Coopers Rock 50 Km
Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.
Coopers Rock 50 km and Half Marathon Night Run, April 25, 2026
This 2026 edition is a nighttime trail event at Coopers Rock State Forest in north central West Virginia. The course on the south side of the forest uses nearly every trail in that area, passes several overlooks of Cheat Canyon and Cheat Lake, and goes by large boulder formations. There are no repeating loops on either course.
Distances
- 50 km
- Half marathon (21 km)
The 50 km route features about 5,000 feet of elevation gain; the half marathon features about 2,000 feet. The 50 km covers multiple out-and-back sections and requires two punch marks on the bib to be an official finisher.
Aid stations and crew There are six aid stations on the 50 km course and three on the half marathon, spaced roughly 3 to 7 miles apart. Aid station food includes cookies, potato chips, pickles, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, water, and sports drink. Participants are asked to carry water and food between stations and to bring a collapsible cup or their own bottle.
Rules and logistics Participants must be at least 18 years old, carry a light source with spare batteries or a backup light, carry the cell phone number used for registration, and install the Caltopo app for location tracking. Pacers are not permitted. Crews are restricted at Aid Station 3 and parking rules apply; failure to follow rules may result in disqualification.
Entries, shirts, and other notes Both events are capped at 250 combined entries. A 70% refund is available until 3/8/2026; after that no refunds or deferrals are allowed, though transfers are permitted until 4/17/2026. Entrants who register by 3/8/2026 receive a technical shirt to pick up at the event. Awards will be given to the top men and women finishers and all finishers receive a custom finisher gift. Drop bags are allowed for 50 km runners at Picnic Shelter #1. A post-event meal of meat or vegetarian sandwich burritos and dessert will be provided to registered runners. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
