Course

Registration is now CLOSED! Best of luck runners!!! 

The Blackwater Canyon Half Marathon will take place on the 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 Rim is a downhill trail that curves along the Blackwater River and its North Branch, meandering through the steep rhododendron-lined canyon. Views of the river, including scenic waterfalls, are sure to make this an enjoyable day for experienced runners and novice outdoor enthusiasts alike. 

Race prizes include hand-painted finisher woodallians and age group award mugs by MUD (and the comfort of knowing you have helped to support a good cause while getting outside and having a great time!) 

To save waste going to the landfill, this will be a cupless race. We will provide each runner with a Salomon Soft Speed cup, or similar product.

Race Details: 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 decend about 1300'. The 9:00 am race start is located on the rail trail below First/Front Street in Thomas, WV. Race Day packet pickup will take place at the finish in Parsons, from 6:45-7:45 am. At 8:00 am you will park your vichicle and catch a shuttle bus from Parsons to the race start in Thomas.

The course will close at 1pm. 

Entry Fees

RACE ENTRY WILL CLOSE AT 100 RUNNERS!  

Individual Entry Fees:

• Before August 15, 2018 - $65 (Highland Trail Foundation Members $60)
• After August 15, 2018 - $75 (Highland Trail Foundation Members $70)
  *If you are a HTF member please e-mail mandyhelms@yahoo.com for the discount code.  

Support the Highlands Trail Foundation and become a member! Visit http://highlandstrail.org

Age Groups

Female and Male - 3 deep, 10 year age groupings

Under - 19
20 - 29
30 - 39
40 - 49
50 - 59
60 - +

Awards

Awards:
Custom handmade mugs by MUD Ceramics, Thomas, WV, will be awarded to:

• Overall Top Male and Female finisher - Salomon has donated a pair of shoes for the overall winners!
• Top 3 Male finishers in each age group (16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+)
• Top 3 Female finishers in each age group (16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+

The award ceremoney will take place at 1pm.

SWAG: Gender specific shirts, Salomon Soft Speed Cup (or similar product) and locally made finishers woodallions.

Charity Information

Please join us for this exciting event in support of the Highlands Trail Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to trail development in the Potomac Highlands of WV. 

More Information

Packet Pickup:
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 for the starting line at  8:00 am. Note: Each bus can carry 52 adults, so please plan accordingly. The bus ride will take approximately 35-45mins. 

Race Start: 
The race will start at 9:00 am just below Tip Top (216 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:
At this time we will not offer a pre-race bag check. 
 

Aid Stations/Restrooms:
Two Aid stations will be provided along the course. Stations will include water, NUUN and various energy packed snacks. THIS WILL BE A CUPLESS RACE! It is suggested that each runner carry water and fuel in addition to what the aid stations provide. Please utilize the Salomon Soft Speed cup (or similar product) provided to you in your race bag. 

Restrooms are located at the Mill Race Park, Parsons, WV. Portapotties will be provided at the start line.

After Race Party:
Refreshments, snacks, and entertainment will be provided to the runners participating in the event. 

Spectators:
You may see the runners before they head into the Canyon at Douglas and once they leave the Canyon at Hendricks. Please be aware of runners on the road and trail and help cheer them on!

RD Information:
Mandy Sullivan, RD
304-642-6000
Mandyhelms@yahoo.com
Mandy is currently a Highland Trail Foundation board member. She ran cross country and track for the Preston High Knights and cross country for Davis and Elkins College. Mandy is currently attempting to run a marathon or ultra marathon in all 50 States + DC.  Please feel free to contact her with any questions. Happy Running!

Sarah Forbes, RD

304-704-4954
halfiron02@gmail.com

Sarah is currently a Highland Trail Foundation board member. She ran cross country and track in high school and at Wheaton College in Illinois. Sarah loves trail running and is also happy to answer your questions as well. 
 

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