Canaan Valley Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K
Run & Explore Beautiful Tucker County, West Virginia. You Deserve An Unforgettable Runcation!
April 26- 27, 2025
Davis, West Virginia
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Join us for the 7th Annual Canaan Valley Half Marathon, 10K & 5K – April 26 – 27, 2025, in Tucker County, West Virginia, in the heart of the Potomac Highlands. This road race takes place in one of the East Coast’s most idyllic settings and is just a short drive to any outdoor activity you could want. The area is also home to two amazing and eclectic mountain towns full of arts and culture. So if you are looking for a new Half Marathon or 10k to run, and need a mountain vacation or just a getaway for the day or weekend, we certainly are the race for you!
Countdown to the Canaan Valley Half Marathon, 10k, and 5k
Destination Half Marathon in Beautiful West Virginia
Our destination Half Marathon, 10k & 5k features the scenic brilliance of Tucker County, West Virginia. Above all it is a place known for its endless outdoor opportunities. Furthermore, Canaan Valley is just miles from the rugged and beautiful backcountry of Dolly Sods and Canaan Mountain, the amazing vertical feet of Blackwater Falls State Park, and the luxury of Canaan Valley Resort. The neighboring towns of Davis and Thomas offer eclectic restaurants, multiple breweries, art galleries, and live entertainment. Fortunately, they are just miles from the race course and make the Canaan Valley Half Marathon and 10K the perfect runcation.
Although it is a world away, Canaan Valley is only a half day’s drive from major metropolitan areas, including Washington D.C., Pittsburgh, Northern Virginia, Richmond, and Columbus. So if you are looking for a Half Marathon in West Virginia, then you should consider running with us.
Race Information
Half Marathon + 10K
We are offering both the Half Marathon and 10K on Saturday 4/26 and Sunday 4/27.
SWAG will be announced in June but you know it will be awesome!
5K + Kids Race
We are offering the Canaan Valley 5K on both Saturday 4/27 and Sunday 4/28.
SWAG will be announced in June but you know it will be awesome!
Back in 2025: Our Kids Race!
On Saturday 4/26, we will be bringing back our Kids Race! At half a mile, kids will get the full race experience including a bib, finisher medal, and post-race snack.
Parents can join their kids, but the entire course will be visible from our elevated start line and we will have signs and course marshals to guide them.
Conquer the Valley Challenge
This year we will be offering two different versions on the Conquer the Valley Challenge. First, a “Competitive” division in which you must complete the 5K on Saturday 4/26, and the Half Marathon on Sunday 4/27. Runners must complete the race on these days to be eligible for the prizes.
We will also be offing a “Fun” category where you can run any race, either day. Two days of running, and you pick your distance.
First Overall Male and Female will receive 2 Nights Lodging and 2 Free Entries to our 7th Annual Race.
The way the Conquer the Valley Challenge is scored is 3X your 5K Time, plus your Half Marathon Time.
All Participants will receive a finisher medal for each day and distance, plus:
SWAG will be announced in June but you know it will be awesome!
Packet Pickup
Packet Pickup will be held in the main ballrooms of the Canaan Valley State Park Lodge (the event venue). Enter through the main entrance and make a left after the front desk, signs will direct you.
Saturday Races and Conquer the Valley:
Fri 4/25: 5:30-8pm
Sat 4/26 : 6:30-8am
Sunday Races:
Sat 4/26 : 6-8pm
Sun 4/27: 7-8am
Sunday races can pick up earlier but we recommend coming at these times as your wait will be much shorter.
Please come with your confirmation email handy on your phone or printed out! Cell signal is limited in the Canaan Valley but wifi is available at the hotel or you may want to save a screenshot of the QR code to your phone. You can pick up for another person but please have their information ready as well.
Deferrals, Transfers, and Day/Race Distance changes can be made automatically through your RunSignup profile until 4/15 and may be made manually afterwards by contacting us. For information on this and all other topics,
PLEASE READ OUR FAQ’S PAGE HERE
Canaan Valley Half Marathon Course
Our course is entirely within Canaan Valley State Park and utilizes the roads as well as the paved cart path through the Golf Course in Canaan Valley State Park. The Half Marathon Course utilizes the Front 9 of the golf course on the first lap, and the Back 9 of the golf course on the second lap. The views from the golf course in our opinion are some of the best in Canaan Valley.
The elevation gain for the Half Marathon is approximately 820 feet with a good chunk in a sustained first hill, and the majority in rollers near the golf course.
Water stops will be at 1.8, 3.5, 6.3, 7.5, 9.3, and 12 miles.
Bathrooms available at all except the 1.8 / 7.5 mile water stop which is close to the hotel.
All courses are “stay left” – please stay to the left of cones and signs to allow for vehicles to move down the middle.
Canaan Valley 10k Course
The elevation gain for the 10k is 436 feet. 100 feet of this is at the beginning, 50 at the end, and the rest in rollers around the golf course.
Water stops will be at 1.8 (hotel) and at 3 and 5 miles (entering and exiting the golf course which also has bathrooms).
All courses are “Stay left” – please stay to the left of cones to allow for two way traffic and vehicles down the middle.
Canaan Valley 5k Course
Click Here for a link to the 5k course on PlotAroute (you can download KML or GPX for your device)
The Elevation Gain for the 5K is 190 feet (most of it at the beginning and end with 1 short climb in the middle).
Water Stops will be at .75 and 1.9 miles with a bathroom at the second stop.
All courses are “stay left” – please stay to the left of cones to allow for two-way traffic and vehicles down the middle.
Directions
For those looking to run the Canaan Valley Half Marathon and need to fly in, the two most accessible and recommended airports to fly into are Pittsburgh International Airport or any of the major airports in Washington, D.C. Both provide convenient options and are well-connected to major travel routes leading to our destination.
Directions From Washington DC
While there are several ways to journey from Washington, D.C. to beautiful Canaan Valley, WV, this is our recommended route. Starting in the nation’s capital, head west on I-66 W, merging onto I-81 S towards Roanoke. The road then beckons travelers onto US-48 W via Strasburg, guiding them through some of the East Coast’s most captivating landscapes. Ultimately, WV-32 N in Davis serves as the final stretch leading into the heart of Canaan Valley. Spanning approximately 180 miles and taking around 3 hours, this route not only offers beauty and charm but also the promise of a memorable journey. While it’s essential to be mindful of road signs. and conditions, the vistas along the way make every moment worthwhile.
- Starting in Washington, D.C.: Head west on I-66 W.
- Continue on I-66 W. Take I-81 S and US-48 W to WV-32 N in Davis. This portion will have you merging onto I-81 S via the ramp to Roanoke, then taking exit 296 for US-48 W/VA-55 W toward Strasburg. You’ll continue on US-48 W for a substantial distance before reaching WV-32.
- From WV-32 in Davis, drive to Canaan Valley, WV.
Please note:
- The journey will take approximately 3 hours, spanning around 180 miles, though exact times will vary based on current road conditions, specific starting points, and any stops made along the way.
- This is a high-level overview. You’ll need to pay attention to road signs and might consider having a GPS or map service available for more detailed instructions.
Always check with a dedicated maps service for the most accurate and up-to-date route information. Safe travels!
Directions From Pittsburgh International Airport
Our preferred route from Pittsburgh International Airport to Canaan Valley, WV, begins on I-376 E, transitioning to I-79 S towards Washington. From there, travelers will merge onto I-68 East, taking Exit 4 towards Friendsville. The journey then winds through the picturesque Deep Creek area and continues through Oakland on US-219 S. Approaching Thomas, WV, the route concludes with a turn onto WV-32 S, leading directly into Canaan Valley. While there are alternative paths, we recommend this route despite it being slightly longer. Based on our experience, we believe it offers the easiest and most scenic drive.
Starting at Pittsburgh International Airport:
- Begin by heading northeast on Airport Blvd.
- Stay right at the fork, follow signs for I-376 W/I-79/Pittsburgh/Pennsylvania Turnpike West, and merge with I-376 E.
Transition to I-79 South from I-376 E:
- Use the right 2 lanes to take exit 64A to merge onto I-79 S toward Washington.
Proceed on I-68 East:
- Use the right 2 lanes to take exit 148 for I-68 E/US-40 E toward Cumberland.
- Merge onto I-68 E/US-40 ALT E and continue on I-68 East.
Exit at Friendsville (Exit 4) and move towards Deep Creek:
- Take exit 4 for MD-42 toward Friendsville.
- After exiting, turn left onto MD-42 S/Friendsville Rd and continue.
- Turn right onto US-219 S. You’ll now be passing through the Deep Creek area.
Route through Oakland to Thomas, WV:
- Stay on US-219 S and proceed through Oakland.
- Continue on US-219 S beyond Oakland, heading towards Thomas, WV.
Reaching Canaan Valley from Thomas:
- Once in Thomas, you can continue south on US-219 S for a short distance.
- Turn right onto WV-32 S, which will take you directly into Canaan Valley.
Note:
- This is a high-level route description. Local signs, conditions, and other factors might affect your route. For precise, turn-by-turn instructions and real-time updates on traffic, construction, and detours, it’s recommended to use dedicated map services such as Google Maps, Waze, or Apple Maps.
- Always be cautious about road conditions, especially in areas with potential weather fluctuations, like the mountainous regions of West Virginia.
Safe journey!
Where To Stay
As a skiing destination by winter and a hiking and biking destination by summer, Canaan Valley and Tucker County know how to put people up in style. Whether you want to rest in luxury, experience a quirky atmosphere, stay in a charming cabin, or experience camping in Tucker County, ample accommodations options are available within a 10-minute drive of the race site.
Our host the Canaan Valley State Park Resort offers a lodge with a spa and charming cabins with only feet from the finish line. Just up the road in Blackwater Fall State Park, accommodation options are also available. A variety of lodging options are available in the towns of Thomas, Davis and Canaan Valley whether you want a vacation rental, a unique bed and breakfast, or a hotel. Our sponsors Best of Canaan, and Mountain Top Reality have amazing and affordable options throughout the area from small 1 bedrooms to luxurious and affordable mansions that are perfect for groups of any size.
Camping is available in the Monongahela National Forest, beautiful Dolly Sods, or either of the state parks. The options are all affordable, with delicious food and drink nearby.
Whether you are running solo or with a group, you will not be disappointed with the lodging in Tucker County, WV!
Canaan Valley Resort
Canaan Valley Resort and Conference Center is Walking Distance to the Start and Finish Line and a West Virginia State Park that provides the perfect year-round destination for individuals of all ages. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty and tranquility of your surroundings while indulging in all of the fine amenities and adventures the area has to offer. Our 160 room hotel was newly renovated in 2013 and features suite style rooms with stunning balcony views of the entire valley. Our 23 rustic cabins feature covered porches and are nestled quietly in a wooded setting, and our 34 pet friendly camp sites offer full RV hookups, as well as laundry and shower, all centrally located in a beautiful environment. Between our ski resort, 18 hole golf course, 4 season recreation center, and endless hiking and mountain biking trails, you are sure to find the level of comfort and adventure that you and your family are seeking in the heart of the West Virginia Highlands
Rooms Starting at $99 per night
For reservations click the link below
Rooms at Canaan Valley Resort are within WALKING DISTANCE of the Start and Finish Line, Packet Pick Up, and other Race Weekend Activities.
Use the Group ID Code: 1024XU
Additional Recommended Lodging Options in Canaan Valley
Mountain Top Realty
Mountain Top Realty and Rentals is a family-owned and operated business. Their staff is welcoming, experienced, and ready to assist you in your next mountain getaway. Mountain Top Realty proudly offers rentals from rustic to luxury, for groups of any size. For more information, contact MountainTop Realty & Rentals at 1-800-624-4341. Click the link below to visit their website to make online reservations.
Things To Do
Get Tucker’d in Tucker County, West Virginia
The possibilities in and just outside the Canaan Valley are endless. Tucker County offers unparalleled hiking, biking, rafting, and climbing opportunities. If running the race won’t scratch your outdoor itch, hanging out in Tucker County for a weekend will.
For a more leisurely experience, golf at the Canaan Valley State Park Resort or ride horses at one of two stables in the Canaan Valley. Beyond the outdoor offerings, art and music abound in Thomas, and food and drink in Davis. Below are a few of our favorites!
The Monongahela National Forest
The Monongahela National Forest Since 1920, some of West Virginia’s most diverse and pristine forest land has been protected within the boundaries of the Monongahela
Dolly Sods, WV
Dolly Sods Wilderness Dolly Sods Wilderness, spanning 17,371 acres across Grant, Randolph and Tucker counties, is the highest plateau east of the Mississippi River and
Canaan Valley State Park & Resort
Canaan Valley State Park and Resort It may be a little-known fact outside the state, but West Virginia’s state park system is among the best
Thomas, WV
Thomas, WV The town of Thomas is a tiny town perched along the hillside rising from the north fork of the Blackwater River. Here rich,
Davis, WV
Davis, West Virginia Drive ten miles north of Canaan Valley Ski Resort, and you’ll happen upon Davis, WV, a pint-sized town with a ten-gallon personality.
Blackwater Falls State Park
Blackwater Falls State Park There’s good reason Blackwater Falls State Park is the most visited park in West Virginia. Accessible overlooks offer panoramic views of
Canaan Valley Half Marathon Sponsors
