🏃 Races in West Virginia

Join us for a fun-filled 5k run that honors our heroes while supporting an important cause! Every dollar raised goes directly to Concord University's veteran services office, helping current student veterans and their families get the resources they need. Lace up your shoes and be part of this meaningful community event that makes a real difference.

Lace up for this year's Brady Steps 5K taking place at Barboursville Park on October 25th at 2:00PM—it's the 14th year of this wonderful community event! Register by October 18th to snag your commemorative race shirt (after that, it's first-come, first-served), with online registration just $20 per person or $15 if you're bringing a group of ten or more. Every dollar you contribute goes directly to the Brady Steps Charitable Foundation, which works to raise awareness about spina bifida, fund research, and support families affected by the condition.

Calling all West Virginia runners and their families—lace up your shoes for this fantastic free racing opportunity in Beckley! Whether you're a local athlete or a parent looking to join the fun, everyone's welcome to participate at no cost. Come test your speed and enjoy a great day of running with your community!

Join us on Saturday, November 7, 2026, for this beloved community event at Belington Wellness Center, where you can walk or run a 5K while supporting two amazing local causes. All proceeds go directly to the Heart and Hand House Food Pantry and Belington Presbyterian Church's Thanksgiving meal program, with Barbour Community Health Association matching every dollar donated. Together, we help ensure that over 400 of our neighbors have a meaningful Thanksgiving celebration and receive ongoing food assistance throughout the year.

Join us for a festive evening of running and community spirit at Camp Pioneer in Beverly, WV on Saturday, October 24th, 2026, where you can run or walk a 5K while dressed in your favorite Halloween costume or athletic gear. The fun kicks off with a kids' fun run at 4:30 PM followed by the main adult race at 5:00 PM, and everyone's invited to stick around afterward for trunk or treat activities. Bring your family, friends, and spooky spirit for an unforgettable night of fitness, festivities, and fall fun for all ages!

Join us in beautiful Bluefield, WV for a festive 5k experience where you'll loop through the stunning Holiday of Lights display three times while soaking in the holiday cheer. We've got awesome prizes waiting for the top three finishers in each age group and gender category, plus a fun costume contest to show off your creative spirit. It's the perfect way to celebrate the season while getting in a great run!

Get ready for a thrilling nighttime adventure on October 24th, 2026, in Bridgeport, WV, where you'll dash through a spooky zombie course while protecting your three lives (represented by flags). Whether you walk, run, or crawl past our zombie horde, your goal is to make it to the finish line as a survivor, and the number of lives remaining will determine which awesome t-shirt you take home. The 5K welcomes runners ages 10 and up with medals for the top finishers, while kids ages 5-12 can enjoy their own glow-in-the-dark fun run with medals, and spots are filling up fast so grab yours now!

Join us for a Halloween morning 5K adventure on October 31st, 2026 at North Bend State Park in Cairo, WV, with the race kicking off at 8:30 AM from the park service lot. You'll enjoy a scenic out-and-back route along the park's main road, taking you past picnic shelters, the pool, River Run Campground, and across a bridge before turning around at the gravel parking area near Picnic Shelter 3. The return journey loops back through the same beautiful park scenery, including a circuit around Picnic Shelters 1 and 2, finishing right back where you started.

Get ready to explore the stunning Greenbrier State Forest near Caldwell, WV, where you can tackle either a 50k or 25k distance on fantastic trail terrain featuring challenging climbs and awesome community vibes. Whether you're just starting your trail running journey or you're a seasoned ultra athlete, this inaugural Behemoth event welcomes everyone—no membership needed—and you might even spot some amazing wildlife along the way. Mark your calendar for Saturday, November 14, 2026 at 7:30am, and head to 1541 Harts Run Rd in Caldwell (just ten minutes east of Lewisburg), where this FREE race promises epic trails and unforgettable experiences.

Lace up your sneakers for this festive 5K taking place on Thanksgiving morning, November 26th, 2026 at 9AM in Charleston, WV. Sign up by Monday, November 9th at 11:59PM to guarantee your race t-shirt, and remember to bundle up—costumes are totally welcome! Help us live up to our motto "Shuffle your feet so others can eat!" by bringing as much canned and nonperishable food as you can carry to support our community.

Lace up and run for a meaningful cause at this virtual 5K hosted by Intuitive Breath, where your movement directly supports vulnerable children in Kolkata by funding safe Drop-In Centers that provide education, meals, and hope. You have the freedom to complete your 5K anytime during November 2026, whether you prefer running, walking, or any other way of moving that feels right for you, from anywhere in the world. Rally your friends and family to join you as a team, turning your personal effort into a shared community experience that makes a real difference.

Get ready to explore Spring Hill Cemetery Park and Arboretum during peak autumn season on this short but intense 4-mile route that climbs over 800 feet through green lanes, woodland single-track, and open ridges. You'll enjoy breathtaking views of the Kanawha Valley, spot local wildlife like deer and box turtles, and discover historic monuments throughout the grounds—all while supporting the Mary Price Ratrie Arboretum. Whether you're going for speed or savoring a scenic fall hike, this unique trail adventure combines nature, history, and community in one incredible morning.

Get ready to lunge into the heart of West Virginia's natural beauty with this dual-distance running adventure in Kanawha State Forest, where you'll navigate rolling hills and peaceful wooded trails while soaking in the charm of the region's legendary folklore. You've got the flexibility to push yourself with the half marathon distance or keep things a bit shorter with the 7K option, both kicking off at 9AM near the Gift Shop and treating you to that perfect blend of outdoor challenge and autumn atmosphere. As part of the exciting Cryptid Race Series, you'll experience more than just a run—you'll be part of a unique event that celebrates the forest's mystique and history.

Get ready to run for a cause at this inaugural 5K in Fairmont, WV, where all the proceeds benefit your local fire department! Starting and finishing at Watson Station 3, the fast and friendly out-and-back course welcomes runners of every skill level, whether you're gunning for a personal record or enjoying your first race experience. Celebrate your accomplishment with community spirit as you enjoy music, food from local vendors, chat with firefighters, and explore fire trucks and equipment up close.

Channel your inner superhero on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 9am in Fairmont, WV for this fun-filled 5K run and 2K walk that welcomes participants of all abilities. Kicking off at Trinity Assembly of God on Maranatha Drive, you'll be joining a community-minded group supporting CASA of Marion County, an organization dedicated to advocating for children in foster care who've experienced hardship. Your participation directly helps give these young people the support and hope they deserve!

Lace up your Halloween costume and hit the trails with us on Saturday, October 31st at 9:00 A.M. at Monongah Park for a spirited 5K run along the West Fork River, with all proceeds supporting the Marion County Teen Court's mission to help young people and their families. The Teen Court has been making a difference for over two decades by using teen volunteers and community involvement to give juveniles meaningful opportunities to learn, serve their community, and access vital resources outside the traditional court system.

Join Active SWV for an incredible once-a-year running experience across the iconic New River Gorge Bridge on October 17th, 2026, where you'll enjoy stunning gorge views while racing from the north side to the finish line on Court Street in Fayetteville. Spots are limited to just 600 runners, so register early to secure your place in this run-only event (walkers, this one's for runners only due to road closures). Stick around after crossing the finish line to celebrate with all the festivities of Official Bridge Day, and remember that runners must be at least 8 years old to participate.

Get ready for an amazing running experience along a gorgeous flat paved trail that follows the Guyandotte River through Hanover, WV, where you'll enjoy the soothing sounds of flowing water and scenic views the entire way. If you're tackling the 10k or half marathon distance, you'll even get to sprint through a historic railroad tunnel—talk about a unique highlight! Top it all off with fantastic race day swag, awesome finisher medals, and post-race snacks waiting for you at the finish line.

Lace up your walking shoes and head to Sam Michael's Park in Harpers Ferry on Saturday, October 24th for this year's Paula's Path 5K Walk, where you'll join a caring community raising awareness and funds for families battling metastatic breast cancer. Registration kicks off at 9:00 AM with the walk running from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and every walker goes home with an exclusive Paula's Path t-shirt and MBC ribbon pin thanks to our generous sponsors. Your participation directly supports local families facing the financial burden of stage 4 breast cancer care, honoring the memory of Paula Grant and making a real difference in our community.

Get moving before the big feast! Join the 20th Annual Huntington Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning at Ritter Park for a fun 5K run or walk that supports Little Victories Animal Rescue. Whether you're a serious runner, casual walker, stroller pusher, or coming with your furry friend, this two-decade-long community tradition welcomes everyone to celebrate 20 years of bringing Huntington together while helping animals in need.

Lace up for a fun-filled running experience in Huntington on Sunday, November 1st, 2026, where you can choose between a certified full marathon, a half-marathon, or a shorter 3.25-mile run/walk option. The best part? You'll get to carry a football across the finish line at the goal line for an awesome college-spirit finale!

Get ready for a spooky evening adventure with your loved ones on the beautiful Meeks Mountain Trails in Hurricane, WV, where you'll stroll through nature in costume while collecting treats from stations along the way. This Halloween celebration is all about fun, candy, and community, complete with a festive atmosphere that brings the trails to life in a totally new way. After your walk, stick around to warm up with hot chocolate and enjoy the bonfire while celebrating the season with fellow runners and families.

Join expert birders Michelle Platt and Laura Boggess from the Handlan Chapter of the Brooks Bird Club for a beginner-friendly adventure along the scenic Meeks Mountain Trails in Hurricane, WV. The experience kicks off with an informal session on birding fundamentals and bird identification techniques, followed by a hands-on guided walk where you can practice your new skills in nature. Best of all, this free event welcomes everyone—whether you're a complete beginner or just looking to enjoy the outdoors—and you're welcome to bring your own binoculars or use one of theirs (donations are appreciated).

Join Master Naturalist Becky Linger for a fun evening adventure exploring the fascinating owl population living on Meeks Mountain! You'll start with some hands-on pellet dissecting to uncover the dietary secrets of these nocturnal hunters, then hike up the hollow at dusk to listen for owl calls and spot the different species in their natural habitat. Families of all ages are welcome to enjoy pizza at 5:30 PM, and you'll want to bring a flashlight or headlamp for the twilight trek—just be ready for a mile or two of walking in this free event generously sponsored by the Pace Foundation (limited to 50 participants, so grab your spot soon!).

Get ready for an inspiring day on the beautiful Meeks Mountain Trails in Hurricane, WV this November 7th at the fifth annual 5Katie, where you can choose between a 10K run, 5K+ trail run, or a casual 2K untimed walk. Every dollar raised goes directly to support kids battling cancer through the West Virginia Kids Cancer Crusaders, honoring the memory of Katie Cobb. Head to Hurricane City Park starting at 7:30 am for packet pickup at the red barn, then make your way to the start line at the shelter bowl for an unforgettable day of community and purpose.

Get ready to work off those turkey calories at this fun 5K walk/run happening at 10am on Saturday, November 21st in Mannington, WV—this year it's moving to a new location at Mannington gym in Hough Park with a scenic route through the park and fairgrounds! Join the Marion County Race Series for an extra bonus: use code for $5 off your entry fee, and compete for awards in both overall and age group categories. Come out on the 21st for a great morning of fitness and community fun!

Join us in Martinsburg for a playful 5K adventure where you'll navigate a zombie-themed course in your Halloween finest, whether you're running seriously, taking a leisurely walk, or just soaking up the spooky vibes with family and friends. Beyond the main race, you'll get to unleash your inner competitor at the Rotten Gourd Pumpkin Smash & Launch station, where you can hurl pumpkins and watch them fly. This community celebration brings together runners of all levels for a messy, fun-filled day packed with costume creativity, creative challenges, and plenty of seasonal spirit.

Get ready to pound the pavement in Martinsburg's beloved autumn tradition with a fresh new course and updated timing! This 5K welcomes runners and walkers of all levels—plus your furry friends—to celebrate the Apple Harvest Festival while supporting the WVU Hospitals East Foundation Cancer Comfort Fund. Starting and finishing at War Memorial Park on Tennessee Avenue, you'll enjoy a fun morning that makes a real difference for cancer patients in the community.

Kick off your Thanksgiving morning with a fun 5k run or walk on the scenic grounds of James Rumsey Technical Institute in Martinsburg, where you'll enjoy a mix of trails, grass, and pavement with mostly flat terrain and a few rolling hills. Everyone's invited to participate, and you're encouraged to wear festive Turkey Trot gear while supporting a great cause—bring a donation for local backpack programs, with all proceeds going toward youth initiatives in the community. Rain or shine, this event celebrates gratitude while making a real difference for families in need!

Get ready to light up the night at this exciting community event happening at Spring Mills High School and Dupont Soccer Complex in Martinsburg, WV! Whether you're racing competitively, strolling with family, or bringing the little ones for their own 100-meter dash at 7:00 pm, there's something for everyone to enjoy while supporting local parks and recreation. Come be part of this spirited gathering where all fitness levels are welcome, timing will be available for those chasing personal records, and generous giveaways await lucky participants!

Join us on Thanksgiving morning at 9:00am for a fun community 5k run or walk through Morgantown that's perfect for the whole family (just leave your furry friends at home). You'll kick things off with a loop around the track at the WVU Coliseum, then head out onto local streets like Mon Boulevard and Boyers Avenue before finishing up on the scenic rail trail for the final stretch to Morgantown Running behind the Seneca Center. Top finishers in both running and walking categories for men and women will earn awards at the finish line.

Get your running shoes ready and dress up in your spookiest costume for this Halloween-themed 5K in Morgantown that benefits the WVU Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinic! Your participation supports an awesome mission to help West Virginia kids develop strong communication skills through clinic scholarships and free educational camps. Lace up, have a monster of a good time, and know that your registration dollars are making a real difference for children in the community!

Get ready for a fantastic inaugural 5K experience right here in Morgantown, where you'll be supporting Stepping Stones, an amazing local nonprofit dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals with special needs through year-round recreation and personal growth. Lace up at 9 AM sharp and enjoy a scenic run that kicks off and wraps up on the beautiful Rail Trail near 43 Donley Street. Your participation directly helps make a real difference in our community!

Get ready to lace up in New Martinsville for this awesome 5k where everyone's welcome to run or walk at their own pace. Sign up by October 24th and you'll score a guaranteed t-shirt, plus you'll feel great knowing every penny raised goes straight to support the pediatric endocrinology program at WVU Children's Hospital. Stick around after finishing because top runners and walkers will be recognized with awards.

Join the Wyoming County Run Club for a speedy adventure through Oceana's scenic landscape where you'll enjoy mostly flat terrain with just a few gentle hills—perfect whether you're hunting for a personal record or enjoying your first race experience. The friendly folks kick things off at Gilliland Park Pool Parking Lot, and the first 50 runners to sign up will snag a commemorative race shirt. Stick around after crossing the finish line for an awards celebration at the amphitheater and connect with fellow runners in this welcoming community event.

Join us on October 24th at Camp Arrowhead in Ona for the 13th annual spooky nighttime adventure where you'll trek through a haunted 5K trail after dark—don't worry, it's perfect for the whole family and works just as well as a scenic hike if running isn't your thing! Before you head out at 8 PM, warm up with s'mores by the bonfire starting at 6 PM, and stick around for a quick race briefing at 7:45 PM. Grab your headlamp or flashlight, sign up online for just $10 (kids run free), and remember you'll have two hours to complete the course.

Join your Parkersburg community for a cherished Thanksgiving morning celebration that's been going strong since 1979, featuring a fun run or walk through the scenic City Park where runners of all levels can compete or simply enjoy the festive atmosphere. Top finishers in both the male and female categories win fresh turkeys and exclusive hoodies, while everyone who registers gets a chance to win from over 50 amazing door prizes drawn after the race. You can grab your official race shirt and sign up at the Wood County Rec Building in City Park on Wednesday evening (10 AM–6 PM) or early Thanksgiving morning (7 AM–8:45 AM).

Come out to Parkersburg and run alongside students from Parkersburg Catholic High School who are working to make a real difference in cancer prevention. Every dollar you contribute goes straight to the WVU Medicine Camden Clark Foundation Pink Mammogram Fund, helping local women access free screening mammograms—because catching breast cancer early saves lives. Join this community-wide movement and be part of something meaningful as we unite to support early detection efforts right here in our region.

Get ready to test your limits at this intense 5K in Philippi, WV that combines grueling backcountry trails with punishing road sections—think steep climbs, technical dirt paths with roots and rocks, and demanding elevation changes that'll push your speed and endurance to the max. This isn't your typical neighborhood jaunt; you'll need serious grit, agility, and determination to conquer this notoriously tough course. Lace up your trail shoes and prepare for an adrenaline-packed challenge that has earned its reputation as one seriously formidable race.

Head to scenic Pipestem, WV, just 18 miles north of Princeton on Route 20, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of this beloved classic race! You can choose between a 5K or 10K run, or join the free Fun Run, with registration opening June 1, 2026 at just $25 early bird ($30 race day, or $20/$25 for SWVRRC members). Look forward to awesome awards across multiple age groups, complimentary refreshments including homemade baked goods, and exclusive long sleeve commemorative t-shirts for the first 80 registered runners.

Get ready for a spooky 5K adventure through Ripley brought to you by Waybright Funeral Home, where you're encouraged to show up in your best costume for a chance to win a gift certificate! The fun kicks off and finishes at City Park behind Ripley Elementary, with awards handed out right at the finish line followed by an awesome after-party to celebrate. As the third race in the 4 Season Race Series by Main Street Ripley, this event offers free race socks to the first 50 participants and gives you another opportunity to build toward earning the Series Championship Jacket, with day-of registration opening at 4:30 pm.

Join us for a fun 2-mile run through Saint Albans, West Virginia on October 27th at 9:00 AM, starting right at the local fire station! Whether you register ahead of time for $30 or on race day for $50, you'll be supporting a great cause—all proceeds go directly to The Itty Bitty Kitty Committee. Lace up your shoes and help us make a difference while enjoying a great morning run!

Lace up in Saint Albans, WV to honor Beth Melton's memory and support the fight against metastatic breast cancer at this meaningful 5K event. Every dollar raised goes directly to research funding for this aggressive form of cancer that desperately needs more support and breakthrough treatments. Run, walk, volunteer, or cheer—however you participate, you're making a real difference for Beth and all those battling this disease.

Lace up for a good cause on Saturday, November 28th at 9:00 AM when Saint Albans High School hosts this free timed 5K, with all proceeds supporting the Putnam County Animal Shelter. You can grab a commemorative race shirt for $20 at registration if you order by November 13th, and you're also welcome to bring dog or cat food, toys, or other donations on race day to help out the shelter. Whether you're running for fitness or to support a furry cause, this is a great way to make a difference in your community while enjoying a fun morning race.

Get ready for a fun-filled morning in Shinnston, WV with this 3.1-mile loop that starts on the road and finishes on a scenic rail trail. The main 5K kicks off at 9 AM with chip timing courtesy of Pike Street Bikes, while the kids' Gobble Wobble gets going at 8:50 AM so the whole family can participate. Top finishers compete for cash prizes up to $300, and the event also supports the Turkey Trot Scholarship, awarding $1,000 each to one male and one female high school senior competing in cross-country or track-and-field programs in West Virginia.

Lace up your sneakers on Thanksgiving morning and join us in downtown Summersville for a festive community gathering that starts at Maloney's Pub—whether you're running hard or taking a leisurely walk, everyone's welcome to participate in your favorite holiday attire. Beyond the fun of moving with family, friends, and neighbors, you'll be supporting a meaningful cause: every dollar raised goes directly to purchasing Christmas gifts for Angel Tree kids in our community. Come celebrate the spirit of giving while enjoying the lively atmosphere and helping make the holidays extra special for families in need.

Get ready for a fun-filled pre-Thanksgiving celebration on November 22, 2026 at Wayne High School Track, where young runners can pick their own distance and race within their age group! We'll kick things off with registration at 12:30 PM and racing at 2 PM, with options ranging from 50 yards for our 3-4 year olds all the way up to a full mile challenge for anyone feeling ambitious. This inaugural turkey run is our second event, and here's the twist—we're tracking how many total miles all the kids complete together as one awesome community!

Get ready to dash through a vibrant celebration of color on Saturday, October 24 at 9 am at WVU Jackson's Mill Airstrip in Weston, WV! This fun-filled walk and run event, hosted by Vandalia Health Mon Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital, gives you the option to get splashed with harmless, colorful powder as you go. All proceeds head straight to the Hospital Oncology Clinic, where they'll provide gas and food cards to help patients who could use a little extra assistance.