Beckley Half Marathon & 5K
- Date
- September 26, 2026
- Location
- 513 Ewart Ave, Beckley, WV
- Distance
- Half Marathon · 5K Run/Walk
From the Organizer
Active Southern West Virginia is excited to welcome runners back to the Beckley Half Marathon on September 26, 2026!
Starting and finishing at the iconic Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, this race blends local history with a course that highlights the best of Beckley. The Exhibition Coal Mine is a preserved historic coal camp and underground mine experience that tells the story of West Virginia’s coal heritage. With original buildings, period equipment, and guided tours through an actual mine, it offers a powerful glimpse into the region’s past, making it a truly unique backdrop for race day.
Half marathoners will cruise along the scenic rail trail before heading uptown and then returning to the rail trail to finish. The route is thoughtfully designed to be approachable yet competitive, ideal for seasoned runners aiming for a personal best and first-timers ready to tackle 13.1 miles in a supportive, high-energy environment.
Prefer a shorter distance? The 5K features a welcoming out-and-back course that’s perfect for runners and walkers of all levels. Whether you’re chasing a PR, running with friends, or simply soaking in the race day atmosphere, this event promises strong community support, great scenery, and a finish-line experience worth celebrating in southern West Virginia.
Kids 12 and under can race the 5K for free!
All participants will enjoy a hearty post-race meal featuring bean soup, cornbread, and classic West Virginia pepperoni rolls!
Start Times:
Half Marathon - 8 AM
5K - 8:30 AM
Giveaway Item: Commemorative t-shirt for all participants.
Both the Half and 5K includes a finisher medal and top finisher medals in these age groups: 0-12, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+ for Male AND Female.
Racers are responsible for reading the racer email provided one week before the race for exact times and locations.
Protect your registration with RegShield event insurance! If you can’t attend due to one of nearly 20 covered reasons, you’ll receive a full refund of your registration and transaction fees. Simply add insurance at checkout for peace of mind.
Be sure to take advantage of the RunSignup referral program when you register. Share your unique referral link with friends and family, earn rewards, and help grow the race community while saving on your registration.
Active SWV does not mail race bibs, shirts, finisher medals, or awards.
If you would like items mailed after an event, a $10 donation will be requested to cover shipping and handling.
Please reach out to hello@activeswv.com with any questions.
Distances & Pricing
Race Location
About This Sport
From Endurance Grid's Founder
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
The half marathon is the distance where you find out what you're actually made of. Long enough to demand real preparation. Short enough that it doesn't consume your life to train for it. Most people who run their first half describe it as the race that changed their relationship with what they're capable of. Once you cross this finish line, the bar moves. That's not a warning — that's the point.
Race day energy varies by event size, but the finish line feeling is the same regardless. Big races keep the noise going the whole way. Smaller races give you stretches where it's just you and the miles — and that solitude becomes its own kind of fuel.
The half marathon rewards people who show up for the boring training miles.
How long to train: 10–14 weeks. If you're already running consistently, 10 weeks of structured buildup is enough. If you're building from a casual base, give yourself 14.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Coming Up
More running races in WV
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Beckley Half Marathon & 5K?
- Beckley Half Marathon & 5K is a running event held in Beckley, WV. Learn more about the different endurance sports here.
- When and where is the Beckley Half Marathon & 5K?
- Saturday, September 26, 2026 in Beckley, WV at 513 Ewart Ave, Beckley, WV. Check the official event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the Beckley Half Marathon & 5K?
- Registration is handled through their official registration page. Confirm pricing, distances available, and sign up there.
Beckley Half Marathon & 5K
Sep 26, 2026