2 events in Parsons, West Virginia
From big races to Saturday morning group runs—find half marathon events and connect with the local endurance sports community.
Parsons
2 events in Parsons-
Sat, Apr 25, 2026 at 8:30 AMSee full details
8th Annual Canaan Valley Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K
Join us for the 8th Annual Canaan Valley Half Marathon, 10k & 5k, April 25 - 26, 2026! Hosted at Canaan Valley Resort, in Tucker County, West Virginia, in the heart of the Potomac Highlands. This road race takes place in one of the East Coast’s most idyllic settings and is just a short drive to any outdoor activity you could want. The area is also home to two amazing and eclectic mountain towns full of arts and culture. So if you are looking for a new Half Marathon, 10K, or 5K to run and need a mountain vacation or just a getaway for the day or weekend, we are the race for you!
Once again we will be offering all distances on both Saturday, April 25, and Sunday, April 26! We have reserved the entire Canaan Valley Resort for the weekend to create an Epic Destination Running Experience. You are welcome to come for the day, but we'd love it if you spent the weekend with us. This year we will also be bringing back our Kids Race on Saturday at 12:30pm.
Back this year: Later start times, the Return of the Kids Race, plus course improvements (see our website for more details)
All details beyond race date, distances, and approximate times are based on 2025 and may be subject to change, although we do not expect substantial changes.
Packet Pickup will be held at Canaan Valley Resort State Park (event venue) at minimum 6:30-8pm the night before each race and for a limited time race morning. See our website for most recent information.
Start Times:
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8:30am (both days) Half and 10K
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9:00am (both days) 5K
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12:30pm (Saturday) - 1/2 mile Kids Race
Join our Facebook Group for regular updates and to talk to fellow participants present and past.
Conquer the Valley
Looking for a little more challenge? Come out for the whole weekend and the Conquer the Valley Challenge! Run any two distances, either day.
Prizes in a "Competitive" division for competing the 5K first, then the Half on Sunday. Run for "Fun" any two other combinations and save money! See our website for more details.
Swag
All participants get a Sweet McClumsy hat and finisher medal.
All finishers over 21 years of age get a complementary beer as well, in addition to post-race snacks.
Course Time Limit
The Course Time Limit is up to 4 hours - that's right, plenty of time for a 10K/5K! All Runners must be finished by 12:30 pm on Saturday & Sunday ; additionally Half Marathoners must be off the golf course (approximately Mile 12) within 3 1/2 hours.
Special Thanks to our Volunteers:
- Snow Sports Museum of West Virginia
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Sat, Sep 12, 2026 at 9:00 AMSee full details
The Blackwater Canyon Half Marathon will take place on the Blackwater Canyon railroad grade and 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 Half Marathon is a point-to-point race. The trail is made of pavement, dirt, and crushed stone. The race course will descend about 1400'. The 9:00 am race start is located on the rail trail below First/Front Street in Thomas, WV. The race finish is in Parsons, WV. At 8:00 am, a bus will transport runners from Parsons to the race start in Thomas.
RACE ENTRY WILL CLOSE AT 200 RUNNERS!
Individual Entry Fees:
• Before August 12, 2026 - $60
• After August 12, 2026 - $75
Awards
Custom handmade mugs by MUD Ceramics, Thomas, WV, will be awarded to:
• Overall Top Male and Female finisher - $100 gift certificates
• Top 3 Male finishers in each age group (0-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+)
• Top 3 Female finishers in each age group (0-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+)
SWAG: Gender specific shirts, speed cup and locally made finishers medallions. Please note: we cannot guarantee shirt size after August 12, but will try to have one that works for you.
Black-Hel Double
Looking for a challenge? In coordination with the West Virginia Mountain Trail Runners' Helvetia 10k Mountain Run, we have the Black-Hel Double! This is a two part racing event. First complete the Blackwater Canyon Half Marathon on Saturday. Then travel to Helvetia on Sunday and finish the 10k Mountain Run. Finishers of both races receive a special hat with the Black-Hel Double logo. Awards will be given out at the conclusion of the Helvetia 10k Mountain Run. No additional purchase necessary. More information about the Helvetia 10k Mountain Run is available at https://www.wvmtr.org/races/helvetia/
RACE WEEKEND DETAILS
Packet Pickup:
Friday evening packet pick up will take place in Thomas, WV from 5:30-7:00 pm at the rail yard. 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 Mill Race Park in Parsons for the starting line in Thomas at 8:00 am. Note: Please board the bus as soon as you can. The bus ride will take approximately 35-45 minutes.
Race Start:
The race will start at 9:00 am just below Tip Top (on 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:
Bags and extra layers you need on the bus can be left in the box at the starting line. They will be under the pavilion in the finishers area for you to pick up after the race.
Aid Stations/Restrooms:
Three Aid stations will be provided along the course. Stations will include water, Skratch hydration, and various energy packed snacks. THIS WILL BE A CUPLESS RACE! It is suggested that each runner carry the cup provided or water bottle, we won’t have cups at the aid stations.
Restrooms are located at the Mill Race Park, Parsons, WV. Portapotties will be provided at the start line.
See you there!