West Virginia is famous primarily for its natural beauty – mountain peaks reaching for the sky, crystal clear air and clear water of fast mountain rivers, emerald green forests, and mysterious labyrinths of caves. West Virginia races are a great chance to see the beauty of the state. West Virginia is perfect for climbers, skiers, fishermen, and just tourists, lovers of hiking and night gatherings around the fire. Well, those who are not inclined to test themselves for “strength” in extreme conditions, go here by car to admire the views of West Virginia right from their windows. Her breathtaking landscapes, replacing each other, remain in the memory for a long time.
Local 5k Events in WV
1. Farm 5K Benefit Run/Walk
Sep 3, 2022 – Saturday
5K run
Wardensville, WV
The 5th Annual Farm 5K Benefit Run/Walk will be held on September 3, 2022. You can bring your friends or family to enjoy a fun and fast off-road race along the trails of a 100-acre organic farm along the Cacapon River.
In 2021, the organization raised over $12,000 for the local fire and rescue team.
Top Male and Female, and Best Male and Female in each Age Division (20 total prizes) will receive awards.
It is a dog-friendly run, dogs must stay on the path and be on the leash.
2. Holly River Hustle 5K
Sep 4, 2022 – Sunday
5K run
Hacker Valley, WV
The Holly River Hustle 5K will be held on September 4, 2022. The race will be almost all on the Pickens gravel road, and there will be traffic control.
It begins in front of the picnic shelter, (old pavilion), across from the park office/restaurant.
The course is out and back inside Holly River State Park’s boundaries. For the first half, it is gradually uphill and then downhill on the way back.
Before the turnaround point on Pickens road, there is an aid station. It is one of the fastest road races in WV.
3. Miles for Migraine – Morgantown
Sep 10, 2022 – Saturday
5K run
Morgantown, WV
The 3d Annual Miles for Migraine – Morgantown will be held on September 10, 2022. All proceeds will benefit Migraine & Headache Awareness, Treatment & Research at the West Virginia University Headache Center.
The run starts at Hazel Ruby McQuain Park, Garrett Street, Morgantown, WV.
Founders encourage participants to dress up in their best purple flair for a chance to get a fun prize!
Local 10K Runs in WV
4. Weathered Ground Trail Run
Sep 17, 2022 – Saturday
10K, 5K trail run
Beckley, WV
The 3d Annual Weathered Ground Trail Run will be held on September 17, 2022.
The event sponsored by Weathered Ground Brewery utilizes the trail system located around the YMCA Paul Cline Memorial Sports Complex. You will experience scenic views of the Piney Creek Gorge and the picturesque mountains of West Virginia.
The top male and female finishers will get a trophy and gift basket from Weathered Ground Brewery. The second and third-place finishers will get Weathered Ground t-shirts and glasses and the race trophy.
5. Mountain State Forest Festival 10K/5K
Oct 2, 2022 – Sunday
10K, 5K run
Elkins, WV
The Mountain State Forest Festival 10K/5K will be held on October 2, 2022. The course starts and finishes at 5th Street/Davis Avenue.
It is the 84th annual Mountain State Forest Festival, and one of the oldest festivals in West Virginia. At the race, you will beauty and splendor of the West Virginia mountains. The festival includes live music and entertainment in the downtown amphitheater, a lumberjack competition, and much more. It is a great running event in WV.
6. Run the Summit
Apr 8, 2023 – Saturday
13M, 10K, 5K run
Glen Jean, WV
The Run the Summit will be held on April 8, 2023. You can choose between the Grin and Bear It Half Marathon, Grouse Flush 10K, or Rare Raising 5K.
All races will be chip-timed, and there will be aid stations. All participants will receive race t-shirts, finish line photos, premium finisher stickers, and medals.
Half Marathons in WV
7. Blackwater Canyon Half Marathon
Sep 10, 2022 – Saturday
13.1M trail run
Parsons, WV
The Blackwater Canyon Half Marathon will be held on September 10, 2022, on the Blackwater Canyon and Allegheny Highlands Trails running from Thomas, WV to Mill Race Park in Parsons, WV. It will be an epic event in support of the Highlands Trail Foundation.
The race is a point-to-point. The course is made of pavement, dirt, and crushed stone. The race course starts at the rail trail below First/Front Street in Thomas, WV. The race finishes at Parsons.
8. Greenbrier River Trail Marathon
Oct 2, 2022 – Sunday
Start – Cass, WV
Finish – Marlinton, WV
26.2M, 13.1M run
The Greenbrier River Trail Marathon will be held on October 2, 2022, and is a Boston Marathon Qualifier.
There will be a point-to-point full marathon (26.2 miles) on a flat/slightly downhill course and an out-and-back half marathon (13.1 miles) on the beautiful Greenbrier River Trail (GRT) in Pocahontas County, WV.
The Half Marathon is not-certified and starts and finishes at Stillwell Park in Marlinton. The Half Marathon goes from Stillwell Park, turns right onto the trail, heads south, hitting the turnaround at 6.55 miles, and heads back to Stillwell. It is considered to be one of the best West Virginia races.
9. Run to Read Half Marathon
Jan 14, 2023 – Saturday
13.1M run
Fairmont, WV
The Run to Read Half Marathon will be held on January 14, 2022, and it will be a charity run in WV.
The race is double out and back on 2 rail trails. The 1st section is 5 miles long, is paved, and goes through the historic and scenic Meredith Tunnel. The 2d trail is on crushed limestone and has a picturesque view of the Monongahela River.
You will get long sleeve tech shirt if registered by December 16th, 2022.
All proceeds will benefit Literacy Volunteers of Marion County (LVMC), a United Way agency.
West Virginia Marathons
10. Freedom’s Run
Oct 22, 2022 – Saturday
26.2M, 13.1M, 10K, 5K run | kids run
Shepherdstown, WV
The Freedom’s Run will be held on October 22, 2022, and is a Boston Qualifier. The marathon course is run in National Park Land with a brief detour on a country road. This local run in WV finishes in the historical town of Shepherdstown.
The course is challenging but also has a scenic backdrop of West Virginia. The breathtaking views and the memorial of the hardest battle in the nation’s history are humbling experiences.
11. Marshall University Marathon
Nov 6, 2022 – Sunday
26.2M, 13.1M, 5K run
Huntington, WV
The 18th Annual Marshall University Marathon will be held on November 6, 2022, and is a Boston Qualifier.
The marathon course is 2 loops and allows spectators and families to follow the race.
There is a 6-hour time limit for the marathon Runners who don’t run the 12 miles by 3:15 will be directed to the half marathon finish.
Top male and female runners and age group winners will get awards from West Virginia Glass Manufacturer, Blenko.
