Have you heard the news? On July 7^th, Whitewater Challengers will be hosting a Run & Raft event that begins with a 7.5-mile jog along the scenic Lehigh Gorge Trail, before transitioning into a 3-hr whitewater adventure along the Lehigh River. If this sounds like fun – and it does – we’d love to have you join us!

Participants will receive a commemorative Run & Raft T-shirt, along with a standard lunch on the river (during the rafting trip). There will be free refreshments and snacks available at the end of the running course, as well. While this is technically a fun run, competitors are welcome to use the course’s 2% downward slope to eclipse their personal bests at the 7.5-mile distance. Otherwise, the name of the game is to relax, and enjoy the beauty of Lehigh Gorge State Park.   

How the Event Will Be Facilitated

On the morning of the run, participants are scheduled to meet at Whitewater Challengers’ Rafting Center, which is located at 288 N Stagecoach Road, Weatherly, PA. We recommend that you arrive promptly at your check in time. Buses to the trail are scheduled to leave the rafting center shortly after your 8:30am check in. Once runners exit the shuttle at a section of the Lehigh Gorge Trail known as the Tannery, there will be an official start.  Participants will run or jog the Lehigh Trail. The trail passes historic points of interest along the way. 

This 7.5-mile stretch of trail is mostly gravel, which is easy on the legs. Surround yourself with natural foliage and pristine landscapes. All of which are built around the whitewater currents of the Lehigh River, which runs parallel to the trail.

Whitewater Challengers will have shuttle buses on hand at the finish line (i.e., a section of the trail known as Rockport), enabling runners to enjoy a short ride back to the rafting center, where they can replenish and wash up before buckling on a lifejacket and heading off to enjoy an afternoon of class-II-III rapids on the river. 

Some Tips for Making the Most of the Raft & Run

Whitewater Challengers offers a spacious campground at the same location as its rafting center, and camping may be an ideal option for anyone who is looking to avoid driving in on the morning of the event. Guests can either rent a tent or bring their own tent, and additional camping supplies – including firewood – are available at the onsite store.

Participants are welcome to raft in their running attire. However, we recommend that you also bring a change of clothes and some toiletries, as you may want to wash up after the run. And you will definitely want to change into some dry clothes after the rafting trip is over. While dinner is not included in the run and raft package, a delicious array of hot-menu items will be available at the rafting center’s snack bar. Eating under our outdoor dining pavilion is a great way to unwind while socializing with some of the people whom you’ve met throughout the day.

If you’re interested in participating in Whitewater Challengers’ exclusive Run & Raft, you can register here.