Run to Read Half Marathon
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Event
The 21st Annual Run to Read Half Marathon takes place on Saturday, January 17, 2026 in Fairmont, WV at Prickett's Fort State Park (88 State Park Road, Fairmont, WV 26554). The event benefits Literacy Volunteers of Marion County (LVMC), a United Way agency and a 501(c)(3) organization that provides free one-on-one tutoring for adults and children in reading, math and English as a second language (ESL).
- Half marathon
Course and additional information
The course is a double out-and-back on two rail trails. The first section is about 5 miles long, is paved and goes through the restored Meredith Tunnel. The second trail is on crushed limestone and runs along the Monongahela River. All finishers receive a custom finisher memento. Long sleeve technical shirts were offered to those registered by December 6, 2024; a very limited number of shirts may be available for same-day registration.
Chip timing is provided by Miles of Smiles Timing Services and results will be posted on smileymiles.com. Awards are presented as runners finish and include top three male and female overall, plus top three male and female in each age group: 19 & under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+. Same-day registration and packet pickup begin at 11:30 am on race day, with a pre-race meeting at 12:50 pm at the starting line. The event states there are absolutely no refunds; historically the race was postponed twice in 13 years, with alternatives offered to entrants in those years. Directions note I-79 exit 139 and that the race site is 3 miles from the interstate on a lightly traveled county road. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.