Elk River Braxton County Monster Marathon/Half Marathon/5K

West Virginia's only Marathon/Half Marathon/5K that takes place along the Elk River Trail in Gassaway, WV! 

All finishers will receive:
- High Quality Race Shirt (guaranteed deadline 08/30)
- An awesome finisher medal
- Refreshments post race (water, snacks)
- Opportunity to run on a flat/fast course

All Packet Pickup will take place on RACE MORNING starting at 6:30AM.

Frequently Asked Questions and Rules

Is there a finisher medal?
Yes. All participants will receive a finisher medal!

Is this event part of a series?
Yes. This event is now part of the West Virginia Cryptic Race Series! A special medal will be sent to those that complete this series.

What is the course cut-off?
The cut-off for all events is 7 hours. After 7 hours the finish line will be taken down, and you will not receive an official time. If you need longer than 7 hours - you must notify us and request to start early prior to race day.

How many water stops will there be along the course?
5K - Water will be available at the finish line
Half Marathon - 4 Water Stops (around Mile 3.3, Mile 6.1, Mile 7, and Mile 9.8)
Full Marathon - 7 Water Stops (around Mile 3.3, Mile 6.1, Mile 9.4, Mile 13.1, Mile 16.8, Mile 20.1, Mile 22.9)
Full Marathon - There is a bathroom around Mile 9.4 and Mile 16.8 (right beside the water stop)

We are still looking for volunteers groups to manage a few water stops - if this interests your organization please reach out!

What are the awards for the individual races?
Individual race awards are dependent on the number of participants registered - see below for current awards.

Race Awards (Per Distance)
Top 1 Male Overall
Top 1 Female Overall
Top 1 Male and Female in each age division 
(1-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+

Can I participate virtually?
Yes, we will give you the option to sign up for a Virtual Race (one distance). If you sign up for the virtual event you CANNOT switch to the live race at a later date. Medals/Shirts will be mailed at the conclusion of each race. We will NOT be collecting virtual times. This is simply a chance for you to earn our medals/shirts.

If I signed up for the live race but cannot make it - can I switch to the Virtual Race? 
Yes, however, this must be completed one week prior to race day. Please do not ask to switch to the Virtual Race during race week/race day as you will be told no.

What happens if the live race is forced to move to virtual due to a mandate or restriction?
While we do not anticipate this happening, if it does all participants will be moved to a virtual race. Swag will be held for pickup at a future event. If no future event is available, shipping will be provided at no cost. We ask for patience in this scenario as communication and logistics may change quickly.

Why is there no paper registration? I do not want to register online.
We no longer offer paper registration and will not be bringing it back. Paper registration adds significant administrative and financial tracking burdens. Race day registration will be available online only and you will need a mobile device to complete it.

Why is there sales tax and a processing fee?
Registrations are required to collect and remit sales tax. Processing fees cover payment processing costs, emails, text notifications, and platform services.

What precautions are you taking related to health and safety?
Please refer to the race rules and policies below. We hope to expand post race activities as conditions allow.

I cannot attend the race or I missed it. Can I still get my shirt?
We do not mail items that are not picked up. If you know you will not be present, please have a friend or family member pick up your shirt for you. Any items not picked up by the conclusion of the race will be donated.

I won an award but had to leave early. Can it be mailed or picked up later?
No. Awards must be picked up on race day. We do not mail awards and we do not bring them to future races.

May I drop down to another event (for example - Half Marathon to 5K)?
We do allow this. You will need to simply go into your RunSignUp Profile and make the switch. We can also make changes on race day but must be notified prior to the race starting.  

Am I able to defer my entry to the following year?
No. There are no deferrals or refunds allowed for any reason.

Can I transfer my registration to someone else or have someone run in my place?
No transfers are allowed. If someone is caught running for another participant, that participant will be disqualified. Finish line photos are reviewed and tagged.

I missed the race and want a refund. How do I get one?
All entry fees are non refundable. Chargebacks are considered theft and will result in a ban from all events managed by APTiming.

If the race is moved to virtual, can I get a refund?
No. You agree to this policy during registration through a waiver, a specific question, and the refund policy. If you do not wish to accept this risk, please do not register.

Where do the race proceeds go?
Proceeds to go towards the Elk River Trail Foundation.

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Additional Race Rules and Policies

- Runners who have felt ill within 48 hours of the race may not participate.
- Runners with a temperature over 100.4 degrees on race morning may not participate.
- All applicable health and safety guidelines must be followed.
- Runners are responsible for bringing their own hydration.
- Remain within designated event areas at all times.
- Do not cut across parking lots. Stay on the marked course.
- No littering, vandalism, or tampering with property.
- Pets are allowed but must be leashed and cleaned up after.
- Know the nature of the event and come prepared.
- No bullying or harassment of any kind.
- Parking is available in the area.
- No refunds or transfers for any reason including force majeure or acts of God.
- No bandits are allowed on the course.

All rules are subject to change with or without notice. It is your responsibility to know and follow all rules.

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Liability:
Anyone who does not register and sign the event waiver may not participate or associate with the event. All risks including those involving animals or unforeseen circumstances are assumed by the individual.

Our events are designed to be fun and family friendly. Any participant, spectator, volunteer, or sponsor exhibiting unsportsmanlike or disruptive behavior will be removed from the venue immediately with no refund.

By participating you agree to APTiming’s Respectfulness Policy:
If you are not respectful, you are not allowed. Race organizers reserve the right to remove registrations without refund and permanently ban individuals from future events for disrespectful behavior. This applies to both in person and online interactions.

ALL PACKET PICKUP WILL TAKE PLACE ON RACE DAY FROM 6:30AM-7:55AM.

PARKING: All participants can park at the Trailhead in Gassaway, WV (same location as your start/finish line). 

RACE: The Full/Half Marathon starts at 8AM. The 5K starts a 8:15AM. As you complete the race you will be given your finisher medal. The official cutoff for all events is 7 hours. 

FACILITIES: Bathrooms will be available at the start/finish line.

REFRESHMENTS: We will provide a variety of refreshments and drinks at the finish line.

Marathon Pricing
March 8 - March 31 = $60
April 1 - May 31 = $65
June 1 - June 30 = $70
July 1 - August 30 = $75
August 31 - Sept 12 = $80
NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION

Half Marathon Pricing
March 8 - March 31 = $45
April 1 - May 31 = $50
June 1 - June 30 = $55
July 1 - August 30 = $60
August 31 - Sept 12 = $65
NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION

5K Pricing
March 8 - March 31 = $30
April 1 - May 31 = $35
June 1 - June 30 = $40
July 1 - August 30 = $45
August 31 - Sept 12 = $50
NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION