Amish Country Half Marathon

Located in what some call the heart of Ohio’s Amish country, where it is surrounded not only by several other Amish villages but also plenty of gorgeous rolling country hills and farms, Berlin plays host on the Saturday after Thanksgiving to the 5th annual Amish Country Half Marathon & 5K, which saw more than 500 runners cross the finish line each year.

The race is set to follow an out-and-back course that starts and finishes just east of nearby Berlin’s town center, near Grace Mennonite Church and the Amish & Mennonite Heritage Center along Highway 77, just off the Amish Country Byway.From there, runners make a counter-clockwise loop along the rolling country roads east of Berlin, where they’ll encounter some challenging hills, especially in the race’s first half.The hills begin almost immediately after the race starts, where runners have a big downhill in the second mile as they head south. That’s followed by a series of uphills and downhills over the next few miles, and the race doesn’t really flatten out until after runners have hit miles 3 through 5.After that, the course does flatten out for the next four miles or so. There’s a gradual uphill starting around mile 11 that becomes steeper as you’re nearing mile 12, but there will also be plenty of scenery to take in, as the two-lane highways here in Amish country are shouldered by rolling farmland on either side.

The Amish Country Half Marathon course is a unique, challenging route unlike most typical races. You’ll experience the gorgeous rolling hills, sprawling Amish countryside, and take in some of Ohio’s most beautiful farmland. Challenge your body and refresh your mind on the back roads of Holmes County, and enjoy hot buttered noodles at the finish!

All finishers receive a locally handcrafted Wendell August Forge Finisher’s Medal. Prizes will be awarded to top 3 finishers in each age group. Top 3 Finishers in the both the Men’s & Women’s Divisions in the Half Marathon Win Prize Money.