Test Your Speed and Stamina at These Almost Heaven Marathons and Races

Experience the rolling hills and wonderful waters of Almost Heaven in a new way this fall – by racing over them in the fresh air with your closest friends and hundreds of fellow Mountain State racers.

Wild Turkey Trail Runs

Aug. 19, 2023

Just south of Morgantown lives beautiful Valley Falls State Park – where you will have a chance to run a free 50K, 25K, 10-mile or 5-mile race. This is an amazing opportunity to see Valley Falls from a new perspective as elevation gain is approximately 1,500 feet per loop on the 10-mile figure eight course. Post-race snacks and refreshments will be provided, but runners are encouraged to bring their own. Free giveaways for finishers include car stickers and unique homemade medals. Learn more about the race on the website.

West Virginia Spartan Trifecta Event Weekend

Aug. 26-27, 2023

At the highly anticipated West Virginia Spartan Trifecta Event Weekend races, you can do more than just run. You will climb, jump, carry heavy objects and do just about anything that adds a few more pumps to your workout. Summit Bechtel Reserve’s 100 acres of rolling hills, daring inclines and varied terrain make this the perfect location for the three different race categories: Beast, Super and Sprint. Kids can get in the action too by participating in the Spartan Kids Race – ranging from half a mile to two miles with different obstacles. If you complete all three races in a calendar year, you will receive a Spartan Trifecta Medal to flex your Mountain State pride. Visit the website to learn more about the race selections.

Moonlight on the Falls Marathon

Aug. 26-27, 2023

Canaan Valley Running Company’s 3rd annual Moonlight on the Falls Marathon is a one-of-a-kind running experience for those looking to become one with the stars above. This is the perfect opportunity to experience BlackWater Falls State Park while beating the peak summer temperatures. The race begins Saturday at 10 p.m. and lasts until 7 a.m. on Sunday with options to run Solo, 2 Person Relay, 4 Person Relay and 6 Person Relay. The Marathon will be four 6.55-mile loops that start and finish at Pendleton Point while the Half Marathon and Quarter Marathon are shorter variations of the course. Enjoy the pre-race festival-like atmosphere with live music, vendors, food and much more to add to your Mountain State marathon experience. Visit the website for more details.

Elk River Rail Trail Marathon

Sept. 17, 2023

West Virginia’s 2nd annual Elk River Trail Marathon will kick off along the Elk River Rail Trail, starting and returning from Dundon Field in Clay. Runners have the option to either run the full marathon, half marathon or the 5K run or walk. Experience a run like never before as the trail will take you through some of the most scenic woods in Almost Heaven. All finishers will receive a high quality t-shirt, medal, refreshments and snacks. For more information, visit the website.

Rim to River 100

Nov. 4, 2023

If you have a serious rush of runner’s high, then you will love Rim to River 100. This is the first and only 100-mile trail race in Almost Heaven, and it will certainly not disappoint with the scenic New River Gorge making an appearance multiple times in the trail. This out and back course will take you along the edge of the New River – where you will hear the wonderful whitewater rush in the background. Be on the lookout for old ghost towns, historic cemeteries and maybe the occasional whitetail deer. The race starts at 6 a.m. and lasts for 32 hours. Finish the race within 24 hours and you’ll receive a special edition sub-24 belt buckle. Visit the website for more information.

Marshall University Marathon

Nov. 5, 2023

The Marshall University-St. Mary’s Marathon is a flat, fast and USATF certified course that starts on 3rd Avenue next to Joan C. Edwards Stadium. Runners will race through downtown Huntington past Pullman Square, next to the Ohio River, and through Ritter Park, among other scenic spots in the area. Runners will also race through the Marshall University campus on their way to a goal-line finish at the football stadium. You can even carry a football during the final 100 yards to add an extra kick of motivation to your final stretch. Post-race food and refreshments such as hamburgers and beer will be provided. Marathoners will receive a flower as they enter campus on the second loop and will place it in a basket 200 yards away at Memorial Fountain. This is a memorial for the plane crash victims from Nov. 14, 1970. For more information, visit the website.

This post was last updated on May 30, 2023