Get ready for an unforgettable summer adventure at the Fifth Street Cross Summer Camp, a vibrant weekend festival uniting runners and cyclists in Kempton, Pennsylvania, from Friday, July 31, to Saturday, August 1, 2026. This second edition of the event, hosted at the Kempton Community Center at the foot of Hawk Mountain, promises a full FSX experience complete with delectable food, cold beer, lively music, and a welcoming community atmosphere. Participants are encouraged to fully immerse themselves with on-site camping, offering both free tent sites and RV hook-ups under the stars.
The race offers a diverse range of challenges for all abilities. Runners can tackle the Friday evening 5K on a unique, purpose-built off-road course that winds through the woods and fields surrounding the community center, featuring over 80 feet of climbing per lap and a twisty, turny cross-country style layout. For those seeking an ultimate endurance test, Saturday features the "Sundown Rundown," a last-run-standing challenge known for its relentless test of pacing, persistence, and strategy with ever-tightening time cuts. Cyclists can choose from several gravel routes, including the challenging 100-mile Backcountry Loop with 8,072 feet of elevation gain, the 100K Highlands Loop climbing 5,603 feet, or the scenic 31K Lakeside Loop with over 1,500 feet of ascent. These unsupported gravel odysseys traverse remote roads through the beautiful Hawk Mountain foothills. Friday also includes an exciting multi-lap cyclocross race as the sun sets.
Fifth Street Cross events are renowned for their accessible competition and an emphasis on shared experience, famously operating under "Rule #1: Don't be a dick." Typical race day conditions in late July and early August include highs around 85°F and lows around 65°F, with a 20% chance of precipitation, providing classic summer racing weather. Beyond the races, the Summer Camp fosters camaraderie with s'mores, grilling, and chilling, while "merit badges" and points are awarded for participation across disciplines, celebrating the spirit of adventure. Indoor restrooms are available at the Kempton Community Center, ensuring comfort throughout this unique weekend.
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