News and Sentinel Half Marathon

News and Sentinel Half Marathon - Parkersburg, WV

The News and Sentinel event in Parkersburg includes a half marathon and a separate two-mile race on August 21, 2027. The half marathon begins in downtown Parkersburg and follows a rolling course out into the scenic surroundings of Wood County before looping back into the commercial area to finish on Market Street near the Parkersburg Homecoming Festival Parade, where spectators line the route.

Distances:

• Half Marathon, 13.1 miles, rolling course through Wood County
• Two Mile Race, community-distance event in downtown Parkersburg

All half marathon participants receive a finisher’s medal and a race shirt. The half marathon has 16 aid stations providing water and Gatorade, with medical support from WVU Medicine at various sites; the two-mile race also has water stops. Prize money is awarded across multiple divisions, with the open run offering cash prizes and other category awards; prize money for NCAA-eligible runners is donated to the Newspapers in Education fund.

Event logistics include a runners expo and packet pickup the day before, race-morning packet pickup for registered participants, a pre-race pasta dinner on the Friday before the race (included for half marathon entrants; gluten-free pasta available by request), and a post-race pizza luncheon (included for half marathon entrants; admission requires presentation of race number). There is no race-day registration for either distance. Two-mile race trophies must be claimed in person on the day of the race; trophies are not mailed. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

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