YMCA Harrisburg Mile

With this year being the Mile's 45th year and the 175th anniversary of the YMCA, we have so much to celebrate! The YMCA Harrisburg Mile presented by First National Bank has been an annual city-wide celebration event since 1981. Dubbed “Summer’s Best Mile” this flat, fun run is perfect for everyone and anyone.

Not a runner, but interested in moving with your friends and family? Join us for the fun walk / run!

Ready to push yourself and see how fast you can really go? Sign up for a times age group heat!

Think you're the fastest of all? The Elite Mile is the race for you!

New to 2026 is the Salute and Survive event to kick off the Harrisburg Mile. We encourage our veterans (Salute) and cancer survivors / members of our Livestrong program (Survive) to come out for the .25 mile walk so we can honor all that you have given, accomplished, and sacrificed. This will be a no cost event for veterans or cancer survivors. We kindly ask all participants who are walking with them to register on the paid link. 

The summer’s best celebration will be here in no time! Happy running.

The 4xMile Challenge teams will consist of 4 students who are all either entering middle school (6th-8th grade) or high school (9th-12th) in the fall of 2024. Any combination of students are invited to form a team and enter the Challenge. 

4xMile Team Heat Time:

• 6:30pm

Divisions:

• All-Female Division Middle School

  • 4 female middle school students

• All-Female Division High School

  • 4 female high school students

• All-Male Division Middle School

  • 4 male middle school students

• All-Male Division High School

  • 4 male high school students

• Open-Division Middle School

  • Any combination of  4 middle school students

• Open-Division High School

  • Any combination of 4 high school students

Awards

• Awards are scored by cumulative chip time, meaning the time for all participants on one team are added up.

• Only teams of 4 are eligible for awards.

• Awards will be given out based on the top 3 teams for the division listed above.

Other

• Teams of less than 4 are permitted to participate, but only teams of 4 are eligible for awards.

• Please note that there are no roster changes on race day.

• We are using the honor system regarding teams signing up for proper division. 

• To qualify for the middle school division all members of the team must be entering 6th - 8th grade in the fall of 2024

• To qualify for the high school division all members of the team must be entering 9th - 12th grade in the fall of 2024

• To qualify for the open division any combination of students can create a team, but they all must either be entering 6th-8th grade or 9th-12th grade

• Yes, you can form teams with students from other school

Registration

• Teams can register all at once or individually by looking for the team name

• All participants must sign the waiver and where applicable have a guardian sign

• Use the link below to see how to register your team

• First person who signs up establishes team and pays

https://help.runsignup.com/support/solutions/articles/17000062681-join-an-existing-group

MILE RUN AND ELITE

All age group and elite awards will be scored by gun time. If you plan on competing for an age group award, it is highly suggested you line up as close to the starting line as possible. Fun Run participants are not eligible for awards.

MILE RUN

1st, 2nd, and 3rd place medals for both male and female will be awarded to the following age groups:

• 10 and under

• 11-15

• 16-19

• 20-24

• 25-29

• 30-34

• 35-39

• 40-44

• 45-49

• 50-54

• 55-59

• 60-64

• 65-69

• 70+

ELITE MILE

1st, 2nd, and 3rd place medals for both male and female will be awarded to the following age groups:

• Elite 39 and under

• Elite 40+

CORPORATE CHALLENGE

All corporate challenge awards are scored by cumulative time (sum of all five mile times per team). 

Only teams of 5 are eligible for awards. 

1st, 2nd, and 3rd place medals will be awarded for the following categories:

• All-Employee Division

• All-Employee Division, All 40+

• Open Division

• Open Division, All 40+

MEDALS

• All award winners will receive a medal. 

• Each member of the winning teams in each division will receive a medal.

The River 97.3 Corporate Challenge is an annual tradition at the Harrisburg Mile.

With hundreds of participants from many companies in the Central PA region, this event is a great team-building opportunity and also a chance to showcase your brand at the Harrisburg Mile!

The River 97.3 Corporate Challenge Heat Times

There are three The River 97.3 Corporate Challenge heats; 6:30, 6:45 & 7:00. The event schedule, including the Corporate heats, can be viewed here. The assigned heat and time will be listed on the participant race bib.

Divisions:

A division must be selected during registration. The division can be changed at a later date, if needed, by sending an email to julie.drabenstadt@ymcaharrisburg.org. 

• All-Employee Division

  • All team members are actively employed by the company they are representing. 

• All-Employee Division, all 40+

  • All team members are actively employed by the company they are representing and are all age 40+

• Open Division

  • Teams are open to employees, friends, family, etc. 

    • Ex. A company has a team where there are three employees and two non-employees want to participate. 

• Open Division, all 40+

  • Teams are open to employees, friends, family, etc. and are all age 40+

Awards

• Awards are scored by cumulative chip time, meaning the time for all participants on one team are added together. 

• Only teams of 5 are eligible for awards. 

• Awards will be given out based on the top 3 teams for the divisions listed above. 

Other

• Teams are 3-5 are permitted, but only teams of 5 are eligible for awards. 

• Please note that there are no roster changes on race day.

• We are using the honor system regarding teams signing up for the proper division. The race reserves the right to disqualify an award-winning team in either All-Employee divisions if they have non-employees on the roster or if all members are not 40+ in the All-40+ division(s). 

Registration

• The first team member will register, create the team, and pay the team registration fee.

• Once the team is created, the additional team members can register and join the existing team.

Click here to register for the Corporate Challenge.

1-Mile Course

• The start is at Front St & Maclay St. 

• The finish is at Front St & Boas St, which is just north of the Harvey Taylor Bridge. 

Half Pint/Half Mile

• This is a 1/2 mile course that is part of the Fun Run/Walk. 

• The start is at Front St & Hamilton St.

• The finish is at Front St & Boas St, which is just north of the Harvey Taylor Bridge.

Click here for a MapMyRun version of the 1-mile course. 

Deferrals

• No deferrals

• Registrants can switch to the virtual option or transfer their bib to another participant

Switch to Virtual

• No cost

• Registrants can switch to virtual through Friday, July 4th

• Click here for instructions on how to switch events to the virtual option

Bib Transfers

• No cost

• Bib transfers must be initiated by Friday, July 4th and completed by Friday, July 4th

• Click here for instructions for how to transfer your race bib to a new participant

The Elite Heat is the main event of the Harrisburg Mile!

This heat starts at 7:45pm.

This is the final heat of the evening and features a competition of qualified runners. 

Records

• Elite Heat Records

• These records date back to 2007. 

Qualifying times

• The qualifying time for ages 39 and under is 4:40 for men and 5:30 for women.

• The qualifying time for Elite runners 40 years of age and older is 5:00 for men and 6:00 for women.

Click here to register for the Elite Mile.

Can someone register in person?

Online registration is the preferred registration method. More information about in person registration can be found here.

What about parking?

Parking for the Harrisburg Mile is similar to other large events in Harrisburg such as Artsfest and Kipona. There is not one centralized location for parking. Options commonly used are parking at City Island, parking garages, and along city streets. 

Parking is available on the streets surrounding the YMCA as well as between the start and finish line areas (throughout the course between Maclay & Forster Streets). Parking is also available on City Island as well as various garages around Harrisburg. Please be aware that these parking locations other than City Island may have a fee.

A portion of Front Street will be closed starting at approximately 3:00 PM. Please plan your arrival accordingly.

What is the procedure for cancellation or postponement?

The Harrisburg Mile is a rain or shine event, so come prepared! If there happens to be a natural disaster or severe weather issue, participants will be notified the following ways:

Participants can check the homepage of our website. All information concerning the race will be updated throughout the day.
Follow us on Facebook for up-to-date information on race day, as well as information leading up to the event.

Can I just run and/or walk for fun?

Yes, that's what the Fun 1-Mile Run/Walk is all about! The Harrisburg Mile brings together an eclectic mix of participants, ranging from competitive runners to families and active seniors. The Fun 1-Mile Run/Walk heat starts at 5:15pm, and will not be timed.

What is the Elite event?

The Elite Mile is the most competitive heat of the Harrisburg Mile. The qualifying time for ages 39 and under is 4:40 for men and 5:30 for women. The qualifying time for Elite runners 40 years of age and older is 5:00 for men and 6:00 for women. The Elite Heat is the main event of the Harrisburg Mile and starts at 7:45pm. This is the final heat of the evening and features a competition of qualified runners. 

How will the timing chips be distributed?

For timed heats, the bib race numbers will already have the timing chip attached to them and will be in your packet when you pick it up. If you do not wear your bib race number for your heat, your time will not be recorded.

How are the chips attached?

The chip is already attached to your race bib, you just have to make sure you wear it. You must wear your bib race number on the front of your shirt or shorts in a visible location. Safety pins are provided to secure your bib. Please do not fold the number because it may damage the transponder.

What if I'm running more than one heat?

Each bib and chip will be assigned to individual heats. For example, if you were to run in the Corporate Challenge heat at 6:30 PM and then again in the 40 and over heat at 7:30 PM, you will need two different bibs and chips. Once you cross the finish line for the Corporate Challenge heat, your official time has been recorded for that bib number. You must then switch to the second bib for your second heat. Do NOT carry the second bib in your pocket.

How does the chip timing work?

Special electronic mats will be placed at both the start and finish lines. As each participant crosses the starting line mats, their individual time is recorded. Then, their time is also recorded as they cross the finish line. The finish line computer system then subtracts the starting time from the finish time and creates a new "net time" or "chip time." The chip timing method compensates for any lost time that runners in the back of the starting pack experienced at the starting line.

What if my Corporate Challenge team has less than 5 members?

Corporate Challenge teams can have less than 5 members, but they will not be eligible for awards. Only full teams of 5 will be eligible for awards. The winning team will have the best combined time for all 5 members. Corporate Challenge teams must have five (5) participants to qualify for awards. Teams with fewer than 5 members will not be eligible for awards and will be scored as an incomplete team based on how many participants they have on their team.

I am registered for my age group heat, but can I also do the Fun Run or the Half Pint with my kid(s)?

That is fine, but make sure you do not wear your race bib with the timing chip during the Fun Run or the Half Pint. Timing chips are "one and done," meaning that once they are triggered by crossing a timing mat, they will not record again. If you cross the starting line and/or the finish line during the Half Pint with your bib, then it will not register when you complete your age group heat, so please be aware of this.

My child is registered for the Fun Run/Walk or the Half Pint but I am not signed up, can I still be on the course with them?

We would always rather you be with your child during the Fun Run/Walk or the Half Pint, so that is fine.

Can I transfer my race bib to someone else?

Yes, we do allow bib transfers. Please see the Deferrals and Bib Transfers section for more information.

The Fun Run/Walk & Half Pint is a Harrisburg Mile tradition!

Fun Run/Walk

• This is a 1-mile distance 

• Starts at Front St & Maclay St

• Finish is at Front St & Boas St, just north of the Harvey Taylor Bridge

• Not timed/Not competitive

Half Pint

• This is a 1/2-mile distance 

  • This is ideal for adults or children who want to participate but may not want to complete the 1-mile distance.

• Starts at Front St & Hamilton St

• Finish is at Front St & Boas St, just north of the Harvey Taylor Bridge

• Not timed/Not competitive

Rolling Start (5:15-5:45pm)

• Participants registered for the Fun Run/Walk & Half Pint can start at any time between 5:15-5:45pm.

• Participants do not need to start at 5:15pm. 

• Fun Run/Walk & Half Pint participants must be off of the course by 6:00pm.

Course

• The course, including the start and finish lines, can be viewed here.

Other Notes

• Registered participants receive a race bib and a t-shirt.

• Strollers are permitted. 

• Running and walking are permitted.

• Dogs are not permitted on the course.

• All Fun Run/Walk & Half Pint participants must be off the course and clear of the finish line by 6:00pm. The next heat begins, and for safety purposes, we cannot have fun run participants finishing the race as the fastest participants from the next heat approach the finish line. 

Click here to register for the Fun Run/Walk & Half Pint.

Harrisburg YMCA Race Series

2024 Events

Sunday, April 14, 2024: Halfity Half Marathon
Wednesday, July 17, 2024: Harrisburg Mile
Sunday, September 8, 2024: Harrisburg Half Marathon & 10K
Saturday, October 5, 2024: Tröegs Hop Dash 5K
Sunday, November 10, 2024: Harrisburg Marathon/Half/Relay

5:00pm - Salute and Survive Kick off

5:15-5:45pm - Fun Run/Walk (1-mile and 1/2-mile)

6:00pm - 19 and under

6:15pm - 20 - 29

6:30pm - Corporate Challenge 1

6:45pm - Corporate Challenge 2

7:00pm - Corporate Challenge 3  

7:15pm - 30 - 39

7:30pm - 40 +

7:45pm - Elite

Online registration remains open through Tuesday, July 15th, at 5:00pm, and is the preferred registration method.

In-Person Registration is available at packet pickup and race day. In-Person registrations are completed using the provided electronic device, and can be paid by credit card, check, or exact cash. To view the registration costs, click here.

On race day, Wednesday, 7/16/25, In-Person Registration is the only registration option, from 3:15 - 5:15pm at the East Shore YMCA. Please note that the first heat starts at 5:15pm, so please be sure to give yourself time to get to the start line. To view the event schedule, click here.

Race shirts are not guaranteed for in-person registrations.

The Mile Run is a timed/competitive event that features heats categorized by age group. The event schedule, including the age group heats, can be found here.

All participants in the Mile Run will receive a race bib with a timing chip. Your timing chip will trigger when you cross the starting line mat at the beginning of the race and will trigger again when you cross the finish line. Results will be posted here. 

The start line is at Front St & Maclay St. The finish line is at Front St & Boas St, just north of the Harvey Taylor Bridge. The course can be viewed here.

Click here to register for the timed Mile Run.

Packet Pickup Dates & Times:

• Saturday, July 12, 2025

  • AppRunCo Harrisburg (5013 Jonestown Rd, Harrisburg PA 17112)

  • 10:00am - 2:00pm

• Monday, July 14, 2025

  • AppRunCo Harrisburg (5013 Jonestown Rd, Harrisburg PA 17112)

  • 2:00pm - 6:00pm

• Tuesday, July 15, 2025

  • AppRunCo Camp Hill (94 S 32nd St, Suite A, Camp Hill PA 17011)

  • 10:00am - 2:00pm

• Wednesday, July 16, 2025

  • East Shore YMCA (701 N Front St, Harrisburg, PA 17101)

  • 3:15pm-5:15pm

 
Virtual Registration Participants
The race packet, including the race bib and shirt, will be mailed. Virtual participants should NOT come to packet pickup.

A special thanks to our T-Shirt Sponsor, OSS Health!

Fun 1-Mile Walk/Run & Half Pint 1/2-Mile (Not Timed)

•  Jan - Mar 31 - $19

  • 12 and under - $15

• Apr - May 31 - $22

  • 12 and under - $16

• Jun - Jul 3 - $25

  • 12 and under - $17

• Jul 4 - Jul 15 - $26

  • 12 and under - $18

• Jul 16 (Race Day) - $27

  • 12 and under - $19

Mile Run & Elite Mile (Timed Heats)

• Jan - Mar 31 - $20

• Apr - May 31 - $24

• Jun - Jul 3 - $27

• Jul 4 - Jul 15 - $28

• Jul 16 (Race Day) - $29

Corporate Challenge

• Jan - Mar 31 - $130

• Apr - May 31 - $135

• Jun - Jul 3 - $155

• Jul 4 - Jul 15 - $165

• Jul 16 (Race Day) - $180

Virtual

• $26

*Shirt sizes not guaranteed.

ROAD CLOSURES

Front St will be closed from approximately 4:00pm until 8:30pm between Division St and Forster St. 

PARKING

Parking for the Harrisburg Mile is similar to other large events in Harrisburg such as Artsfest and Kipona. There is not one centralized location for parking. Options commonly used are parking at City Island, parking garages, and along city streets.

Parking is available on the streets surrounding the YMCA as well as between the start and finish line areas (throughout the course between Maclay & Forster Streets). Parking is also available on City Island as well as various garages around Harrisburg. Please be aware that these parking locations other than City Island may have a fee.

A portion of Front Street will be closed starting at approximately 4:00PM. Please plan your arrival accordingly.

Can't join us in person? Participate virtually and we will mail your bib and shirt.