Run to Read Half Marathon
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21st Annual Run to Read Half Marathon
The event is scheduled for Saturday, January 17, 2026, in Fairmont, West Virginia, at Prickett's Fort State Park (88 State Park Road, Fairmont, WV 26554). It is a half marathon held as a double out-and-back on two rail trails.
The course uses two distinct trail surfaces. The first section is about 5 miles long, is paved, and passes through the historic, restored Meredith Tunnel. The second section is on crushed limestone and runs with views of the Monongahela River. All finishers receive a custom finisher memento. Long sleeve technical shirts are provided to registrants who meet the registration cutoff; a very limited number of shirts may be available for same-day registration. Same-day registration and packet pickup are available on race day.
Organization, awards and charity
Chip timing is provided by Miles of Smiles Timing Services and results are posted on smileymiles.com. Awards are presented as runners finish. Award categories include top three male and top three female overall, plus top three male and female finishers in each age group: 19 & under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70+.
The event benefits Literacy Volunteers of Marion County (LVMC), a United Way agency and 501(c)(3). LVMC offers free one-on-one tutoring for adults and children in reading, math and English as a second language. The race states that 100% of profit goes to LVMC and that there are no refunds. Directions note I-79 exit 139 and that the race site is about 3 miles from the interstate on a lightly traveled county road. Sponsors listed include EndureHQ and Scalable LLC. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
