Run to Read Half Marathon
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Event overview
The half marathon is scheduled for Saturday, January 17, 2026, in Fairmont, WV, at Prickett's Fort State Park (88 State Park Road, 26554). Entry fee is listed as $45; the price increases after January 9, 2026. Chip timing is provided by Miles of Smiles Timing Services and results will be posted on smileymiles.com. Long-sleeve tech shirts are offered for registrations received by December 16, 2025; a very limited number of shirts may be available on race day. All finishers receive a custom finisher memento. This is a charity event with 100% of profits benefiting Literacy Volunteers of Marion County (LVMC), a United Way agency and 501(c)(3) organization that provides free one-on-one tutoring in reading, math and English as a second language (ESL). The race has an absolute no-refund policy.
Course, awards and logistics
The course is a double out-and-back on two rail trails. The first section is about 5 miles, paved, and passes through the historic, restored Meredith Tunnel. The second trail is on crushed limestone and offers a view of the Monongahela River. Awards are presented as runners cross the 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 are available. Directions: I-79 exit 139 to Prickett's Fort State Park; the race site is about 3 miles from the interstate on a lightly traveled county road. Archival videos from past races are available on YouTube and race news is posted on Facebook. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
