Kanawha State Forest Half Marathon/7K
Kanawha State Forest Half Marathon offers a challenging, scenic run through West Virginia's natural beauty.
Race Date
Oct 18, 2026
Location
Charleston, WV
Quick facts
- Date
- Sunday, October 18, 2026
- Location
- Charleston, West Virginia
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 7K, Virtual Race
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 46
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
Deep within Kanawha State Forest, this half marathon and 7K present a unique challenge on winding forest roads and wooded routes. Runners will be enveloped by dense trees and the quiet atmosphere of the West Virginia hills, making for a truly immersive natural experience.
The race, which starts and finishes near the Gift Shop, is part of the Cryptid Race Series, blending forest adventure with local legend. Participants can opt for the demanding half marathon or the shorter, yet still challenging, 7K. This event promises a memorable fall running experience, inviting participants to push their limits amidst scenic surroundings.
Race-provided description
The Kanawha State Forest Half Marathon and 7K offer runners a challenging and scenic experience deep within one of West Virginia’s most iconic natural areas. Set entirely inside Kanawha State Forest, this race takes you along winding forest roads and wooded routes surrounded by dense trees, rolling terrain, and the quiet atmosphere of the hills. The race will start and finish near the Gift Shop, with a scheduled 9AM start time.
Participants can choose between the Half Marathon for a longer, more demanding effort or the 7K for a shorter but still challenging run. As part of the Cryptid Race Series, this event blends forest adventure with local legend and history. Whether you are racing hard or enjoying the atmosphere, this event delivers a memorable fall running experience.
Shirts guaranteed to everyone who registers by October 8th at Midnight. After this time all extras will be first-come, first-served until supplies run out.
Logistics
Race Day
Sunday, October 18, 2026
Start Time
9:00 AM
Giveaway
T-Shirt
Start Location
7500 Kanawha State Forest Dr, Charleston, WV, 25314
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Forest
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Rolling Hills
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Course Map
Quality Score
1 year running
~46 finishers a year
small race — neutral
0% returning runners
3 timing sources
runners from 7 states
winner 1:43:26
typical high 64°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
44°
Afternoon (High)
64°
Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish
0.1"
Precipitation
10 mph
Wind
69%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 46 finishers actually crossed the line across 1 year.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
46
Median time
2:38:16
Latest turnout
46
States
7
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Kanawha State Forest Half Marathon/7K?
The Kanawha State Forest Half Marathon/7K is held on Sunday, October 18, 2026, starting at 9:00 AM.
Where does the Kanawha State Forest Half Marathon/7K take place?
It takes place in Charleston, West Virginia.
What distances does the Kanawha State Forest Half Marathon/7K offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 7K, Virtual Race.
Is the Kanawha State Forest Half Marathon/7K course flat and good for a PR?
The Kanawha State Forest Half Marathon/7K is a rolling hills, loop course course.
How many people run the Kanawha State Forest Half Marathon/7K?
HalfRuns has finish records for 46 runners who have completed the Kanawha State Forest Half Marathon/7K.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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