About

Canaan Valley Running Company was founded in 2018 as the Canaan Valley Half Marathon. Our concept evolved as quickly as our flagship race grew, and little more than a year after our inaugural race in 2019, we knew this was much more than a single-race venture. 

Against the odds of a global pandemic, the Canaan Valley Half Marathon weathered cancelation in April 2020, but we reimagined what was possible, and rescheduled for August 22, 2020. From that, we learned a few things. People want to run. People want to visit Canaan Valley. And we could all use a little adventure—now more than ever!

At Canaan Valley Running Company, we are an online adventure resource and race management company founded by an adventurer for adventurers who also happen to run. You’ll find a wealth of running resources, information on upcoming events, and a whole lot more. 

Like you, we know running isn’t the only way to tackle a mountain. That’s why we’ve created this space to make you aware of all the possibilities for fun in this gorgeous corner of West Virginia. Pack your running shoes, but make room for your skis, bike and flyrod, too. 

Welcome to Canaan Valley Running Company where running is more than one foot in front of the other. 

Canaan Valley Running Company owner and Founder Robby McClung hails from Elkins, West Virginia,  just south of Canaan Valley as well as Islamorada in the Florida Keys. With these roots in the community and a strong background in event planning, Robby is bringing his love for the outdoors and the skills he honed in the hospitality industry back to his home state. 

Robby is now on his eighth annual Islamorada Half Marathon and 10K after founding the race with his friend, Eli, in 2014.  The Baygrass Bluegrass Festival was founded in 2012 and is co-produced by Robby also in the Islamorada. In addition to his event production experience he has a tremendous amount of experience in the restaurant industry.

“It’s a kind of a dream come true to be able to come back to West Virginia and  to pursue my passions by creating a new event” said Robby McClung.  In 2017, Robby and his wife, Wendy, relocated to Tucker County to raise their family and enjoy the area.  The couple just welcomed their third child.

Also check out his musician page at 

www.robbymcclung.com

Recently Robby launched a new apparel brand McClumsy and opened a Brick and Mortar location in Thomas, West Virginia. This apparel brand was started out of necessity for race swag for the Canaan Valley Running Company’s races. After refining the processes he decided to branch off and give the brand a life of its own. Check out our website lots of great swag runners will love!