Blackwater Canyon Half Marathon

🏃‍♂️ Race Overview

The Blackwater Canyon Half Marathon will take place on the Blackwater Canyon railroad grade and Allegheny Highlands Trail running from Thomas, WV to Mill Race Park in Parsons, WV. Please join us for this epic event in support of the Highlands Trail Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to trail development in the Potomac Highlands of West Virginia.

📅 Event Details

• Date: 2025-09-13
• Location: US Rt 219, Parsons, WV
• Race Type: Point-to-point
• Start Time: 9:00 AM

🏞️ Course Information

• Trail Surface: Pavement, dirt, and crushed stone
• Elevation Change: Descends about 1400'
• Start Location: Rail trail below First/Front Street in Thomas, WV
• Bus Transportation: Departs from Parsons to Thomas at 8:00 AM

🎟️ Entry Information

RACE ENTRY WILL CLOSE AT 200 RUNNERS!

• Before August 13, 2025: $60
• After August 13, 2025: $75

🏆 Awards

• Top Finishers: Custom handmade mugs by MUD Ceramics, Thomas, WV
• Specific Awards: Top 3 Male and Female finishers in each age group (0-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+)
• Overall Winners: Salomon hydration packs for the overall winners!
• Finisher Awards: Gender specific shirts, HydraPak speed cup, and locally made finishers woodallions

⛰️ Black-Hel Double

Looking for a challenge? In coordination with the West Virginia Mountain Trail Runners' Helvetia 10k Mountain Run, we have the Black-Hel Double! This is a two-part racing event. First, complete the Blackwater Canyon Half Marathon on Saturday. Then, travel to Helvetia on Sunday and finish the 10k Mountain Run. Finishers of both races receive a special hat with the Black-Hel Double logo. Awards will be given out at the conclusion of the Helvetia 10k Mountain Run. No additional purchase necessary.

More information about the Helvetia 10k Mountain Run is available at https://www.wvmtr.org/races/helvetia/

🗓️ Race Weekend Details

📦 Packet Pickup

• Friday: Evening packet pickup in Thomas, WV from 5:30-7:00 PM at the rail yard
• Race Day: Packet pickup at Mill Race Park in Parsons, WV from 6:45 - 7:45 AM

🚌 Shuttle Bus

• Departure: Buses will leave Mill Race Park in Parsons at 8:00 AM
• Duration: Bus ride will take approximately 35-45 minutes

⏰ Race Start

The race will start at 9:00 AM just below Tip Top (on State Hwy 32, Thomas, WV 26292), along the rail yard road. This crushed stone road parallels the North Fork Blackwater River and East Street.

🎒 Bag Drop Off

Bags and extra layers you need on the bus can be left in the box at the starting line. They will be under the pavilion in the finishers area for you to pick up after the race.

💧 Aid Stations/Restrooms

• Number of Stations: Three aid stations will be provided along the course
• Available Supplies: Water, Skratch hydration, and various energy-packed snacks
• Cup Policy: THIS WILL BE A CUPLESS RACE (thank you, HydraPak)! It is suggested that each runner carry the cup provided or water bottle
• Restroom Facilities: Portapotties at the start line and restrooms at Mill Race Park, Parsons, WV

See you there!

For more information about the race, visit Blackwater Canyon Half Marathon.