Watoga Half Marathon ~ On your mark, get set, go!

John Dean
Contributing Writer

In mid-August, Watoga State Park’s Half Marathon and 5k return to West Virginia’s largest state park.

Running and walking enthusiasts – prepare to be “on your mark” for details about the Sixth Annual Watoga State Park Mountain Trail Challenge Half Marathon and 5k events.

Next, let’s “get set” with August 14, 2021 as a key date on your calendar.

Now, it’s time to “go!” Tell your friends, family and fellow racing comrades.

Start and Finish Lines: Both of Watoga’s Half Marathon and 5k Races start and finish at Watoga’s Beaver Creek Campground. In the mid-1950s, Gov. William C. Marland would land his plane at the old airstrip here and stay at a Watoga cabin in the woods. These days there is plenty of space – acres and acres of grassy flat land – for runners to stretch, warm up and spread out before the races begin.

What and When: First up is the Half Marathon. It begins promptly at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 2 p.m. The 5k starts at 8:40 a.m., ending at 2 p.m.

Course Details: The 13.1-mile half marathon course challenges runners.

Experience Watoga’s, beautiful shade trees, flora and fauna at elevations ranging from 2,560 feet to 3,200 feet. Occasionally, admire the uniqueness of part of Watoga’s 40 miles of trails as you traverse along the Allegheny Trail, Busch Settlement Trail, and Honeymoon Trail to mention a few.

Up next is the 5k, which is open to runners and walkers alike.

Course Details: Along this 3.1-mile route, you will experience the beauty of tall pines, hemlock trees, and other hardwoods before traveling west into the woods. Certainly, take in the clusters of dense rhododendrons along Beaver Creek as your course joins the Allegheny Trail, making this journey a breathtaking finish as you return to the airstrip.

Our volunteers will be along the trails and other unexpected places cheering you on, staffing first-aid stations and providing needed hydration at Watoga State Park’s Half Marathon and 5k races.

Of course, it is best to register as soon as possible.

Early birds do receive discounts.

Register at tinyurl.com/vj9jad6t

All race proceeds benefit the park through the Watoga State Park Foundation, Inc.

If you have questions about the races, please contact watogafoundation1@gmail.com. Media requests and inquiries can be emailed to media@watogafoundation.org