The Greenbrier River Trail Marathon is a one-of-a-kind race, in the State of West Virginia. This is a point-to-point full marathon (26.2 miles) on a flat/slightly downhill (1% grade) course and the half-marathon (13.1 miles – out-and-back course) on the scenic Greenbrier River Trail (GRT) in Pocahontas County, WV. The Marathon starts in Cass Scenic Railroad State Park and runs south on the trail, finishing at Stillwell Park, in Marlinton, WV. USATF-certified Course! Whereas, the Half Marathon (not-certified) will start and finish at Stillwell Park in Marlinton.
The Courses
Full Marathon: 26.2 mile course, on the Greenbrier River Trail in Pocahontas County, WV. The trail follows the Greenbrier River south on the old railway bed with a 1% downhill average grade throughout. The surface is packed gravel with a number of flat, wooden bridge crossings and then pavement for the last (+/-) two miles of the course.
Half Marathon: 13.1 mile course, out-and-back from Stillwell Park. The course turns right out of Stillwell Park, heading south on the Greenbrier River Trail towards Watoga State Park and back. The half marathon course only overlaps with the marathon in the last (approx.) 1/2 mile, finishing in the same location.
Full Marathon Race start is 8:00 AM – at the sound of the Train Whistle!
Half Marathon Race start is at 9:45 AM.
*We recommend that all runners park at the finish (Stillwell Park / Marlinton, WV) and ride the provided shuttles to the start in Cass.
Full Marathon Course Highlights
– Starting at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, the course will head south on the trail.
– The trail will provide many scenic views of the Greenbrier River and surrounding hills. During the race the fall colors should be out in full force.
– There will be mile markers and volunteer aid stations providing hydration.
– At mile 15 the course will pass through the old Sharp’s Tunnel before crossing the highest wooden bridge on the course. There will be some lighting provided in the tunnel.
– The finish line will be at Stillwell Park, just South of Marlinton, WV.
Our Mission
To bring a one-of-a-kind event to Pocahontas County, WV and to give back to the community in the process. To share the beauty of the area and the Greenbrier River Trail with the world.
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Nice scenery
Nice, small race that runs along a converted rail trail. Beautiful fall foliage. The course profile shows it as downhill, but it honestly felt flat. No expo - packet pickup … MORE
Nice, small race that runs along a converted rail trail. Beautiful fall foliage. The course profile shows it as downhill, but it honestly felt flat. No expo – packet pickup was before the race. It was chilly at the start, and it was nice to wait in a building at the start. Overall, I’m glad to have picked this as my WV race.
Beautiful Course right in my backyard
This was my first marathon, although I walked a good bit of it. The course is beautiful and I train on it about 80% of the time as I live … MORE
This was my first marathon, although I walked a good bit of it. The course is beautiful and I train on it about 80% of the time as I live in Sitlington, at mile 4 of the race.
If anyone is interested in running it, hit me up, I can potentially hook you up with some housing!
1st half marathon on my 56th birthday!
This course is great for first time half and full marathon runners. I ran the half and it was all flat through a beautiful wooded area along the Greenbrier River. … MORE
This course is great for first time half and full marathon runners. I ran the half and it was all flat through a beautiful wooded area along the Greenbrier River. When I ran it, however, we had remnants of Hurricane Ian and there was a steady rainpour and it’s always little chilly in the WV mountains anyway, so be prepared for inclement weather. There is hardly any elevation gain, it was mostly gravel, but the path was clear of debris and roots. Only issue was that there were not that many water stations. Highly recommend this race for beginner marathoners and nature lovers! I’ve already signed up for this year’s race!
Great Race!
This is a great destination race. Snowshoe WV is gorgeous all year round and especially in October. The race is fast and run. The race director is a real pro. … MORE
This is a great destination race. Snowshoe WV is gorgeous all year round and especially in October. The race is fast and run. The race director is a real pro. I am a two time runner of the marathon and would have been 3 time had covid not forced the cancellation of the 2020 race. Definitely BQ potential here as well. I did!
Great Trail/River Run
Train Whistle Start is Awesome!!!! Beautiful run on the Greenbrier River. Well supported and great race environment. Race is mostly down hill. Starts with a lap through the Historic Town … MORE
Train Whistle Start is Awesome!!!! Beautiful run on the Greenbrier River. Well supported and great race environment. Race is mostly down hill. Starts with a lap through the Historic Town of Cass. State Park has great housing if wanted and Restaurant has good pre and post race options.
Excellent for first timer or PR attempts
I love everything about this small town race. It’s in an amazing part of the country that few even know about. While Cass and Marlinton are the highlights of the … MORE
I love everything about this small town race. It’s in an amazing part of the country that few even know about. While Cass and Marlinton are the highlights of the race, Snowshoe mountain and Cranberry Glades are nearby.
Pancake flat with mostly packed gravel but a mile or two paved to the finish. Point to point so use the provided bus service or have a friend drop you off. Race size is small so you my find yourself feeling like you are alone on a training run when you are really competing in a race! Pretty unique experience. Enjoy the view and embrace the darkness of the run through an old train tunnel! I’d recommend this to anyone looking to enjoy themselves. First timer to PR seeker.