West Virginia Cryptid Race Series

The West Virginia Cryptid Race Series is a West Virginia–based running series inspired by the state’s legendary cryptids and the unique locations they are said to roam. Each race has its own theme, atmosphere, and community feel, giving runners a fun reason to explore new places while enjoying professionally produced events.

Participants can choose to run a single race or take on the full series. Those who complete multiple races will experience a mix of local folklore, scenic courses, and memorable race-day energy across the region.

The tentative race order begins in Clay with the Bigfoot-themed race, setting the tone in classic Appalachian surroundings. The second stop brings the series to Saint Albans for the Mothman race, offering a fast, fun, and community-focused experience centered around West Virginia’s most iconic legend. The third race takes place in Gassaway, inspired by the Braxton County Monster and one of the state’s most famous cryptid encounters. The series final will be held at Kanawha State Forest with the Sheepsquatch race. This finale features winding forest roads, scenic views, and a true wilderness feel, making it a fitting and challenging conclusion to the Cryptic Race Series.

Whether you are chasing points, personal bests, or just the legends themselves, the Cryptic Race Series delivers a one-of-a-kind running experience rooted in West Virginia lore.

Chase the legends. Run the mystery.

SERIES QUESTIONS

1. Is there any swag for Series Finishers (finishing all four events)?
We are currently working on a Series Finisher Medal which will be mailed out once final numbers are determined. We are a brand new series and will be ordering the number of medals needed near the end of the series to avoid waste. Hence, it is more than likely you will receive the medal in the mail a few weeks after the final race if you earn it.

2. Does each race in the Series have a Finisher Medal?
As of registration launch, yes. However, this is largely dependent on the number of participants that register. We need a minimum of 100 participants per race in order to do finisher medals per race. 

3. Are there any series awards?
No. However, we do have plenty of awards for each individual race. There is just no way to do awards for this series since there are so many distance options to select from per event. 

4. Can I complete the races 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.

INDIVIDUAL RACE QUESTIONS

Race 1 (Clay, WV - Elk River Half Marathon/10K/5K) >

Race 2 (Saint Albans, WV - Almost Heaven 5K) >

Race 3 (Gassaway, WV - Elk River Marathon/Half Marathon/5K) >

Race 4 (Charleston, WV - Kanawha State Forest Half Marathon/7K) >