Blackwater Canyon Half Marathon

The Blackwater Canyon Half Marathon will take place on the Blackwater Canyon railroad grade and Allegheny Highlands Trail 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! Individual Entry Fees: • Before August 12, 2026 - $60 • After August 12, 2026 - $75 Awards Custom handmade mugs by MUD Ceramics, Thomas, WV, will be awarded to: • Overall Top Male and Female finisher - $100 gift certificates • 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 ) SWAG: Gender specific shirts, speed cup and locally made finishers medallions. Please note: we cannot guarantee shirt size after August 12, but will try to have one that works for you. 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 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.