Coopers Rock 50 km and Half Marathon

Coopers Rock 50 km and Half Marathon

This is a rocky, challenging, and scenic trail run at Coopers Rock State Forest in north central West Virginia. The 50 km course covers nearly every trail on the south side of the forest, features several scenic overlooks of the Cheat Canyon and Cheat Lake, towering boulder formations, and has 5000 feet of elevation gain. The half marathon (21 km) course is a shorter version of the same trails and has 2000 feet of elevation gain. There are no repeating loops on either the 50 km or half marathon course. In 2026, this is a nighttime event, that will start and end in the dark. It will return to being a daytime event in 2027.

Location: Coopers Rock State Forest, Bruceton Mills, WV. The race starts at the Overlook Area.

Date and Time: Saturday, April 25, 2026. Both the 50 km and half marathon events will start at 8:30 pm. Pre-Event meeting at 8:10 pm.

Entry Fees

• 50 km: $100 by 2/1/2026; $115 between 2/2/2026 and 3/8/2026 (shirt not guaranteed after 3/9/2026). In-person registration: $130 cash/check.
• Half Marathon: $75 by 2/1/2026; $90 between 2/2/2026 and 3/8/2026 (shirt not guaranteed after 3/9/2026). In-person registration: $105 cash/check.

Refund Policy: 70% refund until 3/8/2026. No refunds or deferrals after 3/8/2025. Entry transfer allowed until 4/17/2026.

Race Cap: 250 entries combined.

Packet Pickup: Saturday, 4/25/2026 from 5:00 pm – 8:10 pm at the Overlook Area.

Aid Stations: 6 on 50 km, 3 on Half Marathon. Please carry water and food.

Cutoff Times: Specific cutoff times are listed for both 50 km and Half Marathon courses.

Rules: Include mandatory light source, age requirement (18+), on-time start, follow marked course, wear bib visibly, report drop-outs, comply with management, crew restrictions, finisher requirements, no pacers, respectful behavior.

Shirts: Technical shirt for registrations by 3/8/2026. Must be picked up in person.

Awards: For top men and women finishers. All finishers receive a gift.

Lodging: Camping available at Coopers Rock State Forest and nearby Chestnut Ridge Campground. Hotels in Morgantown.

Post Race Meal: Free for registered runners (sandwich burritos, dessert) starting around 10:30 pm.

Drop Bags: Available for 50 km runners at Aid Station #2.

Photography: Volunteer photographers may be present; not guaranteed, especially for the nighttime event.

Contact Us: Via Contact Us form on coopersrock.org.

About Us: Coopers Rock Foundation is a non-profit supporting Coopers Rock State Forest.