End of the Road Half Marathon & One Tunnel 4 Miler

 

Why the One Tunnel 4 Miler Is the Perfect Step After a 5K

If you’ve run a 5K before, you may already be thinking about your next challenge. That’s where the One Tunnel 4 Miler at End of the Road Half Marathon & One Tunnel 4 Miler comes in. It’s approachable, fun, and gives you the full End of the Road race-day experience—without committing to a Half Marathon.

Why Step Up from a 5K?
Moving from a 5K (3.1 miles) to a 4 Miler is the perfect next step. You’ll add less than a mile to your distance, but that extra stretch helps you grow as a runner. It’s enough to feel like a true challenge while still being achievable—even if your training has mostly been focused on 5Ks.

Many runners find that racing four miles makes them feel stronger and more confident. It’s a chance to push just a little farther, test your endurance, and earn some well-deserved bragging rights.  It's also a great intermediate step between the 5K and 10K (6.2 Miles).

An Approachable Distance for New Runners
Not ready for a 10K or Half Marathon? The 4 Miler is a fantastic way to be part of race weekend. With a generous course time of 8:20 AM to 12:30 PM (4 hours, 10 minutes), you could even walk the entire distance and still finish comfortably. It’s a race anyone can tackle—whether you’re a first-timer looking to cross the finish line or a walker soaking in the atmosphere.

The Full End of the Road Experience
The One Tunnel 4 Miler isn’t just about the distance—it’s about the setting. You’ll run or walk through an abandoned stretch of the Pennsylvania Turnpike, complete with 2.4 miles in a spooky tunnel that makes this race unlike anything else in the region. You’ll experience the same race-day excitement, post-race celebration, and unique vibe as the Half Marathon athletes—just in a distance that’s more approachable.  Want to check out the 4 Mile (and Half Marathon) course ahead of time?  Check out this video with race footage from 2024 participant, Natasha!

Training for the 4 Miler
The best part? You don’t need to overhaul your routine to get ready. If you’ve been running or walking a few times a week, you’re already on track.

For a little extra structure, you can follow a Hal Higdon training plan:

• Newer runners can start with a Hal Higdon 5K plan and slightly extend their weekly long run to reach 3.5-4 miles.  There are beginner to experienced plans and even a plan specifically for walkers!
• More experienced runners can look at an 8K plan, which builds endurance a bit further and makes 4 miles feel like a strong, fun effort.

With 6-8 weeks of consistent running or walking, nearly anyone can go from finishing a 5K to confidently taking on the One Tunnel 4 Miler.

Why the 4 Miler Might Be Your Perfect Fit

• You’ve run a 5K and are ready for a small step up
• You want a race that’s fun and unique, not intimidating
• You’d love to run or walk through a tunnel for the experience
• You’re looking for a fall race with big energy and small-town charm

The One Tunnel 4 Miler gives you all of that and more.  Ready to take the next step? Register today for the One Tunnel 4 Miler and see why it’s the perfect bridge between the 5K and longer races.