New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia · Sunday, August 23, 2026
The Group Run & Raft is a running and ultra event held on Sunday, August 23, 2026. It is located in New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia.
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!
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 [email protected] with any questions.
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.
Bridge Day 5K RUN – October 17, 2026
Sponsored by West Virginia University Institute of Technology
Don't miss your once-a-year opportunity to run across the New River Gorge Bridge on October 17th, 2026. Active SWV's Bridge Day 5K course starts on the North side of the NRG Bridge and gives runners the chance to take in the vast views from the bridge while running south towards the Court Street finish line in the town of Fayetteville. Sign-ups max out at 500 racers, so make sure to secure your spot now! After the race, stick around for all of the Official Bridge Day festivities!
This is a RUN ONLY event. No walking allowed due to restricted road closures with the Official Bridge Day event. The minimum age to enter the race is 8.
The Active SWV Bridge Day 5K RUN provides the highest level of quality, safety, and accommodation possible for participants. Each racer has a responsibility to understand event logistics and follow security guidelines. Please read all event details to ensure a smooth race experience. Details Here - https://activeswv.org/bridge-day-5k-run/.
This race 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.
Race participants are required to maintain a pace of 15 minutes per mile for the initial mile, prioritizing safety during West Virginia's premier one-day festival. Participants have the flexibility to incorporate walking breaks or adjust to a slower pace after completing the first mile.
This event supports Active SWV's Kids Run Clubs & Community Captains programs. Learn more about them here.
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.
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 [email protected] with any questions.