With only a handful of marathons in West Virginia, runners have chosen the best to set personal records, enjoy great scenery, and get a history lesson on a true battlefield. Check out the these races to scratch West Virginia of your 50 states list.
Morgantown Marathon- Morgantown
Get Fit WV- a non profit organization- organized this marathon that attracted more than one thousand runners, from 36 states and 6 different countries, to experience a challenging course in a beautiful city.
Image Source: Marathon’s Website
While there were some kinks that needed to be worked out- as always with first time events– the marathon did get some positive feedback from fans who enjoyed the family fun weekend, expo events, and the Popsicle’s at mile 23.
The race supports a program dedicated to helping veterans returning home with employment assistance and has plans to get the community deeply involved to build the health and wellness in West Virginia. Click here for more details on the “26.2 Almost Heavenly Miles.”
The Course
According to the marathon’s website, “The Tour Morgantown Marathon will come off of Greenbag Road, cross at the Morgantown Utility Board facility and hit the rail trail, taking it all the way along the river to the Seneca Center, where runners will make their way back out onto the Boulevard for the final climb from mile 25-26 to the finish.”
Image Source: Marathon’s Facebook
Reviews
“Glad to have a marathon in Morgantown! There were a few small hiccups but that’s all part of this race being in its inaugural year. I would highly recommend this race to anyone looking for a rewarding challenge. Also, I’d like to make a shout out to the Popsicle dudes at mile 23! You guys saved my life (figuratively speaking)!” Patrick Kelley, Facebook review
“Tough course but lots of fun and some nice views. Well organized for the event’s first year and everyone in the town is so nice. The last mile of the marathon was BRUTAL, but you felt quite accomplished running past the Coliseum towards the finish line.” Kassandra Marin, Facebook review
Freedom’s Run- Harpers Ferry
Let Freedom Run be your first physically challenging history lesson. This event- hosted by Shepherd University– showcases the heritage of Shepherdstown taking runners through the land where American lives were lost or wounded.
Image Source: Marathon’s Facebook
Many consider this a “small town race with a big event feel”. Post race and beer garden festivals welcome runners and families to gather after the finish with medals, Eco Friendly tech fiber t-shirts, and a commemorative pint glass located at the Bavarian Inn- the host of one the regions largest Oktoberfests.
The cost to run starts at $90 and only allows 1000 entries. It can fill up pretty quickly. With no race day registration, you don’t want to flunk this course. Click here to see more race weekend activities.
The Course
You may want to pace yourself well during the first half, the second half hills are very challenging. The course passes through a wide variety of scenery including The Civil War towns of the 1800’s. A section in the first half of the race, that is on a trail, runs along the Potomac River. The finish is a flat to downhill run to Shepherdstown.
Image Source: Marathon’s Website
Reviews
“I read a review a couple years ago about this course that stated ‘Freedom ain’t easy’, and it’s not, but what it didn’t say was the amazing journey you take along the way. From the history to the scenery, from the people to the small town charm – Freedom’s Run is an amazing experience that any level of runner will love and remember no matter how many races your future holds. I can say after running a HUGE marathon last year – this is the MUST DO fall marathon!” K.S., MarathonGuide.com review
“The director is a multi marathon runner and it shows. Very well organized. From the pre-race dinner to the finish line festival, this was one of the best marathons that I have run. I wouldn’t change a thing about the marathon. The course had enough variety that you couldn’t get bored. Running through all of the history and beautiful scenery leaves me with many great memories. Do the proper training, put a smile on your face and enjoy it.” D.M., MarathonGuide.com review
Appalachian Series Day 1- Bluefield
Marathons in West Virginia are a rarity but what we like most about this race is that it is hosted by mainly marathons who produce some of the best series of interesting and low key marathons.
The Appalachian Series start it’s travels in West Virginia where no marathon runner is left behind. The marathon’s website proudly states, “Ask anyone who’s run at least one of our races; we’ve got everything from fruit to jelly beans to sandwiches, water to Gatorade to hot coffee, and everything in between. Way more than just Goo and bananas–we even have our very own chef and mobile kitchen.” Click here to learn how you can run for free.
The Course
The same course is used twice in the series. There will be some hills- The marathon has around 12 out and backs- but none with a huge change in elevation. The race begins at first light- which is around 7:30 am- beginning in West Virginia and finishing up across state lines in Virginia.
Image Source: MainlyMarathons.com
Reviews
“The medal is pretty freaking awesome. It has clips so that you can add more states as you complete the series. So cool. I may or may not have had a brief moment where I was all like “oooo! I want to add more states!” but then I came to my senses. As I get deeper and deeper into this 50 State quest, I will definitely consider running another Mainly Marathons series. Though small, it is a great way to get the mileage and states you need while surrounded by wonderful and dedicated people.” Lauren Parry, Bibrave.com review
“There are so many things I could say about Clint and his traveling band of gypsies, I mean, race crew. They were super organized and always so upbeat and friendly. And they don’t just run a super organized race! They do an awesome job celebrating and supporting the runners with plaques for first time runners, caboose awards for the last to finish (no runner is left behind in this series!) and celebrations of milestones.” MCM Mama, MCMMama.com blog post
Marshall University Marathon – Marshall
If your a football fan you have probably had dreams of running down field to score a game winning touchdown with the announcer calling the yard by yard play. At the Marshall University Marathon, sponsored by St Mary’s Medical Center, you can do just that.
Image Source: Marathon’s Facebook
As one of the largest marathons in West Virginia, race fanatics have been impressed by carrying a football over the goal line/finish line and how fairly easy it is to set a personal record. By easy we mean fast and flat, the rest is up to you.
Over the years the race has become very popular with runners. Whats even more memorable is being able to drop a flower at the memorial fountain in memory of the plane crash victims. Click here for ten more reasons why runners choose MUM.
The Course
The race’s website explains that, “Some of the course is on the crushed limestone path around Ritter Park and the trail that leads to the park. It is very compacted and fast. You do not need special shoes for this. The total of the trails on this surface is only 3 miles approximately.”
Image Source: Marathon’s Website
Reviews
“This is a great little race that is organized, runs through scenic areas and offers top notch swag. I have run in the big production marathons where the crowd of runners prohibits passing for the first few miles. Not so with the Marshall race. There were enough participants so that I never ran alone but the lack of a packed field allowed me to concentrate on my time. And yes the course is pancake flat!” M.F., Marathonguide.com review
“I just wanted to say, “Thank you,” but I’m fairly certain that doesn’t quite cover the magnitude of my sentiment. You see, I was the last runner on Sunday. This was my very first marathon. I always knew there was a chance I might not finish at six hours… There are so many great things that happened that day and wonderful people that had a small hand in making it possible for me to finish. Sure, it didn’t end as I had hoped, but quitting isn’t really my style either. I am forever grateful to the volunteers, the other runners, HPD, the MUM Staff, my friend Cassie and my husband. That was a life lesson for me. With everyone’s help, I was able to define it instead of it defining me. Thank you again. You went above and beyond and it made all the difference.” Elizabeth Shumaker Hensley, Facebook review