News and Sentinel Half Marathon
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News and Sentinel Half Marathon : Parkersburg, WV
The event takes place in downtown Parkersburg on Saturday, August 15, 2026. It offers two race options:
- Half Marathon
- Two Mile Race
The half marathon follows a rolling course that leaves the city, runs through Wood County scenery, and returns to the commercial area. The finish is on Market Street prior to the Parkersburg Homecoming Festival Parade. Minimum age to enter the half marathon is 15. All half marathon finishers receive a medal and a race shirt. Prize money for NCAA eligible runners is donated to the Newspapers in Education fund.
The event provides 16 aid stations serving water and Gatorade, with the first station shortly after the start. Health care professionals from WVU Medicine are stationed at various points along the course. The two mile race also has water stops.
Awards include monetary prizes for the open run and cash awards for the open walk. Two mile race trophies are presented at Bicentennial Park; winners must be present to receive trophies and trophies will not be mailed.
Logistics include a runners expo, packet pickup and on site registration the day before and on race day. A pre race pasta dinner is held the evening before and a post race pizza luncheon is provided on race day; meal access for half marathon participants is included in the entry fee while guests may purchase tickets. Gluten free pasta is available by request. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
