Lace Up for Spring: Walks & Runs Happening in NEPA | Races & Walks

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A photo of a cluster of runners at the start of the Yuengling Light Lager Jogger Race in Pottsville, PA.

March 04, 2025

Lace Up for Spring: Walks & Runs Happening in NEPA

Shake off the winter blues with NEPA’s spring races and walks! Whether you're a seasoned runner or just connecting with the community, explore local events to find fun ways to get moving this season.

Isabella Cordaro

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Kickstart the Season at These Fun Runs and Walks

As the last traces of winter melt away, spring in NEPA brings fresh air, blooming landscapes, and the perfect conditions to lace up your running shoes. Whether you’re a seasoned runner eager for a challenge or just looking to take a leisurely stroll for a good cause, NEPA’s spring races and walks have something for everyone. From scenic trails to lively post-race celebrations, these local events are a great way to enjoy the outdoors and connect with the community.

Ready to hit the pavement? Here are some of the must-run (or walk!) spring races happening across Northeastern PA this spring.

A cluster of runners starting their race at the Wyoming Valley Run Group in Exeter, PA.

Wyoming Valley Run Group Run

Exeter, PA – March 6

Join the Wyoming Valley Run for their first group run of 2025. They will “kick off” the run and their 2025 training season at 6pm from Sabatini’s Bottleshop and Bar.

A large group of Wyoming Valley Striders club members running in Lehman, PA.

WVS Winter's End 4.5 Mile Run

Lehman, PA – March 23

The Wyoming Valley Striders’ 44th Annual Winter’s End 4.5 Mile Run is the 1st race of the 6th Annual Vince Wojnar Triple Crown. This race features a scenic rolling hills 4.5 mile course in the Lehman area near Penn State Wilkes-Barre.

A ground-perspective photo of many runners.

Two Rivers Marathon Race Festival

Lackawaxen, PA – March 29

Two Rivers Marathon Race Festival consists of a Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K and 5K. This Boston Qualifier rewards their finishers with large finisher medals, logo socks and t-shirts.

Runners trotting along the rainy path at the Scranton Half Marathon.

Scranton Half Marathon

Scranton, PA – April 5 & 6

The Scranton Half Marathon offers runners a scenic 13.1-mile course that showcases the city’s natural beauty. Participants can choose from events including the Half Marathon Run, Half Marathon Walk, and the Doherty Double, which combines the 5K and Half Marathon Run.

Run to the Rescue 5k

Forty Fort, PA – April 13

Run to the Rescue is a Junior Leadership Northeast project partnering with Griffin Pond Animal Shelter. Their mission is to address the welfare of shelter animals by raising awareness, providing resources, and promoting adoption and volunteering to improve their conditions in NEPA.

A photo of runner and the Easter Bunny starting their Susquehanna Warrior Trail race and fun walk.

18th Annual Susquehanna Warrior Trail 5K Race/Fun Walk

Shickshinny, PA – April 19

Don’t miss this fun, Easter-themed 5K along the Susquehanna Warrior Trail! Participants get a T-shirts, top male and female awards, age group awards, photos with the Easter Bunny, and lunch!

A photo oh women cheering as they finish the Yuengling Light Lager Jogger Race in Pottsville, PA.

Yuengling Light Lager Jogger 5k

Pottsville, PA – April 26

The 13th annual Yuengling Light Lager Jogger 5k starts and finishes at Yuengling Brewery in Pottsville. All participants will receive a branded pint glass, an official race t-shirt, two free Yuengling Light Lagers (21+), free brewery tours, and admission to the post-race party.

A group of 5 girls smiling and giving a thumbs up during their race in Jim Thorpe, PA.

The Jim Thorpe Area Running Festival

Jim Thorpe, PA – April 26 & 27

Join in on the fun during this 2-day running festival in the Pocono Mountains! Choose between Saturday’s half marathon, or Sunday’s 7-miler and full marathon. The full marathon is one of the fastest Boston Qualifier on the east coast!

A large group of runners participating in the Cherry Blossom 5 Mile Run in Wilkes-Barre, PA.

WVS Cherry Blossom 5 Mile Run

Wilkes-Barre, PA – April 27

Celebrate the season at the Cherry Blossom 5 Miler as the WVS kick off their celebration of 50 years as a running club! This exciting event will take place at Kirby Park, timed perfectly with the stunning cherry trees in full bloom.

People dressed as characters from The Office during the Office 5K in Scranton, PA.

The Office 5K

Scranton, PA – May 3

The Office 5K, organized by Valley in Motion, is a road race in Scranton, PA that passes sites featured on NBC’s The Office. Participants can dress up as their favorite Office character for fun and prizes. Walkers can enjoy a modified 1-mile course with special activities along the way.

A group of runners participating in the Run For Hunger in Forty Fort, PA.

Run/Walk for Hunger

Forty Fort, PA – May 4

Join Dinner For Kids in the Run/Walk for Hunger! This 5k is organized to raise money for Dinners for Kids, a nonprofit organization that gives meals to children in need.

The Waverly Waddle

Waverly, PA – May 10

The Waverly Waddle is a 5K Run/2 Mile Walk through scenic Waverly that benefits programs at the Waverly Community House. Awards will be given for top finishers in various age categories.

Run Now, Wine Later 5k

Montrose, PA – May 17

Lace up your shoes for the Run Now Wine Later 5K Run/Walk at the annual Wine Walk Festival! Start your day with a race through the streets of Montrose, then celebrate your accomplishment with a glass of wine at the festival. All proceeds benefit the United Way of Susquehanna County.

The Harvey's Lake Run

Harvey’s Lake, PA – May 17

Race one full lap of the lake during the Harvey’s Lake Run! Run 8.2 gorgeous miles of flat and fast lakeshore. Runners will have a lane closed to traffic and protected by local public safety with the help of their volunteers.

Three fire trucks lined up at the Run For Pizza in Old Forge, PA.

Run For The Pizza 5K Run/2 Mile Walk

Old Forge, PA – May 24

Come run and walk with the Borough’s Bravest at the Run For The Pizza! After the race, participants are encouraged to join the Old Forge Fire Department for a slice at Revello’s Pizza, check out their basket raffles, and meet their firefighters.

A group of runners at the WVS 20K run.

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!

Isabella Cordaro

Raised in the Pocono Mountains, Isabella is passionate about food, animals, and the great outdoors. She enjoys finding the hidden gems in NEPA and spending time with her cat and two dogs.

Read more

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