
Parkersburg News and Sentinel Half Marathon and Two Mile Race
Parkersburg News and Sentinel Half Marathon offers a community-driven race with strong volunteer support and a challenging course.
Race Date
Aug 15, 2026
Location
Parkersburg, WV
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, August 15, 2026
- Location
- Parkersburg, West Virginia
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 21K, 2 Miles
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 17,991
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
The Experience
The Parkersburg News and Sentinel Half Marathon, first run in 1998 and now in its 26th edition, has become a beloved fixture in West Virginia. Attracting runners from approximately 21 states, this race boasts a loyal following, with about 40% of participants returning year after year. While the course is described as challenging and rolling, the heart of the event lies in its exceptional community and volunteer spirit.
Runners can expect a well-supported race with around 14 aid stations for the half marathon, manned by enthusiastic volunteers who consistently earn high praise. The event offers a pre-race pasta dinner and a post-race pizza luncheon, along with a tech shirt and finisher's medal. The race finishes on Market Street, with thousands of spectators lining the route, creating a festive atmosphere leading into the Parkersburg Homecoming Festival Parade.
Recent editions have seen field sizes around 698 finishers, a growing trend that speaks to the race's enduring appeal. The competition is often strong, with typical winning times around 70 minutes, and the event serves as the RRCA WV State Championship, adding a competitive edge for local and visiting runners alike.
Race-provided description
HALF MARATHON: The Parkersburg News and Sentinel Half Marathon begins at 8:00 a.m. (Wheelchair division 7:50 a.m.) in downtown Parkersburg and is the RRCA WV State Championship. The rolling course will take you out of the city and into the scenic surroundings of West Virginia before looping back into the commercial area. You will finish the race to the cheers of thousands of spectators lined up on Market Street prior to the Parkersburg Homecoming Festival Parade. All participants in the Half Marathon will get a tech shirt, pre-race pasta dinner, finishers medal, & post-race pizza luncheon. TWO MILE RACE: Starting line is at Third and Juliana streets at the Towne Square Parking Garage and the finish line is at Sixth and Market streets. The Two Mile Race is the RRCA West Virginia Championship. Race begins at 8:10 a.m. To participate on a Company, Family, or School team for the 2 Mile Run, please select your existing team or create a new team during registration. Top 4 fastest team members determine the team score. All participants in the 2 Mile will receive a T-shirt. Schedule: Friday, August 14, 2026, Locations Listed Below 2-9 p.m. - Registration/Packet Pickup for all Events - Parkersburg Municipal Building, 1 Government Sq, Parkersburg, WV 26101 5-9 p.m. - Pre-Race Pasta Dinner* - St. Francis Xavier Parish Center, near Finish Line (included with Half Marathon) *2-mile participants, guest and children tickets may be purchased at the door. (2-mile tickets $3 with bib present, Guest tickets $7, & Children $4) Saturday, August 15, 2026, Locations Listed Below 6-7 a.m. - Packet Pickup for Half Marathon & 2 Mile - Parkersburg Municipal Building, 1 Government Sq, Parkersburg, WV 26101 7:50 a.m. - Wheelchair Starts 8:00 a.m. - Half Marathon Run & Half Marathon Walk Starts 8:10 a.m. - 2 Mile Run & 2 Mile Walk Starts 9:30 a.m. - Awards for 2 Mile Run & 2 Mile Walk - Bicentennial Park, 201 3rd St, Parkersburg, WV 26101 11:00 a.m. -1 p.m. - Post-Race Pizza Lunch* - St. Francis Xavier Parish Center, near Finish Line (included with Half Marathon) *2-mile participants, guest and children tickets may be purchased at the door. (2-mile/guest $5 & Children $4) 11:30 a.m. – Course Closed 12:30 p.m. – Awards for Half Marathon Run & Half Marathon Walk – St. Francis Xavier Parish Center, near Finish Line 12:30 p.m. – Parade begins (Market Street) Odgen Newspaper Half Marathon & Parkersburg News and Sentinel Half Marathon: Runners who complete in both the Odgen Newspaper Half Marathon & Parkersburg News and Sentinel Half Marathon will receive a special tech shirt! *Must be preregister in the Parkersburg News and Sentinel Half Marathon by August 1 to get special shirt.
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, August 15, 2026
Start Time
8:00 AM
Giveaway
T-Shirt
Start Location
519 JULIANA ST, Parkersburg, WV, 26101
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Hilly
Net Drop/km
-0.09 m
Separation
1.7%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
WV22002MS · News and Sentinel Half Marathon
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.
Course Map
Quality Score
Runner Favorite8226 years running
~316 finishers a year
growing or steady
40% returning runners
USATF certified · 5 timing sources
runners from 21 states
winner 1:10:28
typical high 83°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
66°
Afternoon (High)
83°
Hot conditions — adjust pace expectations, prioritize hydration
0.2"
Precipitation
8 mph
Wind
76%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 17,991 finishers actually crossed the line across 26 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
17,991
Median time
2:24:24
Latest turnout
353
States
48
Turnout by year
2016–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Parkersburg News and Sentinel Half Marathon and Two Mile Race?
The Parkersburg News and Sentinel Half Marathon and Two Mile Race is held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM.
Where does the Parkersburg News and Sentinel Half Marathon and Two Mile Race take place?
It takes place in Parkersburg, West Virginia.
What distances does the Parkersburg News and Sentinel Half Marathon and Two Mile Race offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 21K, 2 Miles.
Is the Parkersburg News and Sentinel Half Marathon and Two Mile Race course flat and good for a PR?
The Parkersburg News and Sentinel Half Marathon and Two Mile Race is a hilly, loop course course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the Parkersburg News and Sentinel Half Marathon and Two Mile Race?
HalfRuns has finish records for 17,991 runners who have completed the Parkersburg News and Sentinel Half Marathon and Two Mile Race.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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