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!
Swag
Gender specific shirts, HydraPak speed cup and locally made finishers woodallions. Please note: we cannot guarantee shirt size after August 22, but will try to have one that works for you.
Awards
Custom handmade mugs by MUD Ceramics, Thomas, WV, will be awarded to:
• Overall Top Male and Female finisher – Salomon has also donated Hydration packs for the overall winners!
• Top 3 Male finishers in each age group (0-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+)
• Top 3 Female finishers in each age group (0-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+)
Aid Stations/Restrooms
Three Aid stations will be provided along the course. Stations will include water, Skratch 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, we won’t have cups at the aid stations.
Restrooms are located at the Mill Race Park, Parsons, WV. Portapotties will be provided at the start line.
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 Helvetia 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.
See you there!
LESS
Beautiful + Downhill
This is a very beautiful and downhill course! I've run plenty of races in WV, and this is my favorite half marathon of the state. Even though it is downhill, … MORE
This is a very beautiful and downhill course! I’ve run plenty of races in WV, and this is my favorite half marathon of the state. Even though it is downhill, it is still a trail race, so you can easily trip and fall (almost happened to me). Around mile 10, you get off the trail and run on pavement to the finish line. This is a good opportunity to PR!
Going down
This is a beautiful run along the river. Point to point race. Mostly trail, crushed gravel, single track and large stones make up the 1st 10 miles. The last 3 … MORE
This is a beautiful run along the river. Point to point race. Mostly trail, crushed gravel, single track and large stones make up the 1st 10 miles. The last 3 miles are paved and you finish in a park. Nice post race party
Must run in West Virginia
Scenic trail run downhill. Paths were great and the surroundings were perfect. Will do this race again. Volunteers and staff magnificent. MORE
Scenic trail run downhill. Paths were great and the surroundings were perfect. Will do this race again. Volunteers and staff magnificent.