Beckley Half Marathon & 5K

Join us on Saturday, August 29th at ACE Adventure Resort for a vibrant, high-energy day of fun, fitness, and community at the Color Dash for Hope! This colorful 5K run/walk is open to all ages and fitness levels—whether you're a serious runner or st want to have fun, you’ll be showered in bright bursts of color as you dash along the scenic course.

More than just a fun run, the Color Dash for Hope supports an important cause: Hope in the Hills and their mission to end opiate addiction in Appalachia. By participating, you’ll not only enjoy an unforgettable day of color and laughter, but also contribute to creating a brighter, healthier future for our region.

Event Highlights:

A 5K course filled with vibrant color stations

Family-friendly atmosphere—fun for all ages!

Post-dash celebration with music, food, and more at ACE Adventure Resort

Support Hope in the Hills in their fight against opiate addiction

Date: Saturday, August 29th

Location: ACE Adventure Resort

Time: Registration opens at 8:00 AM | Dash begins at 10:00 AM

Bring your friends, family, and plenty of white clothing—because by the end of the dash, you’ll be covered in color and filled with hope! Help us paint the path toward recovery while having a blast.

Ready to dash for hope? Sign up today!

Embrace the adventure and run wild at the New River Gorge Wilds Trail Run this fall at ACE Adventure Resort! Set against the stunning backdrop of the New River Gorge, runners can choose from three exciting distances: a full marathon, half marathon, or a 5K. Whether you're an experienced trail runner or a first-timer looking to enjoy the scenic beauty, there's a challenge for everyone.

With awesome prizes and awards the competition is fierce! But it’s not just about the race—participants will also enjoy awesome runner perks:

🏕️ Free camping on Friday and Saturday nights

🏅 Finisher medals for all distances

👕 Race shirt to commemorate your run

🌯 Burrito buffet to refuel after crossing the finish line

Come for the run, stay for the adventure, and soak in the thrill of fall at ACE Adventure Resort. This is your chance to experience the wild beauty of the Gorge in one unforgettable race. Ready to Run Wild?

Sign up now and claim your spot!

Our Spring run at Babcock, the Gristmill Grinder has become such a favorite we decided that it was time to invite you to a Fall run- the Sticks and Stones 15K! This course too is already a classic. Starting at the Historic Camp Washington Carver runners will run into the park and along the rim of the Mann's Creek Gorge before dropping down into the deep canyon. We have added another 2.2 miles of trail to the big loop from the Grinder course and have taken away a mile of road. This leaves you with 9 miles of trail that is incredible and so spectacular! Enjoy the beautiful fall colors, rhododendron tunnels, waterfalls, cliffs, bridges and always amazing scenery. The only road section on this course is as you run up to the famous Gristmill and then turn left toward Skyline and the Finish.

So, what are you waiting for? Reserve your spot today- this run will have a smaller cap than the Grinder, only 180 slots, and fill quickly. Babcock in the Fall is Almost Heaven! See you in October--

Event details and schedule

Sticks and Stones 15K Event Schedule

Packet pickup:

Friday evening in Fayetteville, WV area, location TBA, 5:30-6:30pm

Saturday morning at the Finish Line are, Mann's Creek Picnic Area from 8-9:15am

Directions to Finish area:

Enter Babcock State Park from Route 41 at the main entrance. Immediately turn right toward Mann's Creek Picnic Area (there will be signs). Once at the picnic area, there will be plenty of parking below the picnic area on the right. This area has many resources, tennis court, volleyball net, picnic shelter, playground for the little ones, restrooms AND an amazing overlook at the finish!

Start times:

This is a point to point race. We will be shuttling runners to the start area at 9:30 . Race will start at 10:30. The shuttle from the finish up to the start is about a 10 minute ride.

Weather:

This is fall in the mountains! Along with beautiful changing leaves you can also expect cool weather. Actually the average weather in October here can be anything so keep an eye on forecasts and pack accordingly. We will update you as we are close to the day.

Lodging and more info:

Lodging is available at the park with cabins and camping. There are many other options as well in the area. For more info go to our site, we have links to some of our recommended partners.