

2026 Greenbrier River Trail Marathon & Half Marathon
Greenbrier River Trail Marathon offers a flat, fast, scenic West Virginia race experience.
Race Date
Oct 4, 2026
Location
Marlinton, WV
Quick facts
- Date
- Sunday, October 4, 2026
- Location
- Marlinton, West Virginia
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 26.2 Miles
- Course
- Point to Point
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 428
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Greenbrier River Trail Marathon and Half Marathon, first run in 2018 and now in its 9th year for the marathon and 6th for the half, takes place on October 4th, 2026. This event is celebrated for its flat, fast, and scenic course along the Greenbrier River Trail in Pocahontas County, West Virginia.
With a median field size of around 117 finishers and recent numbers reaching about 210, the race is growing and draws participants from approximately 15 states. The course is designed for speed, with an average winning time of about 85 minutes for the half marathon, making it a good option for those seeking a personal best. The trail setting offers a unique, one-of-a-kind experience within the state.
While the exact course for 2026 is being explored, the race has historically been a point-to-point event on a paved surface, offering a straightforward running experience. The event provides a t-shirt as swag, and proceeds contribute to trail maintenance, adding a community-focused element to the race day.
Race-provided description
Experience the natural beauty of West Virginia at the Greenbrier River Trail Marathon and Half Marathon! This year, we’re celebrating the 9th anniversary of the marathon and the 6th anniversary of the half marathon. Over the years, this beloved event has welcomed runners from all over the United States to the scenic Greenbrier River Trail for a race filled with peaceful river views, forested landscapes, and the unmistakable charm of Pocahontas County. New this year, both races will feature out-and-back courses beginning and ending in downtown Marlinton. This updated route creates an exciting start-and-finish experience in the heart of the community while giving runners more opportunities to encourage one another along the trail. Historically, the marathon has been a popular Boston-qualifying race. Because of this year’s course change, Boston Qualifier certification for the new marathon course is currently in progress. We’ll share updated certification information as soon as it becomes available. Fleet Feet Roanoke is proud to join the event as race director, bringing its passion for running, thoughtful race-day support, and commitment to creating a memorable experience for every participant. Best of all, your miles make a difference. Race proceeds benefit the Greenbrier River Trail Marathon Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the maintenance and improvement of the Greenbrier River Trail and other local athletic activities. Come for the miles. Stay for the scenery, community, and small-town West Virginia hospitality. We can’t wait to welcome you to Marlinton! Important note: Registering after 9/7/26 cannot guarantee a race t-shirt, your name on your bib, and may delay receipt of your medal and additional costs. Updated Course: Check out the Strava link for the Full Marathon course here. Half Marathon Strava link coming soon!
Logistics
Race Day
Sunday, October 4, 2026
Start Time
8:00 AM
Giveaway
T-Shirt
Start Location
711 1st Avenue, Marlinton, WV, 24954
Course Info
Course Type
Point to Point
Terrain
road
Scenery
Lake River
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Quality Score
Solid Pick514 years running
~117 finishers a year
growing or steady
7% returning runners
2 timing sources · 8 photos
runners from 15 states
winner 1:25:10
typical high 70°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
50°
Afternoon (High)
70°
Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish
0.1"
Precipitation
8 mph
Wind
79%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 428 finishers actually crossed the line across 4 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
428
Median time
2:17:04
Latest turnout
106
States
30
Turnout by year
2021–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the 2026 Greenbrier River Trail Marathon & Half Marathon?
The 2026 Greenbrier River Trail Marathon & Half Marathon is held on Sunday, October 4, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM.
Where does the 2026 Greenbrier River Trail Marathon & Half Marathon take place?
It takes place in Marlinton, West Virginia.
What distances does the 2026 Greenbrier River Trail Marathon & Half Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 26.2 Miles.
Is the 2026 Greenbrier River Trail Marathon & Half Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The 2026 Greenbrier River Trail Marathon & Half Marathon is a ultra-flat, point to point course.
How many people run the 2026 Greenbrier River Trail Marathon & Half Marathon?
HalfRuns has finish records for 428 runners who have completed the 2026 Greenbrier River Trail Marathon & Half Marathon.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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