BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Active Southern West Virginia (Active SWV) announced the return of the Beckley Half Marathon with the addition of a 5K event set for Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, with the events starting and finishing at the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine.
Active SWV’s Beckley Half Marathon and 5K event will expand race opportunities in southern West Virginia while showcasing Beckley as a destination for outdoor recreation and tourism. The half marathon course will bring runners through New River Park and onto the Lewis McManus Rail Trail before heading into uptown Beckley and return on the rail trail. Participants will receive a race t-shirt, participant medal, and a post-race meal including bean soup, cornbread, and classic West Virginia pepperoni rolls. Top finisher medals for men and women will be awarded for both the half marathon and 5K.
Online registration is now open for both the half marathon and 5K events at https://activeswv.org/beckley-half-marathon-5k/. Youth ages 12 and under can register for the 5K event at no charge.
Proceeds from Active SWV Races directly support the organization’s free community programming aimed at improving access to physical activity across the region. Current event sponsors are Taylor, Hinkle & Taylor; Country Roads Cabins; Little General Stores; JJN Multimedia; 103 CIR; and Highland Outdoors.
For twenty years, the Beckley Half Marathon event organized by the Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce brought between 200-300 runners to Beckley. The last event was held in 2015. Active SWV is working with the Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce and the City of Beckley in planning the 2026 event.
Additional 2026 Active SWV race events include:
- New River Gorge Rim 2 Rim Race – May 2nd
- Howlin’ Trails 5K and 10K – June 6th
- Thurmond Triathlon – June 28th
- Bridge Day 5K Run – Oct. 17th
For more information about Active SWV races, free programs, and volunteer opportunities, visitactiveswv.org.
