Hatfield McCoy Marathon
South Williamson, KY
- Marathon, Blackberry Mountain Half Marathon, River Road Half Marathon, 5K, Kids Run
- Road (Paved), Trail (Unpaved)
- Official race website
The Hatfield McCoy Marathon has been ranked one of The Weather Channel’s Toughest Marathons, Road Runner Magazine’s Most Fun Races, RRCA Championship Race, Red Bull’s Must Have Medals and RaceRaves Best Marathon and Half Marathon in West Virginia! Do you need more reasons to run? The Hatfield McCoy Marathon was … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Jun 12):
| 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
| H (°F) | 87 | 84 | 78 | 68 | 82 |
| L (°F) | 74 | 61 | 53 | 59 | 66 |
Find Nearby Lodging (hotel, rental, etc.):
Well Organized Race
This race was well-organized. It was a hot day once the sun came up and there were more than enough hydration stations. That hill at mile 23 was just awful. … MORE
This race was well-organized. It was a hot day once the sun came up and there were more than enough hydration stations. That hill at mile 23 was just awful. The volunteers were amazing. Definitely a great race.
Great community support
Hard race, but a must do! The hills at miles 7 and 22 are not for the faint of heart. Over 800 foot climb at mile 7, combine that with … MORE
Hard race, but a must do! The hills at miles 7 and 22 are not for the faint of heart. Over 800 foot climb at mile 7, combine that with 80+ degree temps and this was one of the most difficult marathons I have done. But a must do, because you will not find better community support anywhere and the aid stations are the best i have seen!
Running Through Echos of the Past
100000% a must do race. I've heard about Hatfield & McCoy for decades now. Ever since I started reading Runners World magazine back in the mid-2000s and saw pictures of … MORE
100000% a must do race.
I’ve heard about Hatfield & McCoy for decades now. Ever since I started reading Runners World magazine back in the mid-2000s and saw pictures of the start line in the Food City parking lot, I was equally mesmerized and intimidated. I went back and forth on signing up for it as my Kentucky or West Virginia marathon for a couple years bc I was anxious about the logistics of the race. So, I’m going to list some helpful hints to help you decide if this is the right type of race weekend for you.
It’s an incredible race, but it’s also a specific type of race and very different than most other big marathons.
– I’m lucky enough that we live about 6 hours from the start line, so driving was on the table for us. If you fly in, you’ll absolutely need to rent a car.
– The website isn’t always updated with the correct date(s). I think this year had 2024, 2025, and 2026 throughout the different pages. Don’t let that scare you into thinking you’re throwing your money into a black hole and driving into a messy situation – the Facebook page, RunSignUp page, and the Website cobble together enough information for the weekend. And if you have any questions, you can FB message or email the race and they’ll get back to you. Or just ask Half Fanatics, Marathon Maniacs, or 50 Staters – enough club members have done this race and will be more than happy to give insight/answers
– If staying at the firestation or a local space is a little too rustic or scary (especially for single travelers), enough people stay at the chain hotels outside of town. We stayed in Pikeville and most of the cars in the garage were marathoners (I could tell by the stickers and the race t-shirts, we aren’t a subtle group lol). But I’d encourage you to try to stay locally – this is a huge event for the region and the marathon brings in a LOT of money. It’s better if it goes to local restaurants, hotels, etc. A half hour drive to the race may feel long, but when you actually get into the area and see WHY it’s a half-hour, you understand. And it’s no different than driving to a downtown race from the suburbs time wise.
– We got two or three emails the week of with information about race day, so enough that I felt informed but not so much that I felt spammed.
– Cell service is BAD on the race course. I had reception until mile 3 and then didn’t get it again until mile 25.
– If you’re trying to text your location to your people, write out timestamps with your milage so they know when you hit the points. Like “Mile 20 – 10:30am, Mile 23 – 11:15am”, so when they get it once you hit a cell pocket or cross back into town, they know you’re not actually an hour+ off your time. Or know you’re actually a mile from the finish line and can make their way over.
– Take time before race weekend, create a Google Maps trip, share it, and tag the race start line, finish line, parking spots, shower spots, packet pickup, etc. Especially if you’re traveling with people or doing different race distances. It is DARK and TWISTY and EARLY on race morning, help yourself out by knowing where you’re going before 5am.
– DRIVE SLOW RACE DAY MORNING. Especially if you’re parking in WV at the halfway point. It is a dark, twisty climb from Pikeville and through the first half of the course. Leave early and take your time, this part of the world is built around mountains and rivers and nature does NOT care about you rushing. And if you go off the road with no cell service? Not a great weekend.
– NO HEADPHONES! The course is completely open to traffic and, tale as old as time, when the marathon and half marathon split off things get lonely. DO NOT HAVE HEADPHONES, you NEED to be able to hear if there are any cars coming up behind you or coming around the bend toward you. Practice your long runs without headphones if you need to, but do not bring them with you. If you absolutely can’t run without technology, this isn’t the race for you. There are a million other races, go do those and enjoy your playlist. This includes those open headphones, you do not want ANY sounds distracting you or blocking traffic noises. Especially in the heat, the later part of the marathon (marathon brain is real), and on the climbs toward the finish line. It’s entirely possible you’ll be alone for parts of the course, you won’t always have the luxury of being in a crowd or having people ahead of you or behind you to alert drivers/alert you.
– Be smart about what side of the road you use. Yes, the instinct is to get on the “correct” side of the road, but if you’re coming up on a blind curve or pulling away from what the other runners are doing, you’re putting yourself and everyone else in danger. It confuses the drivers who aren’t used to people running on these roads and you won’t always know there’s a car coming around the corner until it’s ON you.
– DO NOT WEAR BLACK. I saw so many people who wore black and were fighting for their lives by the halfway point. Wear a neon color or white. It’s June and there are sections without tree coverage, especially as the race goes on. Make yourself visible, there’s nothing cringe about being smart and not getting heat stroke in the middle of a no cell phone coverage area.
– The gatorades at the aid stations are a little watered down, so if you NEED electrolytes there’s the grocery store at the start and we pass a dollar general around the halfway point.
– The food city and Starbucks open at 6am, so take advantage of caffeine, a bathroom where you can wash your hands, and a space where you can wander and see one of the more interesting start lines in American marathoning.
– Wash your hands before the race starts – the aid stations have fruit and it’s nice to be able to grab watermelon, oranges, or grapes with clean hands.
– take the pickle juice. It is a life saver
– Take your time, stop and talk to the aid station workers. They are all just wonderful and so sweet. I added so much time to my race from talking to people and it was 100% worth it.
– drink your water and gatorade AT the aid station and throw your cups away. Don’t make Memaw chase your cups a half mile down the road. This is essentially a trail race on 90% asphalt, respect nature and please don’t litter. Same for your gel packets – just hold onto them or time them out with the aid stations. Appalachia has been through enough, they don’t need us being bad guests.
– If you’re going to shower after the race, pack a little bag to take to the gym or firestation. BRING FLIP FLOPS. And a little plastic bag to put your gross shower flip-flops in when you’re done. And a towel. And soap, although the gym in WV had like 50 types of soap, shampoo, and a *razor* in the stall I used. So, choose your own adventure I guess.
– Check to see if you got an age group award, even if it seems outlandish. My husband and I did the first half together and he wasn’t hill trained, so we hike/ran the mountain. He finished around a 2:20 and he actually got second in his age group(!). I didn’t see it until the next day, so now we’re playing the ‘chase down the age group award and how we’re going to get it in the mail’ game, which we could’ve avoided with a ten second check at the finish line.
– All four races start at different times. The Blackberry half starts about 5 minutes after the marathon. So, if you’re trying to run WITH somebody for the first half, talk it out ahead of time and come up with a strategy or a spot to meet. I thought my husband would catch up to me, but once I hit mile 4 he still wasn’t with me, so I just stepped off the course and waited for him. I also didn’t care about my finish time for the marathon, so I was fine with it. But it would’ve been a different story if this were a PR attempt or something I was trying to race.
– There are a ton of ATV trails near the course, so don’t be freaked out if you see/hear ATVs coming up and down the main road.
Honestly, I wouldn’t recommend this as a first marathon. That feels mean, but this is a specific type of race. It’s rural, there are no crowds, there’s no cell service, music is a bad idea, it’s unrelenting with the hills, the golf course hits at a weird spot that’s close to ‘hitting the wall’ (I just walked it bc I was nervous about tripping), there are pacers but they didn’t really have people with them. This isn’t a party marathon, there aren’t any real side quests, and nature can be a little redundant if you need something to distract you from the pain.
That being said, this is a marathon that rewards those who are more mature, have done several (this was marathon #28 and state #15 for me), and can sit in boredom/discomfort without distractions (that pig trial cabin is one of the more exciting buildings on the course, honestly). It’s 1000000000% worth the trip, but it’s one of those that rewards you when you’re ready for it. Most of the DNFs I saw on social media were first timers, so I would say go for a more traditional race for your first time and save H&M for a bit later in your journey.
But absolutely go. And get your finish line pic with Hatfield and McCoy.
See ya next year, y'all!
As a 50-stater, I'll be back next year for this challenging but rewarding race. Count as KY or WV. Packet pickup was small but I didn't have high expectations knowing … MORE
As a 50-stater, I’ll be back next year for this challenging but rewarding race. Count as KY or WV.
Packet pickup was small but I didn’t have high expectations knowing this is a small race. I enjoyed the local venders. Very kind and nice to chat with.
The water stops were frequent and excellent. The grapes watermelon and other snacks hit the spot. At 2 different water stops, volunteers offered to refill my hydration pack.
The first half of the race had excellent law enforcement presence keeping runners safe on the non-closed roads with no shoulder. The second half of the race I frequently saw EMS personnel using Gators to check on runners.
I am impressed with the race swag: bib, shirt, medal, mason jar with sticker provided with this race.
I appreciated the gentlemen dressed up as Hatfield & McCoy spending hours in the heat and humidity at the finish line high-fiving finishers and posing for photos. The art at the finish line was awesome as well.
I met the medical personnel post-race. They were incredible.
I only have one negative comment regarding this race. I followed other runners on incorrect turns. For the most part signage is great. There a lot of turnoffs on this course. It wouldn’t hurt to place some painted arrows on the pavement and when runners may get off course. Thankfully the RaceJoy app told me I may be off course. Volunteers on Gators assisted runners. One tricky turn needing a posted volunteer is when runners turn off the road by railroad tracks to run on the golf course.
The 3H’s HEAT. HILLS. HUMIDITY
This race had the 3H’s which, for me usually spells a bad race. Heat, hills and humidity. There was something though about this race that made it not that bad! … MORE
This race had the 3H’s which, for me usually spells a bad race. Heat, hills and humidity. There was something though about this race that made it not that bad! I think it was the beauty of the course, the STELLAR organization and the incredible volunteers. It was tough, but it turned out to be a lot of fun.
I will say, though this is an open course on a two-lane road without a shoulder. I know some runners try to avoid open courses that being said the cars were all very cautious and I didn’t feel unsafe.
Tough but beautiful!
The most beautiful marathon I've run yet! The many hydration stations were very necessary and appreciated, and are the most well stocked ones yet. Most stations had watermelon, cuties, and … MORE
The most beautiful marathon I’ve run yet! The many hydration stations were very necessary and appreciated, and are the most well stocked ones yet. Most stations had watermelon, cuties, and bananas, along with pickle juice and even mini vaseline jars at some!
It is a hike to get to this race and it is a smaller one, there were a lot of times I didn’t see anyone in front of or behind me for a while, but the trail is well marked and I loved the signs that were posted! It was very hot, humid, and hilly, and I had my slowest time by far, but I wanted to finish it and enjoy it and I did just that!
Don’t plan on getting a good time, but you will have a lot of fun!
Also, the expo is just shirt and bib pickup so if you need any gus or chews or anything I recommend bringing them from home or getting some at the nearest large city.
What a Race
This race was well organized. Great volunteers, pre-race meal, gorgeous scenery to run in, community support! Definitely a must run for W VA or KY! MORE
This race was well organized.
Great volunteers, pre-race meal, gorgeous scenery to run in, community support!
Definitely a must run for W VA or KY!
Tough but fun race!
Well organized and loved the water stops with various fruits and lots available even for the back of the packers! Hilly, hot and humid but no time limit so I … MORE
Well organized and loved the water stops with various fruits and lots available even for the back of the packers! Hilly, hot and humid but no time limit so I didn’t feel rushed. There were also a few props for photo ops that helped get to the finish line!
Great Race. Outstanding Support
If you’re looking for a smaller race with outstanding course support, then this is the perfect race for you!! Walkers and beginners, here's your race! No time limit! The people … MORE
If you’re looking for a smaller race with outstanding course support, then this is the perfect race for you!! Walkers and beginners, here’s your race! No time limit! The people of the town make each moment special. I loved every moment!
Always a great race!
This organization and volunteers are some of the best of all the races I have completed. The water stops are fantastic and the community embraces all of the out of … MORE
This organization and volunteers are some of the best of all the races I have completed. The water stops are fantastic and the community embraces all of the out of town folks. Loved the bibs, medal and shirts this year.
First time around
I enjoyed everything about the race and for a first time marathoner there was a plethora of information available online to keep me confident going into race day. MORE
I enjoyed everything about the race and for a first time marathoner there was a plethora of information available online to keep me confident going into race day.
Definitely coming back!
This race has such a cool vibe. Challenging and fun at the same time. The volunteers are super friendly and some of the aide stations had watermelon, SPF and anti-chafe … MORE
This race has such a cool vibe. Challenging and fun at the same time. The volunteers are super friendly and some of the aide stations had watermelon, SPF and anti-chafe (how considerate)!
Definitely coming back!
This race has such a cool vibe. Challenging and fun at the same time. The volunteers are super friendly and some of the aide stations had watermelon, SPF and anti-chafe … MORE
This race has such a cool vibe. Challenging and fun at the same time. The volunteers are super friendly and some of the aide stations had watermelon, SPF and anti-chafe (how considerate)!
One of the best organized race I have ru
The logistics are a little confusing if you are not familiar with the area. You have 3 or 4 races going on at the same time in more than one … MORE
The logistics are a little confusing if you are not familiar with the area. You have 3 or 4 races going on at the same time in more than one location. The race is well worth the extra time for planning. One of the best organized and supported races of the hundreds I have done with awesome swag and perks.
Hot, humid, hilly and still awesome!
This is a tough marathon, but I knew that going in and wanted a marathon to challenge myself and still have fun and see a beautiful part of the country … MORE
This is a tough marathon, but I knew that going in and wanted a marathon to challenge myself and still have fun and see a beautiful part of the country and this marathon did not dissappoint. Definitely not a PR or BQ course, but well run and very scenic. The expo is small but nice and the spaghetti dinner was great and a nice opportunity to talk with and meet runners. The start was easy and well organized and plenty of volunteers with maybe the best aid stations I’ve ever seen with water, gatorade, watermelon, bananas, grapes and even Coke at most aid stations. But mostly the volunteers here were some of the nicest I’ve experienced at any of my 40 marathons and made it one I’d definitely look at doing again (and I was amazed how many people were repeat runners as it is a tough course but the people make it a great experience).
2nd hill this yr I was talking to God
Enjoy the scenery, Thank all the volunteers, Water Stops and volunteers were amazing. The Blackberry Mountain was the 2nd most difficult thing I've done this year. MORE
Enjoy the scenery, Thank all the volunteers, Water Stops and volunteers were amazing. The Blackberry Mountain was the 2nd most difficult thing I’ve done this year.
Feels Like A Family Reunion
I have been coming to this race off and onfor several years and there is one big reason I keep coming back: I feel welcomed like I am part of … MORE
I have been coming to this race off and onfor several years and there is one big reason I keep coming back: I feel welcomed like I am part of the family. Without a doubt, the organizers, volunteers, and community extend the absolute best of southern hospitality to each and every participant. And having run this now multiple times, I also look forward to seeing fellow runners coming back along with me to challenge this course again.
Best and most fun marathon iv ran!
The race it self is awesome! So much to look at throughout the whole race! All the volunteers and water stations was top tier! Everyone from volunteers and other runners … MORE
The race it self is awesome! So much to look at throughout the whole race! All the volunteers and water stations was top tier! Everyone from volunteers and other runners was eager to help you out! 10/10 race i will be back!!!
Doesn’t Get Much Better
The organization of these four races being held simultaneously is a huge challenge but in the three years I’ve participated in them everything has been top of the line good. … MORE
The organization of these four races being held simultaneously is a huge challenge but in the three years I’ve participated in them everything has been top of the line good. You will not be disappointed if you come and take part.
I survived-ish, but signing up again!
Let's start with the negative - I was DNF. I chose this as my first marathon, I know probably not the best idea. But honestly, I could not have asked … MORE
Let’s start with the negative – I was DNF. I chose this as my first marathon, I know probably not the best idea. But honestly, I could not have asked for a better one to not finish. And it’s not what you think. I arrived with the nervousness of not even starting. The long car ride made my back super angry – no worries, no time limit. Double down with a constant pain in my right plantar fascia – I was a literal walking disasterpiece lol. But I was determined to at least conquer the distance. Enough about what I brought to the race, let me tell you about the race itself.
This is probably my favorite race EVER. This is like a family reunion, with family you didn’t even know you had. The hospitality is the best I have ever encountered, and I am a back of the pack runner when I am running. There was still water, gatorade, fruit, snacks, sometimes sodas (pop if you are from the area there), pickles, pickle pops and juice shots. I have been to races where they have packed up before the last 10 or so of us get there (as evident by ice and water puddles on the roadways). But not this race – they wait for the very last person to pass. The “Sweeper” is really just a “no one left behind” follower. They give you plenty of space without making you feel rushed. The water stations are at almost ever mile, with a couple exceptions (like between mile 13 and 16, beyond that I am not sure). It was a hot one this year, which for the Blackberry Mountain half, wasn’t as big of a deal. River Road half however, the new course (post washed out suspension bridge) is HOT, HOT, HOT. with minimal tree coverage. I carried one of the paper gatorade cups filled with ice after mile 13. The ice was gone by the time I got to mile 14. I was dumping the melted water down my back to help keep me cool. I made it to mile 16, and that’s where the entire race changed for me.
How I was cared for during this moment is THE #1 reason that I will not ONLY return and do this race again, I will ALSO definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to challenge themselves.
When I reached mile 16, mentally I was good, I was keeping up with my electrolytes (I use the SaltStick capsules) but I was almost out of water. I had been refilling my flasks at almost every station after mile 5. But when I asked for water from Ms Jennifer (she was the one handling this station dressed in her very patriotic theme), she said I went from beet red to completely drained of all color on my face when I mentioned that I felt like I needed to sit down. The conclusion her and I came to was that with 10 miles to go on the course with minimal shade, I should probably not continue. Had it been the original course layout, we would have just got me cooled down and ready to conquer the remaining 10 miles. At first, I was unhappy about this. But honestly it was the right decision. Ms Selena retrieved me and brought me to the finish line where I could continue to cool off and meet my racing party (and get an IV if necessary).
Ultimately, it’s great scenery, great running community, and an even better volunteer race support team. Room is already booked for next year =)