Until now, the yearly Levee Loop Trail Race has been a timed 4.5 mile Run and 2.5 mile Fitness Walk. In 2024 an exciting change has been announced: the running route is expanding for a full 10k distance to include much of the Brodhead Creek Greenway. Meanwhile, a new 5k route will become an option as both a timed run or walk.

The scenic Levee Loop Trail is a local gem in the heart of the Stroudsburgs. Every year since 2008 on National Trails Day, it is celebrated with The Levee Loop Trail Race & Fitness Walk. The aim of the event is to encourage active lifestyles, bring awareness to the Stroud Area’s park and trail resources, and fundraise for continued trail and park maintenance. It is hosted by Stroud Region Open Space and Recreation Commission (SROSRC,) and the nonprofit Friends of SROSRC. While the event brings the community together, and is well loved by many local runners and walkers, one detail has been holding it back: The Levee Loop’s odd distance.

“Runners look for 5k’s or 10k’s to join. They know those distances, and they know their best times. Most runners are not searching for ‘4.5 mile races near me,’” says Trudyann Buckley, Recreation Manager at SROSRC. “We have a beautiful adjoining trail called the Brodhead Creek Greenway, but we didn’t have enough help to open up the race that far until now.”

With assistance from the Stroud Area Regional Police Department, the dream of a 10k route has now become a reality. “We’re looking forward to offering a new level of challenge for our runners,” says Autumn Hawthorne, Executive Director at SROSRC, “and maybe someone will now have a chance to experience their first 10k here on our beautiful trails.”

Will runners see any other changes at this year’s Levee Loop Trail Race? “Runners and walkers alike have a great new 5k route that loops through Yetter Park this year,” Buckley mentioned, “In order to accommodate for that change in distance, we are moving the starting line to The Levee Loop Trailhead in the upper corner of Dansbury Park—it used to start at the Soccer Field.”

Recent improvements to a section of the trail in Stroud Township between Creekview Park the Stokes Mill Park were also completed just before last year’s event, smoothing out a previously rocky and varied surface. The update was well loved by 2023 Trail Race participants.

Buckley says, “This trail is worth seeing for yourself, whether you’re a biker or birder, runner or walker. With these changes to our annual event, we hope to introduce it to even more people in the community.”

To support your local trails by walking or running, register for the Levee Loop Trail Race 5k or 10k (both timed) at StroudRec.org, RunSignUp.com, or by calling 570-426-1512. SROSRC is also looking for volunteers to help the race run smoothly. Check StroudRec.org/Volunteer for info and to sign up to help.

Informaiton provided to TVL by:
Trudyann Buckley