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. The half marathon will have a 3 hour and 30 minutes cut off time.
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.
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
70°
Typical Low
47°
Chance of Rain
29%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Beckley Va Hospital, 1 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Beckley, WV
Population
16,977
as of 2023
Elevation
2,518 ft
Nearest Airport
BKW
Raleigh County Memorial Airport · 4 mi
Major Hub
GSO
Piedmont Triad International Airport · 135 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Beckley Half Marathon & 5K, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
110
Days to train
- Race
- Beckley Half Marathon & 5K
- Date
- September 26, 2026
- Location
- 513 Ewart Ave, Beckley, WV
Coming Up
More Running races near Beckley, WV
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21 miles away
Bearhole Road Race
17 miles away
Captain Thurmond's Challenge 2026
21 miles away
West Virginia Water Festival Trail Race
20 miles away
From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Beckley Half Marathon & 5K?
- Beckley Half Marathon & 5K is a running race held in Beckley, West Virginia on September 26, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
- When and where is the Beckley Half Marathon & 5K?
- Saturday, September 26, 2026 in Beckley, West Virginia at 513 Ewart Ave, Beckley, WV. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the Beckley Half Marathon & 5K?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
Beckley Half Marathon & 5K
Sep 26, 2026