14 running events in Charleston, West Virginia

The Charleston Winter Series is the fundraiser for Charleston Parks and Recreation to fund youth programs. Thank you for your support!

Three Races to Earn your Hoodie! All on Sundays, All from UC Pharmacy School Parking Lot, all at 2PM.

5K - December 14, 2025

8K - February 15, 2026 NOTICE LOCATION AND DATE CHANGE SEE EMAIL!! Kanawha Blvd Magic Island Park

10K - March 8, 2026 NOTICE LOCATION AND DATE CHANGE SEE EMAIL!! Kanawha Blvd Magic Island Park

$90.00 for entire Series (to earn Hoodie!) Students $30.00 for entire Series (also earns Hoodie!)

Individual races $40.00 (no Hoodie)

Medals for Age group winners 10 yr age groups

AGE GROUPS

10 and under

11-14

15-19

20-29

30-39

40-49

50-59

60-69

70-79

80+

Live Registration at each race is available 1 hour before race time.

10th Celtic Calling Gathering and Friends of Spring Hill Cemetery Park and Arboretum: 5K Kilt Run and 2K Walk

Charleston’s most scenic run/walk takes place in the historic Spring Hill Cemetery Park and Arboretum. It’s a rolling course of discovery with flora and fauna and monuments to historic founders of the city; and beautiful views over the Kanawha Valley. The sound of Bagpipes will welcome you and spur you on around the course. Kilts and Celtic attire are optional but add to the occasion.

What State 5K visitors said:

“Charleston is one for the books, my 36th State overall!. We all agreed that the run was one of our favorites for the beauty of it and the bagpipes playing beginning to end! (Not the hills!!) Most importantly, the PEOPLE!! We met the nicest people at the run and right after at the coffee shop. We went to two breweries and caught up with more people at The Blue Parrot while dancing the night away listening to the Rogues. We had a fantastic trip." - Visitor from Illinois

Can you set a new course record ?

Hector Falcon:16.21set in 2025, and Kathryn Wilson: 20.10, set in 2022.

Fees and Registration:

Entry Fees :

2K Walkers (Not Timed) - $20

5K Runners/Walkers (Timed) - $ 25

After February 15th:

2K Walkers (Not Timed) - $25

5K Runners/Walkers (Timed) - $30

Online Registration: closes March 5th.

On Day/Live Registration: Come early, 1hr before race time (Cash or Check). Not guaranteed to receive a medal:

2K Walkers (Not Timed) - $30

5K Runners/Walkers (Timed) - $35

Part of a Group, Club, Business or Organization?

Sign up individually and register your group name and participants the morning of race. Your group must be 7 or more people and may receive an award.

Day of Race:

Parking: Signage and Stewards will direct you to Parking areas. They are located at East and West gates and may be as much as 1/2 mile away.

8am - Check in, collect Race # and sticker at Administration Building.

8 30am - Day off Registration closes.

8 30am - Bagpipes will entertain from Administration Buildings Porch.

9 am - Race Start Time

5K Kilt Run Course

Starts and Finishes at the Administration Building. The course is an undulating figure of 8 with over 300 ft of elevation gain. It will take you to points East and West in the 180 acre Cemetery.

2K Kilt Walk Course: Starts and Finishes at the Administration Building. This is not a timed Walk.

AWARDS

All participants will receive a medal celebrating the 10th Celtic Calling Gathering and be entered into a raffle for merchandise, gift certificates and fun items donated by local merchants.

Overall 1st - Male(M) & Female (F) – Special Awards TBA

Sections, all age group winners will receive an award. In the past this has been a coffee mug, embossed with Celtic Calling Logo but may change this year:

14 and under 1st - M&F

19 and under 1st - M&F

29 and under 1st - M&F

39 and under 1st - M&F

49 and under 1st - M&F

59 and under 1st - M&F

69 and under 1st - M&F

70 and over. 1st - M&F

1st Dog running with owner completing 5K, presented to owner.

Best Dressed Runner/Walker Kilt/Attire - M&F

Best dressed/cutest dog running with owner.

Awards 2K Walk (Not Timed) :

Best Dressed Kilt/Attire - M&F

Best dressed/cutest dog, walking with owner.

Group Award:

Largest Group (Can include timed and not timed, runners and walkers together) – Special award and a tree planted in your honor.

Proceeds:

After expenses, all proceeds go to Friends of Spring Hill Cemetery Park & Arboretum. This non-profit organization works in cooperation with the City of Charleston to promote, enhance and develop Spring Hill Cemetery Park and Mary Price Ratrie Arboretum; for the use and enjoyment of the public.

More:

https://www.springhillcemeterycharleston.com/

https://www.ratriearboretum.com/

The Kilt Run and Walk is part of the 10th Celtic Calling Gathering. 5 days of events that take place around downtown Charleston that raise up Celtic heritage, arts and culture: www.celticcalling.org

Sponsored by Spring Hill Cemetery Commission

Flat Roads, Fast Times, and Friendly Vibes – Run Charleston!

A fast and flat Boston qualifying course through the City of Charleston, West Virginia will take you 26.2 miles around our state capitol, on the historic streets of the city, across the Kanawha river, and through the University of Charleston campus! The University of Charleston Marathon intends to promote community, encourage health and wellness, and serve as a critical funding source for the University of Charleston Honors College students. We aim to provide a high-quality race experience for runners, volunteers, spectators and the surrounding community.

COURSE MAP

This USATF-Certified course is ideal for personal records or Boston qualifying times. (USATF-WV25002MS)

STAY AND PLAY

The UC Marathon Preferred Hotel is Four Points by Sheraton. Book by Monday, March 16, 2026 for the special UC Marathon rate.

Join us for the 2nd Annual Different Not Less Autism Inclusion 5K* on April 18th at 9:00 AM at Haddad Riverfront Park in Charleston, WV!

This unique event offers something for everyone. Whether you're aiming for a personal best or looking to enjoy a memorable morning with family, our course welcomes participants of all abilities and experiences. Competitive runners will appreciate professional chip timing, while participants of all ages can take in the joyful atmosphere and engaging sensory elements along the route, including mesmerizing giant bubbles at the turnaround point. Walk, run, roll, or stroll - participate in whatever way feels right for you. Every journey across the finish line is worth celebrating.

This event is more than just a run. It's an opportunity to raise awareness, build community, and support individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. The race was born from the passion of two remarkable women, Beth Moore and Amanda Lewis, who have personal connections to autism.

Beth's autism diagnosis as an adult brought clarity to her life, helping her understand her past struggles and embrace her unique perspective. She's passionate about helping others feel seen, valued, and included. Amanda's journey as a mother to Wyatt, who was diagnosed with autism at age two, has been filled with both challenges and victories. Her unwavering advocacy has helped Wyatt thrive, and now she's channeling her determination into this event.

Together, they're co-chairing this event to benefit Community Autism Resources & Education Systems (CARES), a local nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to evidence-based services while providing education, advocacy, and community outreach to empower West Virginia children on the autism spectrum and their families.

Early Packet pickup is on April 17th at GoMart Ballpark from 5:30 - 7:30 pm during CARES' Neon Night event. Come collect your packet and see for yourself the difference your participation is making! While Bibs and Chips will be assigned morning of the 5k April 18th (8:00am-8:50am)

Take a step into the CARES world and watch the joy on a child's face as they play with the Charleston Dirty Birds players, jump on bounce houses, dance in black lights with friends, while knowing that you are helping make it all possible!

Join us as we run, walk, or roll to show support for our autism community and make a real difference!

Parking: Available in the garage at 99 Laidley St

T-Shirts: Register by March 31st to be guaranteed a T-Shirt

Awards: The top 3 male & female finishers in the following categories will receive medals: 20 and under, 20 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49, 50 to 59, 60 to 69 and 70+

Early Packet Pickup: Friday 4/17 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at Go Mart Park (601 Morris St, Charleston, WV 25301)

The 10th annual Race to End Racism is dedicated to promoting unity and social justice. This community-driven race features a 5K run and a 1-mile walk, offering participants of all ages and abilities the opportunity to take a stand against racism while fostering awareness and inclusion.

Whether running competitively or walking in solidarity, every step taken in the Race to End Racism supports education, advocacy, and action to build a more just and inclusive society.

Join us as we lace up our shoes and make an impact—Diversity celebrates our differences. Equity ensures equal opportunities. Inclusion is how we all belong.

Online registration will end at 11:59PM on April 24. Race day registrants will not be timed.

The Max Arco Mastromichalis Foundation 5K

Join us at 9 a.m. Sunday, April 26 for The Max Arco Mastromichalis Foundation 5K - a fun, community-centered race created to honor Max's legacy and raise funds for graduating George Washington High School seniors each year. Max was passionate about fitness, determination, and living life with a full heart, making this fundraiser a meaningful way to celebrate the values he lived by.

Packet pick up will occur at George Washington High School parking lot, located at 1522 Tennis Club Road in Charleston, 5-7 p.m. Saturday, April 25. Check-in for the race begins at 8 a.m. at Slack Plaza for those unable to pick up their packets the evening before.

Registration is $65 for adults and $50 for students.

One of our generous sponsors, Fife Street Brewing, will be open at 10 a.m. so participants can enjoy a drink and a burger named in Max's honor! A portion of the proceeds will go to the Foundation. First, second, and third place finishers over 21 get a free pint following the race!

The Middle Ridge Monster is a FREE WVMTR Club Event! This is meant to be a social event that encompasses the true spirit of old school ultra running. There won't be 17 different flavors of Doritos, or gluten free/vegan/no-gmo/sugar free/low carb/organic/fair trade/local sourced pretzels. Just trail runners having a good time. Runners will be able to access their vehicles at the end of each loop and will be able to get any additional food/aid needed.

It is an 8 hour event. If someone is trying for a distance PR, or wants to get their first ultra, this event is for you. If someone wants to come out and only run for 2 hours, you are welcome. There are no cut-offs. The only finish line is the one you create for yourself. Come hang out with us fine WVMTR folks.

This is a WVMTR Club Event that has no registration fee, but participants must register on RunSignUp so there is an e-signed waiver and emergency information available. Members and non-members are welcome! Joining WVMTR is not necessary to participate in this event, but we encourage you to support our events by becoming members. Yearly membership is only $10 and allows us to offer these wonderful free club events. Become a member today or visit our membership page to learn more!

The Big Timber Trot 10K and 6K returns on May 25 in Kanawha State Forest for a scenic and challenging trail race directed by the same experienced team that has hosted races in the forest for years. This event is one of two races held annually in the park and reflects our continued commitment to delivering high quality, well organized trail running experiences. Both distances will start and finish at Shelter 6 and guide runners along winding forest roads, steady climbs, and classic West Virginia terrain that is welcoming to newer trail runners while still offering a rewarding challenge for seasoned participants.

Race shirts are guaranteed to all runners who register by May 15 at midnight, with remaining extras available first come first served while supplies last.

In loving memory of Buffy Bonwell.

Children’s Home Society needs your support. On May 30th, 2026, we are hosting our third annual 5k fundraiser at the University of Charleston. The Children’s Home Society has been serving children and families for over 129 years. Today, we have 13 primary locations and 28 physical locations to provide adoption, foster care, and emergency shelter care statewide. Our goal is to raise funds that will assist the needs of the children at the Davis Child Shelter and in our Foster Care and Adoption Program.

The 5K run/walk race will be hosted at the University of Charleton. Water stations will be set up for the convenience of the participants.

Each June, the CAMC Foundation holds the CAMC Foundation Run for Your Life 5-Mile Run/2.5-Mile Walk. All proceeds from the event benefit colorectal cancer awareness and screening initiatives to help people who cannot otherwise afford critical screening procedures in our community. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer, and the second deadliest in both men and women combined in the United States.

The 5 mile run and 2.5 mile walk begins at Haddad Riverfront Park, takes runners and walkers through the streets of Charleston and returns to the park to finish. Each year, more than 400 runners and walkers come out to enjoy a morning of physical activity, music along the event course, refreshments at the finish line, and support a good cause.

Has colorectal cancer touched your life or someone close to you? We want to help share your story!

By signing up, you can share your personal connection to colorectal cancer through our event’s platform and raise funds that stay right here in our community; benefiting the health of your friends, neighbors, and loved ones.