The best marathons in West Virginia are:
Each of these races shows off a different side of the Mountain State.
One runs you through a college town with a stadium finish, another drops you onto a rail trail that follows the river for miles, a third takes you past Civil War landmarks, and the last one flips the script completely with a nighttime start in the New River Gorge.
West Virginia might not have the biggest races on the map, but it does have courses with personality, scenery, and plenty of character.
Check out my Top 50 Best Marathons in the US, or choose another state:
Marshall University Marathon
Huntington | Nov 2, 2025
Course Type: Mostly Flat
Elevation Gain: 354 feet (107m)
Participants: 359 Finishers (2024)
Price: $130-$150
The Marshall University Marathon kicks off in Huntington each November, starting outside Joan C. Edwards Stadium. The course is known for being flat and fast, which makes it a solid option for runners chasing a personal best or a Boston qualifying time.
The route is a two-loop circuit, with the second half repeating the first. It winds through city streets past Pullman Square, follows stretches along the Ohio River, and dips into Ritter Park. Inside the park, runners hit a short section of crushed limestone, packed tight and smooth enough that it blends right in with the rest of the paved course.
Support along the way is steady, with water stops set up every couple of miles. Since the race is a double loop, you see each aid station twice, which adds a bit of predictability. Restrooms are also positioned at key spots, covering both halves of the race.
The finish is the standout moment. After hours of pounding the pavement, you run through the tunnel and out onto the field at Marshall’s football stadium. Crossing the goal line makes for a memorable ending, especially with the tradition of carrying a football as you finish. Runners can also take part in a tribute at the Memorial Fountain on campus, adding a meaningful note to the day.
Greenbrier River Trail Marathon
Cass | Oct 5, 2025
Course Type: Downhill
Elevation Gain: 25 feet (7m)
Participants: 187 Finishers (2024)
Price: $55-$85
Runners finish the Greenbrier River Trail Marathon in Marlinton at Stillwell Park, where the quiet trail gives way to a small-town scene and a welcoming finish line. Getting there is straightforward: participants park at the finish, ride a shuttle to the start in Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, and then spend the next 26.2 miles running back along the trail.
The route follows an old rail line, which means a consistent one percent downhill grade the whole way. It is gradual enough to feel natural but steady enough to help you hold pace. The surface is mostly packed gravel with a few paved sections closer to the end.
Along the way, the scenery shifts between dense forest, wide-open stretches beside the Greenbrier River, and a few landmarks that break up the miles. Around mile 15, Sharp’s Tunnel takes you briefly into the dark before you emerge onto a wooden bridge that spans the river, one of the most photographed spots on the course.
Aid stations are placed every few miles, stocked simply but spaced just right. Since the marathon is point-to-point, each stop is new and not repeated. Volunteers along the trail add a small-town energy without overwhelming the race’s calm atmosphere.
Freedoms Run Marathon
Shepherdstown | Oct 4, 2025
Course Type: Hilly
Elevation Gain: 1,414 feet (431m)
Participants: 156 Finishers (2024)
Price: $100
What makes Freedoms Run stand out is how deeply it’s tied to American history. The race starts in Harpers Ferry, a town famous for John Brown’s raid and Civil War battles, and the opening miles wind right past landmarks that usually draw history buffs rather than marathoners. Running here feels like moving through a living museum, with cobblestone streets and historic buildings setting the tone early.
From there, the course opens onto the C&O Canal towpath, where the terrain flattens out for a long, steady stretch along the Potomac River. It’s quiet, shaded, and perfect for settling into a rhythm after the excitement of the start. The contrast between the town’s historic backdrop and the calm of the canal is one of the race’s best features.
After the towpath, the course changes character again, moving onto country roads that roll through farmland and fields. The climbs here aren’t huge, but they do keep you honest in the later miles. The scenery shifts from river views to open spaces, and the variety helps break the race into distinct sections.
The finish brings runners to Shepherdstown, home of Shepherd University. Crossing the line here feels more like joining a community gathering than entering a large-scale event. With local involvement and a grassroots vibe, it’s an approachable marathon that manages to carry a lot of weight thanks to its setting.
Moonlight on the Falls Marathon
Davis | Aug 23, 2025
Course Type: Hilly
Participants: 48 Finishers (2025)
Price: $107
Running through the New River Gorge by daylight is memorable enough, but this marathon takes place after dark. The Moonlight on the Falls Marathon kicks off in the evening and carries runners deep into the night, with headlamps and starlight guiding the way. The atmosphere is different from almost any other race in the region: instead of cheering crowds, there’s the hum of crickets and the sound of footfalls echoing in the dark.
The course is contained within the New River Gorge National Park, looping in and around the Adventures on the Gorge resort area. Pavement mixes with park roads and paths, and the route winds past overlooks and through wooded stretches that reveal glimpses of the gorge whenever the light hits just right. Even without the sweeping daytime views, there’s something surreal about moving through the park under the glow of moonlight.
Because of the timing, temperatures are cooler than a typical summer race, which is a relief for anyone who struggles with heat. The night start also shifts the rhythm of the day: instead of waking up before dawn, runners spend the afternoon relaxing before heading to the line as the sun goes down.
The finish is set against the backdrop of the resort, where lights cut through the darkness and the atmosphere turns celebratory. It’s small, low-key, and built around the novelty of running a full marathon at night in one of West Virginia’s most dramatic landscapes.
Weather and Fall Races
Most marathons in West Virginia are scheduled for the fall, and the timing works out well. Morning temperatures often sit in the 40s, with afternoons warming into the 60s, which is a comfortable range for distance running.
The season also means plenty of color along the routes. Runners in places like the Greenbrier Valley or Harpers Ferry often find themselves framed by bright reds, oranges, and yellows as the trees turn. The scenery changes quickly too. A foggy stretch near a river can give way to clear skies in just a few miles, and light rain isn’t unusual.
That variety is part of the draw. Fall in the Mountain State tends to deliver cool, stable conditions, but every year has its quirks. Gloves at the start, short sleeves at the finish, and the occasional surprise shower are all part of the package.
Small Towns and Big Spirit
Each of the state’s marathons has a host town that sets the tone. Huntington has a college energy thanks to Marshall University. Shepherdstown leans on its historic streets. Marlinton welcomes finishers with a laid-back park setting, and Fayetteville brings the flavor of the New River Gorge.
Crowds here are smaller than what you’d find in big cities, but the support feels close and personal. Volunteers are often neighbors, classmates, or local shop owners. Families line sidewalks with folding chairs, and small groups set up signs and cowbells at intersections.
The result is that every race weekend doubles as a community event. Restaurants open a little earlier, coffee shops stay busy, and visitors blend in with the local pace of life. It’s not loud or overwhelming, but it makes the marathons feel rooted in the towns that host them.
Conclusion
Marathoning in West Virginia is about variety. Flat and fast streets in Huntington, quiet gravel trails along the Greenbrier, rolling farmland outside Shepherdstown, and a nighttime challenge in the Gorge all add up to a race calendar that feels bigger than the state’s size. These events are supported by small towns that take pride in hosting and by a fall season that makes for good running weather.
For runners looking beyond the usual city marathons, West Virginia offers something different. The races here are approachable, memorable, and built on the landscapes and communities that make the state unique.
Row Brown is the founder of Refresh Row. He is a keen marathon runner, his favorite being the London Marathon. He’s now set himself the mission of Running the Entire Length of Spain, which is scheduled for late 2024.
