Run to Read Half Marathon
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Run to Read Half Marathon
The Run to Read Half Marathon is a yearly race held at Prickett's Fort State Park. The 2027 edition is scheduled for January 9 and is the event's 22nd year. One hundred percent of race proceeds benefit Literacy Volunteers of Marion County, which provides free tutoring in reading, math, ESL and GED preparation.
The course covers 13.1 miles on a rail trail in an out-and-back layout with two turnarounds and mile markers themed as bookworms. The route begins at a sign below Viola church, runs approximately 2.2 miles toward Fairmont on an asphalt trail through Meredith Tunnel, returns toward the Fort, crosses a bridge onto the Mon River Trail with a crushed gravel surface, and then follows the Mon River Trail to a turnaround point before returning to the finish across the bridge. The course is USATF certification pending recertification paperwork as of 2024.
Support and logistics include five water stops, bathrooms at the upper visitor center and near the lower parking lot, and porta potties near the 7 and 11 mile aid stations. There are multiple low-traffic road crossings on the Mon River side; participants are advised to use caution. Walkers are welcome and a four hour time limit applies. SWAG includes a long-sleeve tech shirt and a finisher medal; shirts are guaranteed for registrations completed at least one month before the race. Venue parking capacity is limited to 300; bib transfers are permitted until five days before the event. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
