Welcome To The
Canaan Valley Half Marathon 10k 5k
April 25-26th 2026
Join us for the 8th Annual Canaan Valley Half Marathon, 10K & 5K — April 25–26, 2026!
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Join us for the 8th Annual Canaan Valley Half Marathon, 10K & 5K — April 25–26, 2026! 〰️
Experience the magic of spring in Tucker County, West Virginia, nestled in the heart of the Potomac Highlands. This scenic road race winds through one of the East Coast’s most breathtaking mountain valleys—where sweeping views, crisp mountain air, and friendly faces come together for an unforgettable weekend.
Just minutes from hiking trails, waterfalls, and world-class outdoor adventure, Canaan Valley is also neighbored to two vibrant mountain towns brimming with arts, live music, and local flavor.
Whether you’re chasing a PR or simply craving a mountain getaway, the Canaan Valley Half Marathon is the perfect mix of adventure, community, and natural beauty. Come for the race, stay for the experience.
One Destination Race, Many Ways To Run
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Half Marathon 10k 5k
Run your way — take on the Half, crush the 10K, or keep it quick with the 5K! Every racer scores a finisher medal and a cool hat for taking on the mountains.
All Races are offered both days 4/25 and 4/26!
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Kids Run
Get Ready Parents! On Saturday 4/26, we are bringing back our Kids Race! At half a mile, kids will get the full race experience including a bib, finisher medal, and post-race snack.
Parents can join their kids, but the entire course will be visible from our elevated start line and we will have signs and course marshals to guide them
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Conquer The Valley Challenge
What should we know about the services you provide? Better descriptions result in more sales.
Packet Pickup
Saturday Races and Conquer the Valley
Fri. April 24th 6:30-8pm
Saturday April 25th 6:30-8am
Packet Pickup will be held in the main ballrooms of the Canaan Valley State Park Lodge (the event venue). Enter through the main entrance and make a left after the front desk, signs will direct you.
Sunday Races
Saturday April 25th 6:30-8pm
Sunday 6:30-8am
Packet Pickup will be held in the main ballrooms of the Canaan Valley State Park Lodge (the event venue). Enter through the main entrance and make a left after the front desk, signs will direct you.
Sunday races can pick up earlier but we recommend coming at these times as your wait will be much shorter. Please come with QR code handy on your phone (if you can) no need for printouts! You can pick up for another person but please have their information ready as well.
Deferrals, Transfers, and Day/Race Distance changes can be made automatically through your RunSignup profile until 4/15 and may be made manually afterwards by contacting us.
Canaan Valley Half Marathon Course
**See Lap 1 on the 10k Course Map below**
Course Overview
Our course takes place entirely within Canaan Valley State Park, featuring both the park roads and the scenic paved cart paths through the golf course.
Half Marathon: The course covers the Front 9 of the golf course on the first lap and the Back 9 on the second lap — offering what we believe are some of the best views in all of Canaan Valley.
Elevation Gain: Approximately 820 feet, with a sustained climb early on and rolling hills near the golf course to keep things interesting.
Water Stops: Located at 1.8, 3.5, 6.3, 7.5, 9.3, and 12 miles.
Bathrooms are available at all stops except the 1.8 and 7.5-mile stations, which are close to the hotel.
Course Rule:
All courses are “stay left” — please keep to the left of cones and signs to allow vehicles to move safely down the center.
Canaan Valley 10k Course
Half Course Lap 1
10K Course Details
The 10K course features an elevation gain of approximately 436 feet, with about 100 feet of climbing near the start, 50 feet toward the finish, and the remainder spread across gentle rollers around the golf course.
Water Stops: Located at 1.8 miles (near the hotel) and at 3 and 5 miles — entering and exiting the golf course, where bathrooms are also available.
Course Rule:
All courses follow a “Stay Left” policy — please remain to the left of cones and signs to allow for two-way traffic and vehicle access down the center.
Canaan Valley 5k
5K Course Details
The 5K course features an elevation gain of approximately 190 feet, with most of the climbing occurring near the beginning and end, plus one short hill in the middle to keep things interesting.
Water Stops: Located at 0.75 miles and 1.9 miles, with a bathroom available at the second stop.
Course Rule:
All courses follow a “Stay Left” policy — please remain to the left of cones and signs to allow for two-way traffic and vehicle access down the center.
Directions
For those looking to run the Canaan Valley Half Marathon and need to fly in, the two most accessible and recommended airports to fly into are Pittsburgh International Airport or any of the major airports in Washington, D.C. Both provide convenient options and are well-connected to major travel routes leading to our destination.
Directions From Washington DC
Directions From Pittsburgh International Airport
While there are several ways to journey from Washington, D.C. to beautiful Canaan Valley, WV, this is our recommended route. Starting in the nation’s capital, head west on I-66 W, merging onto I-81 S towards Roanoke. The road then beckons travelers onto US-48 W via Strasburg, guiding them through some of the East Coast’s most captivating landscapes. Ultimately, WV-32 N in Davis serves as the final stretch leading into the heart of Canaan Valley. Spanning approximately 180 miles and taking around 3 hours, this route not only offers beauty and charm but also the promise of a memorable journey. While it’s essential to be mindful of road signs. and conditions, the vistas along the way make every moment worthwhile.
Starting in Washington, D.C.: Head west on I-66 W.
Continue on I-66 W. Take I-81 S and US-48 W to WV-32 N in Davis. This portion will have you merging onto I-81 S via the ramp to Roanoke, then taking exit 296 for US-48 W/VA-55 W toward Strasburg. You’ll continue on US-48 W for a substantial distance before reaching WV-32.
From WV-32 in Davis, drive to Canaan Valley, WV.
Please note:
The journey will take approximately 3 hours, spanning around 180 miles, though exact times will vary based on current road conditions, specific starting points, and any stops made along the way.
This is a high-level overview. You’ll need to pay attention to road signs and might consider having a GPS or map service available for more detailed instructions.
Always check with a dedicated maps service for the most accurate and up-to-date route information. Safe travels!
Our preferred route from Pittsburgh International Airport to Canaan Valley, WV, begins on I-376 E, transitioning to I-79 S towards Washington. From there, travelers will merge onto I-68 East, taking Exit 4 towards Friendsville. The journey then winds through the picturesque Deep Creek area and continues through Oakland on US-219 S. Approaching Thomas, WV, the route concludes with a turn onto WV-32 S, leading directly into Canaan Valley. While there are alternative paths, we recommend this route despite it being slightly longer. Based on our experience, we believe it offers the easiest and most scenic drive.
Starting at Pittsburgh International Airport:
Begin by heading northeast on Airport Blvd.
Stay right at the fork, follow signs for I-376 W/I-79/Pittsburgh/Pennsylvania Turnpike West, and merge with I-376 E.
Transition to I-79 South from I-376 E:
Use the right 2 lanes to take exit 64A to merge onto I-79 S toward Washington.
Proceed on I-68 East:
Use the right 2 lanes to take exit 148 for I-68 E/US-40 E toward Cumberland.
Merge onto I-68 E/US-40 ALT E and continue on I-68 East.
Exit at Friendsville (Exit 4) and move towards Deep Creek:
Take exit 4 for MD-42 toward Friendsville.
After exiting, turn left onto MD-42 S/Friendsville Rd and continue.
Turn right onto US-219 S. You’ll now be passing through the Deep Creek area.
Route through Oakland to Thomas, WV:
Stay on US-219 S and proceed through Oakland.
Continue on US-219 S beyond Oakland, heading towards Thomas, WV.
Reaching Canaan Valley from Thomas:
Once in Thomas, you can continue south on US-219 S for a short distance.
Turn right onto WV-32 S, which will take you directly into Canaan Valley.
Note:
This is a high-level route description. Local signs, conditions, and other factors might affect your route. For precise, turn-by-turn instructions and real-time updates on traffic, construction, and detours, it’s recommended to use dedicated map services such as Google Maps, Waze, or Apple Maps.
Always be cautious about road conditions, especially in areas with potential weather fluctuations, like the mountainous regions of West Virginia.
Safe journey!
As a skiing destination by winter and a hiking and biking destination by summer, Canaan Valley and Tucker County know how to put people up in style. Whether you want to rest in luxury, experience a quirky atmosphere, stay in a charming cabin, or experience camping in Tucker County, ample accommodations options are available within a 10-minute drive of the race site.
Our host the Canaan Valley State Park Resort offers a lodge with a spa and charming cabins with only feet from the finish line. Just up the road in Blackwater Fall State Park, accommodation options are also available. A variety of lodging options are available in the towns of Thomas, Davis and Canaan Valley whether you want a vacation rental, a unique bed and breakfast, or a hotel. Our sponsors Best of Canaan, and Mountain Top Reality have amazing and affordable options throughout the area from small 1 bedrooms to luxurious and affordable mansions that are perfect for groups of any size.
Camping is available in the Monongahela National Forest, beautiful Dolly Sods, or either of the state parks. The options are all affordable, with delicious food and drink nearby.
Whether you are running solo or with a group, you will not be disappointed with the lodging in Tucker County, WV!
Canaan Valley Resort
Where To Stay
Canaan Valley Resort and Conference Center is Walking Distance to the Start and Finish Line and a West Virginia State Park that provides the perfect year-round destination for individuals of all ages. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty and tranquility of your surroundings while indulging in all of the fine amenities and adventures the area has to offer. Our 160 room hotel was newly renovated in 2013 and features suite style rooms with stunning balcony views of the entire valley. Our 23 rustic cabins feature covered porches and are nestled quietly in a wooded setting, and the 34 pet friendly camp sites offer full RV hookups, as well as laundry and shower, all centrally located in a beautiful environment. Between our ski resort, 18 hole golf course, 4 season recreation center, and endless hiking and mountain biking trails, you are sure to find the level of comfort and adventure that you and your family are seeking in the heart of the West Virginia Highlands
Make Sure to Get Your Discounted Group Rate Here
Room Code for Booking:
1055NL
Things To Do
