Kanawha State Forest Half Marathon/7K

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.

Pricing Half Marathon:
March 8 - March 31 = $45
April 1 - May 31 = $50
June 1 - June 30 = $55
July 1 - August 31 = $60
September 1 - September 30 = $65
October 1 - October 17 = $70
Race Day Registration = $80

Pricing 7K:
March 8 - March 31 = $30
April 1 - May 31 = $32.50
June 1 - June 30 = $35
July 1 - August 31 = $37.50
September 1 - September 30 = $40
October 1 - October 17 = $42.50
Race Day Registration = $45

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.

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

Race Awards
Top 3 Male Overall
Top 3 Female Overall
Top 1 Male Masters (40 plus Overall)
Top 1 Female Masters (40 plus Overall)
Top 1 Male Grandmasters (50 plus Overall)
Top 1 Female Grandmasters (50 plus Overall)
Top 1 Male Senior Grandmasters (60 plus Overall)
Top 1 Female Senior Grandmasters (60 plus Overall)

Can I participate virtually?
All races are live only. There are no virtual options unless we are required to switch due to a government mandate or restriction.

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.

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 are split between directly benefiting Kanawha State Forest and supporting scholarships awarded by APTiming.

––––––––––––––––

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.

––––––––––––––––

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.

We have been honored to be able to provide directly to Kanawha State Forest roughly $6,400 to help with trail maintenance.


2021 - Proceeds for Kanawha State Forest = $2,500



2022 - Proceeds for Kanawha State Forest = $1,500 (two pieces of equipment)



2023 - Proceeds for Kanawha State Forest = $1,200 (two pieces of equipment)



2024 - Proceeds for Kanawha State Forest = $1,200 (trail maintenance equipment)



2025 - Proceeds for Kanawha State Forest = $1,200 (trail maintenance equipment)

Displayed is 2025 Medal - 2026 Medal Design Coming Soon!