Blackwater Canyon Half Marathon

The Blackwater Canyon Half Marathon will take place on the Blackwater Canyon and Allegheny Highlands Trails 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. 

The Blackwater Canyon Half Marathon is a point-to-point race. The trail is made of pavement, dirt, and crushed stone. The race course will descend about 1400'. The 9:00 am race start is located on the rail trail below First/Front Street in Thomas, WV.  The race finish is in Parsons, WV. At 8:00 am, a bus will transport runners from Parsons to the race start in Thomas. 

RACE ENTRY WILL CLOSE AT 200 RUNNERS!  

Individual Entry Fees:

•   Before August 15, 2019 - $60 

•   After August 15, 2019 - $70  

Awards

Custom handmade mugs by MUD Ceramics, Thomas, WV, will be awarded to:

•   Overall Top Male and Female finisher - Salomon has also donated a pair of shoes for the overall winners!

•   Top 3 Male finishers in each age group (16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+)

•   Top 3 Female finishers in each age group (16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+)

SWAG: Gender specific shirts, HydraPak speed cup and locally made finishers woodallions. Please note: we cannot guarantee shirt size after August 28, but will try to have one that works for you.

Packet Pickup:

Friday evening packet pick up will take place in Thomas, WV from 5:30-7:00 pm at the rail yard. Race day packet pickup will take place at the Mill Race Park in Parsons, WV from 6:45 - 7:45 am. 

Shuttle Bus Leaves:

Buses will leave Mill Race Park in Parsons for the starting line in Thomas at 8:00 am. Note: Each bus can carry 52 adults, so please plan accordingly. The bus ride will take approximately 35-45 minutes. 

Race Start: 

The race will start at 9:00 am just below Tip Top (216 State Hwy 32, Thomas, WV 26292), along the rail yard road. This crushed stone road parralles 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:

Two Aid stations will be provided along the course. Stations will include water, Gu gels, Gu Hydration and various energy packed snacks. THIS WILL BE A CUPLESS RACE (thank you, HydraPak)! It is suggested that each runner carry the cup provided or water bottle.

Restrooms are located at the Mill Race Park, Parsons, WV. Portapotties will be provided at the start line.

See you there!