Blackwater Canyon Half Marathon
- Date Sat 12th September 2026
- Time 9:00AM EDT
- Location Parsons, West Virginia
- Price $64.60
- Races 1 race
- Distances Half Marathon
Event summary
Get ready for an exhilarating experience at the Blackwater Canyon Half Marathon on Saturday, September 12, 2026! This scenic point-to-point race will take you along the picturesque Blackwater Canyon railroad grade and the Allegheny Highlands Trail, starting in Thomas, WV, and finishing at Mill Race Park in Parsons, WV. Participants will enjoy a thrilling course that descends approximately 1400 feet, with a mix of pavement, dirt, and crushed stone underfoot. The race kicks off at 9:00 am, and to make it convenient, a shuttle bus will transport runners from Parsons to Thomas at 8:00 am.
With only 200 spots available, this event promises to be an unforgettable day for runners and spectators alike! Compete for exciting awards, including custom handmade mugs and hydration packs for the top finishers, as well as age group prizes. Plus, don't miss the chance to take on the Black-Hel Double challenge by participating in both the Blackwater Canyon Half Marathon and the Helvetia 10k Mountain Run the following day. Join us for a weekend of fitness, fun, and community spirit in the beautiful Potomac Highlands of West Virginia!
With only 200 spots available, this event promises to be an unforgettable day for runners and spectators alike! Compete for exciting awards, including custom handmade mugs and hydration packs for the top finishers, as well as age group prizes. Plus, don't miss the chance to take on the Black-Hel Double challenge by participating in both the Blackwater Canyon Half Marathon and the Helvetia 10k Mountain Run the following day. Join us for a weekend of fitness, fun, and community spirit in the beautiful Potomac Highlands of West Virginia!
Organiser's Description
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 13, 2025 - $60
After August 13, 2023 - $75
AWARDS
Custom handmade mugs by MUD Ceramics, Thomas, WV, will be awarded to:
Overall Top Male and Female finisher - Salomon has also donated Hydration packs for the overall winners!
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, HydraPak speed cup and locally made finishers woodallions. Please note: we cannot guarantee shirt size after August 13, 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. More information about the Helvetia 10k Mountain Run is available at https://www.wvmtr.org/races/helvetia/
RACE WEEKEND DETAILS
PACKET PICKUP:
Friday evening packet pick up will take place in Thomas, WV from 5:30-7:00 pm at the rail yard. Race day packet pickup will take place at the Mill Race Park in Parsons, WV from 6:45 - 7:45 am.
SHUTTLE BUS LEAVES:
Buses will leave Mill Race Park in Parsons for the starting line in Thomas at 8:00 am. Note: Please board the bus as soon as you can. The bus ride will take approximately 35-45 minutes.
RACE START:
The race will start at 9:00 am just below Tip Top (on State Hwy 32, Thomas, WV 26292), along the rail yard road. This crushed stone road parralles the North Fork Blackwater River and East Street.
BAG DROP OFF:
Bags and extra layers you need on the bus can be left in the box at the starting line. They will be under the pavilion in the finishers area for you to pick up after the race.
AID STATIONS/RESTROOMS:
Three Aid stations will be provided along the course. Stations will include water, Skratch hydration, and various energy packed snacks. THIS WILL BE A CUPLESS RACE (thank you, HydraPak)! It is suggested that each runner carry the cup provided or water bottle, we wont have cups at the aid stations.
Restrooms are located at the Mill Race Park, Parsons, WV. Portapotties will be provided at the start line.
See you there!
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 13, 2025 - $60
After August 13, 2023 - $75
AWARDS
Custom handmade mugs by MUD Ceramics, Thomas, WV, will be awarded to:
Overall Top Male and Female finisher - Salomon has also donated Hydration packs for the overall winners!
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, HydraPak speed cup and locally made finishers woodallions. Please note: we cannot guarantee shirt size after August 13, 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. More information about the Helvetia 10k Mountain Run is available at https://www.wvmtr.org/races/helvetia/
RACE WEEKEND DETAILS
PACKET PICKUP:
Friday evening packet pick up will take place in Thomas, WV from 5:30-7:00 pm at the rail yard. Race day packet pickup will take place at the Mill Race Park in Parsons, WV from 6:45 - 7:45 am.
SHUTTLE BUS LEAVES:
Buses will leave Mill Race Park in Parsons for the starting line in Thomas at 8:00 am. Note: Please board the bus as soon as you can. The bus ride will take approximately 35-45 minutes.
RACE START:
The race will start at 9:00 am just below Tip Top (on State Hwy 32, Thomas, WV 26292), along the rail yard road. This crushed stone road parralles the North Fork Blackwater River and East Street.
BAG DROP OFF:
Bags and extra layers you need on the bus can be left in the box at the starting line. They will be under the pavilion in the finishers area for you to pick up after the race.
AID STATIONS/RESTROOMS:
Three Aid stations will be provided along the course. Stations will include water, Skratch hydration, and various energy packed snacks. THIS WILL BE A CUPLESS RACE (thank you, HydraPak)! It is suggested that each runner carry the cup provided or water bottle, we wont have cups at the aid stations.
Restrooms are located at the Mill Race Park, Parsons, WV. Portapotties will be provided at the start line.
See you there!
Races
-
Blackwater Canyon Half Marathon
Incl. $4.60 Fee & Race Shirt (Unisex or Women's Fit)
Sat 12th September 2026 (9:00AM EDT)
$64.60
OPENS 31 MAR 26
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