2026 Run To Read Half Marathon

The 2026 Run To Read Half Marathon is scheduled for Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Prickett’s Fort State Park in Fairmont, West Virginia. Participants will navigate a double out-and-back course on connected rail trails, offering a smooth, scenic, and traffic-free route with minimal elevation change. In January, Fairmont typically experiences winter conditions, with average high temperatures in the upper 30s°F (around 3-4°C) and lows in the low 20s°F (-6°C), so runners should prepare for cold weather. This 13.1-mile event, which begins at 1:00 PM EST, supports Literacy Volunteers of Marion County, with chip timing provided by Miles of Smiles.

What is the event name and date?

• →21st Annual Run to Read Half Marathon
• →Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026

Where is the event located?

• →Prickett’s Fort State Park, Fairmont, WV
• →Start/Finish: 88 State Park Road, directly below the church on the hill

What is the mission or cause of the event?

• →Benefits Literacy Volunteers of Marion County (LVMC)
• →LVMC is a United Way agency providing free one-on-one tutoring in reading, math, and ESL for adults and children

What distances are available for this event?

• →13.1 miles (Half Marathon)

What are the start times and time limits?

• →Start Time: 1:00 PM EST
• →Time Limit: 4 hours (finishes by 5:00 PM)

What is the course type and elevation profile?

• →Double out-and-back on two connected rail trails
• →Smooth, traffic-free, and scenic
• →Minimal elevation change

How is the race timed?

• →Chip-timed by Miles of Smiles Timing Services
• →Results posted at smileymiles.com

How much does registration cost?

• →Entry Fee: $45
• →Price increases after January 9, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST
• →Same-Day Registration: Available from 11:30 AM on race day
• →Mail-in entries accepted — printable form available at runtoread.org

What is included in registration swag?

• →Long-sleeve technical shirt guaranteed for those registered by December 17, 2025
• →Very limited extras may be available on race day — pre-register to guarantee yours

What finisher gifts are provided?

• →All finishers receive a custom memento (medal or keepsake)

What awards are presented?

• →Top 3 Overall Men & Women
• →Top 3 Men & Women in each age group: 19 & under, 20–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69, 70+

When and how are awards distributed?

• →Awards presented immediately as runners finish — no waiting for a ceremony