Frequently Asked Questions

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IS THIS A CERTIFIED COURSE?

Updated 9/10/26: USATF certification for BOTH distances are approved!

Full Marathon certificate number: WV26007MS

Half Marathon certificate number: WV26008MS

Is there a cut-off time?

There is an 8-hour cut-off time for the marathon.  We will have a timing mat at 13.1 which will have a 4-hour cut-off.  The cut-off time for the Half Marathon is 5 hours.

 

What time does the race start?

Both race distances start at 8:00 AM.

Will there be finisher's medals? 

Yes! There are finisher’s medals for all finishers.  

 

Is there a packet pickup and where? 

Packet pickup will be Saturday, October 3 from 3:00pm - 8:00pm at Dirt Bean Cafe, located at 818 Second Avenue, Marlinton, WV. Packet pickup on Race Day is at the Start Line (711 First Avenue, Marlinton, WV) at 6:30am-7:45am.

Is there a pre-race meal? 

There is no pre-race meal for 2026.

Will there be a bag drop?

No, since the new course for 2026 is an out-and-back, there is no bag drop.

Are trail shoes or road shoes recommended?

Either shoe would be fine depending on your comfort-level in either. The surface is mostly packed gravel with some softer sections throughout the middle of the trail in most places. So, trail shoes would be comfortable enough and provide a little bit of grip if there is lots of rain leading up to race day. However, racing flats / road shoes are also okay as most is packed and the last two miles are paved with a gravel road finish (last 1/2 mile).