and ends at Public Square just ahead of the city’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday, March 15. This inaugural race welcomes runners and walkers for a festive downtown course. Register by March 8 receive an official race T-shirt.
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March 17 | Schuylkill Haven, PA
Irish Flats for St. Pat’s Walk in Schuylkill Haven invites participants to explore Schuylkill Haven Island Park on a guided 1–2 mile stroll led by Hemlock Hannah on Tuesday, March 17. This easy walk highlights the area’s landscape and connections to early Irish settlers while passing historic structures within the park.
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March 21 & 22 | Lackawaxen, PA
The Two Rivers Marathon Race Festival in Lackawaxen offers a full weekend of racing on Saturday, March 21 & Sunday, March 22 with a marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 5K events at Lackawaxen Park. The festival also includes finisher medals, race shirts and post-race food.
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March 22 | Dallas, PA
The WVS Winter’s End 4.5 Mile Run in Dallas on Sunday, March 22 begins at Penn State Wilkes-Barre and features a scenic course through rolling hills near campus. Hosted by the Wyoming Valley Striders, the race is part of the Vince Wojnar Triple Crown series and celebrates the club’s 50th anniversary season.
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March 28 | Tunkhannock, PA
Run To Remember in Tunkhannock is a community 5K run and walk held on Saturday, March 28 at the Lake Carey Volunteer Fire Company. The event honors the life of Kara Cook while raising funds for pediatric services at Allied Services. Runners and walkers of all ages are welcome.
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April 4 | Shickshinny, PA
The Susquehanna Warrior Trail 5K in Shickshinny on Saturday, April 4 welcomes runners and walkers of all ages for a family-friendly race along the scenic Warrior Trail. Designed for participants of every pace, the event features a welcoming community atmosphere and photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny.
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April 11 | Bloomsburg, PA
The Unified Stroll in Bloomsburg takes place on Saturday, April 11 along the paved Bloomsburg Area Recreational Trail at Bloomsburg Town Park. This inclusive 5K invites participants of all abilities to walk, roll, or stroll together in support of the Bloomsburg YMCA’s Adaptive and Inclusive Programs.
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April 11 & 12 | Scranton, PA
The Scranton Half Marathon in Scranton challenges runners with a 13.1-mile road race through the city’s neighborhoods and scenic areas on Saturday, April 11 & Sunday, April 12. The course is primarily run on paved roads, with a short section of crushed stone trail. The spring event welcomes runners of all abilities.
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April 18 | Moosic, PA
The Scranton ALS United Walk at PNC Field in Moosic on Saturday, April 18 brings the community together to support individuals and families affected by ALS. Participants walk in honor of loved ones while raising funds for local care services, research and advocacy.
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April 25 & 26 | Jim Thorpe, PA
The Jim Thorpe Area Running Festival in Jim Thorpe features a weekend of races on Saturday, April 25 & Sunday, April 26 along the scenic Lehigh Gorge Trail. Events include a half marathon, a 7-mile race with a train ride to the start, and a Boston-qualifying full marathon on routes along the Lehigh River.
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April 26 | Pottsville, PA
The Yuengling Light Lager Jogger 5K in Pottsville on Sunday, April 26 begins and ends at the historic Yuengling Brewery. Runners follow a scenic city course before celebrating at a lively post-race party featuring live music, food vendors, brewery tours, and two Yuengling Light Lagers for participants age 21 and over.
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April 26 | Wilkes-Barre, PA
The WVS Cherry Blossom 5 Mile Run in Wilkes-Barre takes place at Kirby Park on Sunday, April 26 during the annual Cherry Blossom Festival weekend. Runners follow a flat out-and-back course along the Luzerne County Levee Trail and through the park. The chip-timed course is hosted by the Wyoming Valley Striders.
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May 2 | Scranton, PA
The Office 5K Season 5 in Scranton on Saturday, May 2 sends runners past locations featured in NBC’s The Office. Participants can dress as their favorite characters while running the downtown course or choose a relaxed one-mile walk with themed activities. The event ends with a block party and awards ceremony.
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May 3 |White Haven, PA
The 5K Trail Run & 1 Mile Walk in White Haven takes place on Sunday, May 3 at YMCA Camp Kresge and highlights the camp’s wooded trails. Participants explore the scenic property while supporting the Greater Wyoming Valley Area YMCA Annual Fund, which helps provide camp scholarships for local youth.
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May 9 | Jim Thorpe, PA
Lisa Napoletano Running with the Angels in Jim Thorpe begins on Saturday, May 9 at the Jim Thorpe Train Station lot and follows the scenic D&L Trail. The event features a 5K run, a 5K walk, and youth races, giving families multiple ways to participate while honoring loved ones along one of the region’s most picturesque trails.
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May 9 | Tunkhannock, PA
The Miller Mountain Trail Challenge in Tunkhannock on Saturday, May 9 offers rugged trail racing with a 25K course featuring 4,700 feet of elevation gain and a 5-mile option with 2,000 feet of climbing. Participants tackle demanding mountain terrain before gathering for a post-race buffet and raffle.
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May 9 | Moosic, PA
The Northeast PA Heart Walk on Saturday, May 9 at PNC Field in Moosic brings together individuals, families and teams to support heart health initiatives. Participants walk to raise funds for lifesaving CPR education, heart disease and stroke research and programs that help improve cardiovascular health.
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May 9 | Waverly, PA
The Waverly Waddle in Waverly on Saturday, May 9 begins and ends at The Waverly Community House and features a 5K run and 2-mile walk through the borough’s scenic neighborhoods. This Mother’s Day weekend tradition welcomes runners, walkers and families while supporting community programs.
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May 16 | Montrose, PA
Run Now, Wine Later 5K Run/Walk in Montrose on Saturday, May 16 combines a scenic small-town race with the community’s Wine Walk Festival. The timed course winds through the streets of Montrose and finishes at the festival. All abilities are welcome, with proceeds benefiting the United Way of Susquehanna County.
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May 16 | Harveys Lake, PA
The Harvey’s Lake Run in Harvey’s Lake on Saturday, May 16 features an 8.2-mile race completing one full lap around the lake. The flat lakeshore course offers scenic views and a fast route for runners aiming for strong times, with a dedicated lane closed to traffic and support from local public safety teams.
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May 30 | Old Forge, PA
The Run For The Pizza 5K Run/2 Mile Walk on Saturday, May 30 in Old Forge begins at Veterans Memorial Stadium and finishes near the borough’s famous pizza shops. The event supports the Burn Prevention Network’s Camp Susquehanna. After the race, participants gather for pizza, awards, and community festivities.
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Run the Region
NEPA comes alive with a variety of opportunities for runners and walkers of all levels. Engage with the community, enjoy the region's scenic beauty, and support great causes right in your own backyard!
Article updated from its original version published on 3/4/25.
