The hills are a given for this race, the heat not so much. For this particular edition of the event, temperatures started around 69 degrees and were in the 80s … MORE
The hills are a given for this race, the heat not so much. For this particular edition of the event, temperatures started around 69 degrees and were in the 80s for most of the time (at least for a back half runner like me). This is apparently 10-15 degrees hotter than normal for this time of year. I kept well hydrated and doused with water, but it was still a struggle in the second half.
The swag is solid (quarter zip tech shirt this year), though I prefer something more colorful (it was grey with a small race logo on the left “pocket”). It was nice that they threw in extra shirts from past versions.
The course was well marked with paint and signs, and volunteers were at the most critical junctures.
It’s a small race (about 200 finishers), which I like, but it does get a bit lonely in the latter half.
The shuttle to and from the start/finish area works great; no need to try to park near the arena.
As advertised, it’s a tour of Morgantown, mixing residential, commercial, and WVU, as well as paved trails. It avoided unsightly industrial areas, but over 26.2 miles, you’ll see a mix of cool and less appealing structures. It was reasonably scenic, but not spectacular. Having said that, getting to Morgantown exposes you to some great scenery, and is worth the trip for that.
If I lived in the area and didn’t have a number of other marathons out there to conquer, I would definitely do it again.
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Train for hills and heat
The hills are a given for this race, the heat not so much. For this particular edition of the event, temperatures started around 69 degrees and were in the 80s … MORE
The hills are a given for this race, the heat not so much. For this particular edition of the event, temperatures started around 69 degrees and were in the 80s for most of the time (at least for a back half runner like me). This is apparently 10-15 degrees hotter than normal for this time of year. I kept well hydrated and doused with water, but it was still a struggle in the second half.
The swag is solid (quarter zip tech shirt this year), though I prefer something more colorful (it was grey with a small race logo on the left “pocket”). It was nice that they threw in extra shirts from past versions.
The course was well marked with paint and signs, and volunteers were at the most critical junctures.
It’s a small race (about 200 finishers), which I like, but it does get a bit lonely in the latter half.
The shuttle to and from the start/finish area works great; no need to try to park near the arena.
As advertised, it’s a tour of Morgantown, mixing residential, commercial, and WVU, as well as paved trails. It avoided unsightly industrial areas, but over 26.2 miles, you’ll see a mix of cool and less appealing structures. It was reasonably scenic, but not spectacular. Having said that, getting to Morgantown exposes you to some great scenery, and is worth the trip for that.
If I lived in the area and didn’t have a number of other marathons out there to conquer, I would definitely do it again.
Couldn't tell its a Beautiful State
It's an out-and-back through ugly residential Morgantown. It's too bad because it's a beautiful area. Why can't the race go along the river, where it's prettier? Mountain vistas? Nope. Running … MORE
It’s an out-and-back through ugly residential Morgantown. It’s too bad because it’s a beautiful area. Why can’t the race go along the river, where it’s prettier? Mountain vistas? Nope. Running along roads that aren’t closed and competing with traffic or for air as the cars sit and you breathe the exhaust coming up an insane hill in the last mile to finish…
The shirt is ugly, the medal was uglier and the course, the ugliest.
The race was well run, but poorly attended. Shuttle parking despite plenty of space at the basketball arena. The party at the end was ok.
If you’re going to run WV, do a different race.
A fun but very challenging course!
The communication and organization leading up the the race was perfect. Constant updates were posted on Facebook and emails sent as well. Packet pickup was super easy with plenty of … MORE
The communication and organization leading up the the race was perfect. Constant updates were posted on Facebook and emails sent as well. Packet pickup was super easy with plenty of parking. I was a little concerned that I would have to take a shuttle to the start of the race on race day, but that was super easy as well. While the race does not have much crowd support due to the course, there are plenty of aid stations and rest stops with excellent volunteers. Overall it was an incredible experience set up by race director Jamie Summerlin. One last word of warning though…the course is VERY tough. They don’t use the hashtag #yesitshilly for no reason…and this coming from someone that trains on mountain back roads!
Rolling hills
Be sure to use a GPS to find the expo if you’re not local. There is a shuttle to the start and we were lucky to have stayed at a … MORE
Be sure to use a GPS to find the expo if you’re not local. There is a shuttle to the start and we were lucky to have stayed at a hotel nearby the shuttle.
The race starts and finishes at a university stadium. Expect a big hill in the last mile! There was a live band at the finish which was fun to listen to before taking the shuttle back to our car.
If you’re looking to check WY off your list of half’s , I’d suggest this race.
First time Marathon
I thought it was run well and many agreed although they've definitely listened and adjusted the course in the following years. A must do in my opinion. It takes you … MORE
I thought it was run well and many agreed although they’ve definitely listened and adjusted the course in the following years. A must do in my opinion. It takes you all over Morgantown and the course is challenging but very doable.