This is a great race. If you are looking for small town West Virginia, this is it. I drove in from Tennessee (about 5 hours). Packet pickup was super easy. … MORE
This is a great race. If you are looking for small town West Virginia, this is it.
I drove in from Tennessee (about 5 hours). Packet pickup was super easy. You get an email with your bid number in it a couple of days prior. Just walk in and tell them your number, they confirm it’s you, and they give you everything you need. Packet pickup is in a church gym. There is a small expo- but Expo size is not something I worry about.
I stayed in a hotel I had booked on Hotels.com. There are 4 hotels just off the interstate and all about 2.5 miles from the start. There wasn’t anything right at the start as you’re on the Marshall University campus. Additionally, downtown hotels are quite a bit more money.
But you don’t need to stay close. The start is in front of the football stadium and the entire parking lot is open. Get there a little early. I arrived just after 6 (races starts at 7) and the parking lot was maybe a quarter full. By 6:40, it was getting tight.
The stadium is open and there are dozens of bathrooms- real ones, not portapotties. The concourse also is a little warmer. The sun came up about the same time we started, but it was dark and about 40 degrees when I arrived. So the stadium was a nice area to walk around and warm up.
The full and the half start together. There is a 3.25 mile race but it starts later. Even with the combined two longer races, there wasn’t really any congestion. I started near the 1:45 pace guy and didn’t need to really dodge anyone. The race isn’t big enough for corrals. The race started right at 7.
Now this is a FLAT course. There are a few incline/declines that are not big enough to call hills. I counted 3 total hills throughout the half, and they were all short- nothing to worry about. The first two miles are a two mile loop East of the stadium and back. You will pass your parking spot about the end of mile 2 so if you’re regretting your decision, you can bail. 🙂
Mile 3 takes you along the campus. This entire route is greatly separated from traffic. Most of the course is on Huntington roads. Cops work the whole course. The running lanes, which are separated from traffic with big orange cones, are still at least a whole lane wide, instead of a sidewalk with like some other races I have run.
After the campus, you run briefly through a park along the Ohio River. This was one of my favorite spots. As it was still early in the morning, there was a lot of mist coming up off the river. The sun was behind us and the view was awesome. But it only lasted about 2 minutes. You quickly come out of the park and back on the same road you were on while running past campus but there is a large wall to your right, blocking the view of the river.
After about 5 and a half miles, you make some lefts and some rights before heading south to the first big park. Turn left in the park and run from the first park to the second, although it all feels like one big park. This is a couple of miles of very nice running. A lot of the park running is on a large trail as well, which is a nice alternative to the road.
You finish with the park just after the nine mile mark and head north back to the road that goes by campus. Run along the wall, back through the small riverside park, and back past campus. On the other side of campus is the football stadium.
The finish line is inside the stadium. You enter the stadium, are handed a football, run 3/4s of the way down the field, move over the center of the field, and then run down the middle, finishing in the endzone. That was pretty cool.
There is a tent where they engrave your finisher medal for $20. Name, bib #, time. Definitely worth it if you did well. There also was a tailgate food area right outside the stadium (200 feet from the finish line) grilling cheeseburgers and cooking hotdogs.
Other notes for the course. Plenty of water stations. I didn’t really pay attention to bathrooms along the route but I am pretty sure the parks had bathrooms available (real ones).
There are a number of photo spots along the course. And there are signs telling you a photo area is coming up. That was pretty cool. There wasn’t a lot of crown support outside of the parks.
If you do this race, watch the move We are Marshall before you go. The memorial of that tragedy is the point of the race. Go see the fountain and the campus.
Also, the diner in the movie is a longtime restaurant in Huntington, just down the road from campus. It’s real name is Jim’s Steak and Spaghetti House. If you want to carb load the night before, here you go. Its an old fashion diner, not expensive, and has the best pit in town.
I would run this race every year if I was local. Loved it!
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We Are.. Marshall!
This is a great race. If you are looking for small town West Virginia, this is it. I drove in from Tennessee (about 5 hours). Packet pickup was super easy. … MORE
This is a great race. If you are looking for small town West Virginia, this is it.
I drove in from Tennessee (about 5 hours). Packet pickup was super easy. You get an email with your bid number in it a couple of days prior. Just walk in and tell them your number, they confirm it’s you, and they give you everything you need. Packet pickup is in a church gym. There is a small expo- but Expo size is not something I worry about.
I stayed in a hotel I had booked on Hotels.com. There are 4 hotels just off the interstate and all about 2.5 miles from the start. There wasn’t anything right at the start as you’re on the Marshall University campus. Additionally, downtown hotels are quite a bit more money.
But you don’t need to stay close. The start is in front of the football stadium and the entire parking lot is open. Get there a little early. I arrived just after 6 (races starts at 7) and the parking lot was maybe a quarter full. By 6:40, it was getting tight.
The stadium is open and there are dozens of bathrooms- real ones, not portapotties. The concourse also is a little warmer. The sun came up about the same time we started, but it was dark and about 40 degrees when I arrived. So the stadium was a nice area to walk around and warm up.
The full and the half start together. There is a 3.25 mile race but it starts later. Even with the combined two longer races, there wasn’t really any congestion. I started near the 1:45 pace guy and didn’t need to really dodge anyone. The race isn’t big enough for corrals. The race started right at 7.
Now this is a FLAT course. There are a few incline/declines that are not big enough to call hills. I counted 3 total hills throughout the half, and they were all short- nothing to worry about. The first two miles are a two mile loop East of the stadium and back. You will pass your parking spot about the end of mile 2 so if you’re regretting your decision, you can bail. 🙂
Mile 3 takes you along the campus. This entire route is greatly separated from traffic. Most of the course is on Huntington roads. Cops work the whole course. The running lanes, which are separated from traffic with big orange cones, are still at least a whole lane wide, instead of a sidewalk with like some other races I have run.
After the campus, you run briefly through a park along the Ohio River. This was one of my favorite spots. As it was still early in the morning, there was a lot of mist coming up off the river. The sun was behind us and the view was awesome. But it only lasted about 2 minutes. You quickly come out of the park and back on the same road you were on while running past campus but there is a large wall to your right, blocking the view of the river.
After about 5 and a half miles, you make some lefts and some rights before heading south to the first big park. Turn left in the park and run from the first park to the second, although it all feels like one big park. This is a couple of miles of very nice running. A lot of the park running is on a large trail as well, which is a nice alternative to the road.
You finish with the park just after the nine mile mark and head north back to the road that goes by campus. Run along the wall, back through the small riverside park, and back past campus. On the other side of campus is the football stadium.
The finish line is inside the stadium. You enter the stadium, are handed a football, run 3/4s of the way down the field, move over the center of the field, and then run down the middle, finishing in the endzone. That was pretty cool.
There is a tent where they engrave your finisher medal for $20. Name, bib #, time. Definitely worth it if you did well. There also was a tailgate food area right outside the stadium (200 feet from the finish line) grilling cheeseburgers and cooking hotdogs.
Other notes for the course. Plenty of water stations. I didn’t really pay attention to bathrooms along the route but I am pretty sure the parks had bathrooms available (real ones).
There are a number of photo spots along the course. And there are signs telling you a photo area is coming up. That was pretty cool. There wasn’t a lot of crown support outside of the parks.
If you do this race, watch the move We are Marshall before you go. The memorial of that tragedy is the point of the race. Go see the fountain and the campus.
Also, the diner in the movie is a longtime restaurant in Huntington, just down the road from campus. It’s real name is Jim’s Steak and Spaghetti House. If you want to carb load the night before, here you go. Its an old fashion diner, not expensive, and has the best pit in town.
I would run this race every year if I was local. Loved it!
Good BQ opportunity with good weather
Small marathon run simultaneously with a larger half marathon. Race begins and ends at Marshall University stadium. Lots of volunteers on a smaller race to provide aid and support. Very … MORE
Small marathon run simultaneously with a larger half marathon. Race begins and ends at Marshall University stadium. Lots of volunteers on a smaller race to provide aid and support. Very flat course provides a great BQ/PR if the weather cooperated. They hand you a football to carry upon entry to the stadium and run for a touchdown to the finish line. Cool medal, free beer at the finish. Friendly town and an enjoyable event.
Solid race, well organized
This is a solid race with super easy logistics for packet pickup and race morning. Course is a double loop of an out and back course, so a lot of … MORE
This is a solid race with super easy logistics for packet pickup and race morning. Course is a double loop of an out and back course, so a lot of backtracking. That would be my only negative. Great swag and fun finish in the stadium.
Flat and fast course
This was a very flat and fast course. I didn’t have any issues to speak of other than the lack of food on the course. So I would definitely bring … MORE
This was a very flat and fast course. I didn’t have any issues to speak of other than the lack of food on the course. So I would definitely bring something to eat with you.
Well Run
I chose this race as my West Virginia race. Best part was placing the rose near the memorial fountain. Weather was ideal. Parking at the stadium was easy. No port … MORE
I chose this race as my West Virginia race. Best part was placing the rose near the memorial fountain. Weather was ideal. Parking at the stadium was easy. No port a potties needed since there were plenty of bathrooms in the stadium. Water-stops were well manned and double loop gave you plenty of spectators. I highly recommend. I would also recommend watching the movie “We are Marshall” so you know the history of the town. At the end you carried a football across the finish line. I was quite pleased I didn’t fumble it.
Cross the finish line in style
Marshall University Marathon and Half might be a relatively small race (2023 saw over 1,800 participants in both events) but the 13.1-mile loop course is relatively flat, making it a … MORE
Marshall University Marathon and Half might be a relatively small race (2023 saw over 1,800 participants in both events) but the 13.1-mile loop course is relatively flat, making it a popular marathon to qualify for Boston.
The positives are the location of the race start/finish at the Joan C Edward Stadium in Marshall University, ample car parking at the stadium, running by Harris Riverfront Park and Ritter Park (twice) as well as a very energetic MC from ‘Enjoy Your Life’. Best of all, Marathoners get to carry a football to the “endzone” on the field at the stadium as they cross the finish line. It was epic.
One minor negative: Don’t expect a huge crowd of spectators along the course if you’re looking for cheers and hi-fives to carry you through the wall.
West Virginians are proud of their chilly hogs and pizza rolls, which are great post-race meals! After the marathon/half, be sure to check out the Hillbilly Hot Dogs (featured on Food Channel), just 2o min drive from Huntington. It is a must-visit.
Nice flat fall race
Course was flat with a great start temp around 50 degrees. Portions of the race were scenic running along the Ohio and through the downtown area with some of the … MORE
Course was flat with a great start temp around 50 degrees. Portions of the race were scenic running along the Ohio and through the downtown area with some of the race in some not-so-scenic areas. Nice medal and super soft shirt. Loved running with the football down to the finish.
Fun event!
I was supprised how much more scenic the course was than what I expected from reading other reviews. The course is a 13.1 mile loop done twice for the marathon … MORE
I was supprised how much more scenic the course was than what I expected from reading other reviews. The course is a 13.1 mile loop done twice for the marathon runners. There was one section about 2 miles long that was a straight road that felt like it was a light industrial area. Other than that, I enjoyed the course. I enjoyed several of the neighborhoods that we went through and looking at the houses that were along the way. We went a very short distance through a park along the riverfront (wish this segment was longer), ran around another, much larger park, through the campus, and the finish line was on the football field. For me personally, the highlight of the day was experienced the second time going through the college campus. Before entering, runners were offered a flower to place on the memorial honoring the football team from 1970.
Cool Experience
Pros: pacers, easy and free parking, finish line in the stadium, relatively flat course Cons: double loop course with far less marathon participants MORE
Pros: pacers, easy and free parking, finish line in the stadium, relatively flat course
Cons: double loop course with far less marathon participants
Thundering Herd
Pre race communication was efficient Expo was on the smaller side but had everything that you might need Course was excellent and you even got to finish on the Marshall … MORE
Pre race communication was efficient
Expo was on the smaller side but had everything that you might need
Course was excellent and you even got to finish on the Marshall University’s football field carrying a football across the finish line
Scenery was nice
Aid stations were plentiful with water and Gatorade
Swag was great with a very nice beach hoodie and very cool medal
Parking was easy and free
Post race food was provided by Elks Lodge with burgers and hotdogs
Crowd support was great
Race staff and volunteers were top notch
I definitely recommend this race
Stadium Finish/Touching Tradition
I signed up for this one late in registration, in an attempt to get all the states completed so I could run my 50th state in Hawaii. Due to this, … MORE
I signed up for this one late in registration, in an attempt to get all the states completed so I could run my 50th state in Hawaii. Due to this, I was not one of the lucky ones that was gifted the nice Columbia Jacket that was included in early registration. To me no big deal, but some were bummed about that, as they missed out too, yet they were selling them at the race so had plenty. Sign up early if you want the perks. It was my 9th consecutive marathon weekend in 9 different states traveling from the west. It was my first one of those to not break the 4 hour mark, but I attribute that to lack of sleep and not the course itself, as I was working graveyards and was just extremely tired. The course itself is flat, but I’m not a big fan of loops as there is monotony in seeing the same thing, and is just not my cup of tea to run loops. There was ample aid stations and plenty of food at the finish. The coolest part was definitely the epic finish line where they give you a ball upon entering the stadium and you run to the finish line with the football. Also loved the last part before the stadium finish, running through the University grounds, where you are given a rose to place on the memorial fountain in honor of the football team who lost their lives in a plane crash. I thought that was a very touching tribute and loved they included runners, just a beautiful tradition. Overall great organization, plenty of parking for runners before the race, smooth process in obtaining bib, but just not a big fan of the looped course.
Flat course loved football finish
This is a fairly flat course. I would say the scenery was mediocre. However, running in with the football across the finish line, was the absolute best about the race. MORE
This is a fairly flat course. I would say the scenery was mediocre. However, running in with the football across the finish line, was the absolute best about the race.
Would do again
Fun race if you like smaller races. Expo wasn't far from the stadium and easy in and out. Its just basically a packet pick so bring everything you need. There … MORE
Fun race if you like smaller races. Expo wasn’t far from the stadium and easy in and out. Its just basically a packet pick so bring everything you need. There is a Dicks Sporting Goods about 10 mins away if you forgot something though. Course was average. its a small town in WV, not sure what others are expecting. Was as flat as it can be for WV, 2 small hills was it. You get to finish on the field and they toss you a football to cross the finish line with. Race photos were a pain to find and I still haven’t found mine but stuff like that doesn’t matter to me. The weather was unusually warm. I’m not really a warm weather runner so I did awful. Only thing I didn’t like was at the finish it was hard to find the water. Would recommend if you need West Virgina and I would do it again for sure.
Best Race in WV.. scenic and flat
Enjoyed the Course and finish. expo is very minimal and swag is good with Columbia jacket Liked the 2 loop course where we know where we are running in second … MORE
Enjoyed the Course and finish.
expo is very minimal and swag is good with Columbia jacket
Liked the 2 loop course where we know where we are running in second half.
Mostly straight than taking more curves.
considerable support
Finish is amazing in the stadium.
fast course
LOVE MUM!
For my first marathon, this was a GREAT experience! I had no idea what to expect. I went into it with two goals: to run it in under four hours … MORE
For my first marathon, this was a GREAT experience! I had no idea what to expect. I went into it with two goals: to run it in under four hours & to never, ever walk/stop! I accomplished both! The pace team was great. There were lots of people around cheering, although there were a few stretches with no one around. The post-race rollout/ stretching was UNREAL! So thankful for that as I had a two and a half hour drive back home afterwards. The merch was amazing and the organizers did a fantastic job. Lastly, all of the food/ beverages after were so well thought-out. I took advantage of all of it! Hopefully I will be back next year! Love MUM & would recommend to anyone!
Just OK, flat - yet boring and kinda sad
I flew into the Huntington airport - a car is a must. Packet pick-up was far away from everything and hard to find. No expo except for some clearance stuff … MORE
I flew into the Huntington airport – a car is a must. Packet pick-up was far away from everything and hard to find. No expo except for some clearance stuff from a running store. Swag was terrible! – a cheap t-shirt and toboggan – with the option to purchase a fleece pullover and long sleeve t-shirt the morning of the race (who has money with them then?). Start was uneventful. The course was nice and flat – but boring. There was a short run through a park by the river and another park that was full of leaves (was afraid I’d slip because they were wet) otherwise they picked the ugliest parts of town to run through. The saving grace of the race was of course the finish into the Marshall University stadium. We were given a football to run through the finish line with. Photographers were in two places but there was no info on how to get pictures. There were plenty of water stations and that was the only crowd support. Couldn’t find the food afterwards. I was thinking I could eat at the Huntington airport – but they only had vending machines. The medal was very nice. Overall, I was disappointed.
Smog jog
This is the largest marathon in West Virginia, with 165 finishers this year. Packet pickup was in a local Baptist church just east of Marshall University. The expo was very … MORE
This is the largest marathon in West Virginia, with 165 finishers this year. Packet pickup was in a local Baptist church just east of Marshall University. The expo was very small, but all shoes were half off (and I loved that the stereo was playing “Come Out and Play” in a church).
Race starts and finishes next to the football stadium, at 7 am. This year, it fell on the same morning daylight savings time ended. If this happens to you, keep the time change in mind so you aren’t an hour early. Plenty of free parking next to the stadium, but the gates close at 6:30.
The race started with a cannon boom (which terrified many runners). It was a double loop around Huntington, and despite it being the “Marshall University Marathon”, we only ran the last mile on each loop on the campus. It was definitely the best part. The rest of the course was on drab, old roads, many of them going past industrial buildings. This may be my first race where we didn’t run through neighborhoods. On the south end of each loop, we ran next to a park, but this was even worse because there was SO MUCH SMOG there in the morning. Remember, this is coal country. The AQI was 107–“unhealthy for sensitive groups”.
Not a great course, and the fan support was spotty outside of downtown, but I forgive them because Huntington is a small town (45,000). An aid station at mile 14 ran out of cups and had nothing to give us, but I forgive them because they acquired more cups by the time I came back 10 miles later. Most aid stations were pretty good, but bring your own gels. They don’t hand them out.
The best part was the finish: you run inside the football stadium and they hand you a football. You run to the opposite 20 yard line, then back into the Marshall endzone. That was fun! And the free postrace food was great: fresh burgers and chocolate milk and smoothie samples and beer.
Fantastic fun and great race traditions
The traditions make this marathon special. The course was beautiful, and the light fog from the river added a nice charm to the race. The post race massage before hitting … MORE
The traditions make this marathon special. The course was beautiful, and the light fog from the river added a nice charm to the race. The post race massage before hitting the road was a great touch. Medal was very nice. I would strongly recommend this race!!
Small Town Half and Full Marathon in WV
If you are a 50 stater looking for a fast time in cooler weather, this is your best option for WV. The half is 1 loop of a 2 loop … MORE
If you are a 50 stater looking for a fast time in cooler weather, this is your best option for WV. The half is 1 loop of a 2 loop Marathon course, mostly flat. There were a few small tricky sections of rough, uneven road, a couple of short uphill grades and a death drop ramp into the stadium before running up and down the football field to the finish. The long straight stretches were not particularly scenic, but good for momentum. The Ritter Park section had fallen leaves on the gravel path so footing was a bit slippy. There were some mile markers on the course and I noticed a timing mat/display at 10K (10K split provided).
Coming back after a 2020 cancellation, race organization seemed a bit last minute, but they pulled it off. Most pre race communication was through Facebook. On the course, there were good competent volunteers and police doing traffic control. A results snafu was addressed within 48 hours (initially, gun, but not chip times were posted). This could have affected award placement for AGs and was a potential issue for full marathoners going after a BQ. I was able to start fairly close to the actual starting line. My gun time was 1:35:52 and my chip time was 1:35:48, a small difference. Runners further back on the starting line had as much as a minute or more discrepancy, which could make or break getting into Boston if you are doing the full marathon.
Age group top finisher awards were beautiful Blenko Glass pieces that one could choose off a table right after the race. The finisher medals featured the Marshall University buffalo. Swag bag for half included a lunch bag, cotton t shirt, local coupons, pen, chapstick, etc.
I saw no healthy food options post race. There was a grill with hot dogs, etc and beer.
Pandemic precautions were minimal to non existent. No mask, test or vax requirements for participants, but most aid station (water, Gatorade, but no gels) volunteers were masked and gloved. I saw only one volunteer masked at the indoor packet pick up. I live here, am 63 and made sure I was tripled vaxxed in time for the race and wore a buff at the start and when in a crowd.
Approx 1000 participants combined in the half and the full. A fair number of enthusiastic spectators out on the course on a cold morning were very much appreciated.
2nd Time Running This Race, PR'd!
This was my second time running the MUM and the 3rd marathon I've done in my life (4 if you count the ultra). The morning was frigid, probably colder than … MORE
This was my second time running the MUM and the 3rd marathon I’ve done in my life (4 if you count the ultra). The morning was frigid, probably colder than 2019, but not so bad once I got moving. It was actually an advantage after a few miles, much better than humidity. All of the volunteers/organizers were on point and encouraging. They were good the first time I ran this race and absolutely wonderful this time. I can’t say enough good things about the people at the aid stations and check points. Last year the race was canceled, so I think everyone was just extra happy to be there. I know I was.
My goal was 3hrs 30 mins and I managed 3hrs 25 mins. 2 days later, I’m still giddy about it (and sore). The course was flat but not “pancake” flat. There are at least two very small hills. I did notice them, but overall this is a speedy, flat course. I maintained about a 7:45 min pace until mile 24 and then started slowing when back of my left knee cramped a couple times. I never quite hit the wall until the last half mile, so overall I am very pleased with how it turned out.
The scenery is pretty urban and industrial for the most part, although there are a few scenic park areas by the river. I thought the university buildings, bricked roads, and statues were interesting, but not everyone will be as easily amused as me. Along the way, you are given a white rose to place on the memorial fountain in honor of the football team who lost their lives in a plane crash. The finish line is at end of the football field inside the stadium. They hand you a football to carry the last few hundred feet. It’s pretty cool. Oh, and watch out for the ramp leading down into the stadium. After 26 miles, it’s a little rough. It’s the only part of the race I walked.
I was pretty happy with the swag: a hoody, cooler bag, t-shirt, body glide, handbag, etc. This race is great if you’re looking for a PR. It is about as flat as you’re gonna get in West Virginia. The weather is a cold shock at first, but you warm up quickly and pretty soon the cool air becomes an advantage. I do recommend this race, especially if you’re trying to go fast.
Again, the volunteers were EXCELLENT and supportive. Their cheering and encouragement really helped. This is one I hope to do every year.