Inaugural Bucks County Marathon Set For Nov. 20

Many big cities have marathons. But now Bucks County will have one, too.

On Nov. 20, the first-ever Bucks County Marathon will be held. The 26.2-mile course begins and ends at the Yardley Train Station.

The course goes along the Delaware Canal towpath from Yardley to New Hope and back again. The turnaround is just north of the Route 202 bridge in Solebury Township.

The race is being organized by Racing Resources in conjunction with Delaware Canal State Park, Yardley Borough and New Hope Borough.

The course is USATF certified, which will mean times run at the Bucks County Marathon will be eligible to qualify for the 2013 Boston Marathon and/or the 2012 US Olympic Trials Marathon, organizers said.

“We’re limited to 500 people. We’re not a big city marathon experience. We’re just a nice quaint little race that has it’s own identity and personality,” said Race Director Pat McCloskey. “It’s an awesome showcase of this beautiful suburban area.”

The race will be chip timed with checkpoint mats. That way, your friends can get text updates on your progress, McCloskey said. Participants receive a long-sleeve tech shirt.

“We do have a pretty unique course. People are psyched. They’re running at home, or they’re coming home to run it,” says McCloskey said. “The marathon is a challenge whether it’s to just to finish or to have your best race. We’re glad to finally be bringing a marathon to Bucks County.”

Bucks County Marathon organizers have been supporting training groups on parts of the towpath every weekend and are getting very positive feedback, McCloskey said.  “I’m as excited to be the Race Director as I used to be running in races,” McCloskey added.

Registration is still open for the event. The cost is $100. For more information visit www.runbucks.com or check out the event Facebook page.