2026 Coopers Rock 50 KM and Half Marathon Night Run

The 2026 Coopers Rock 50 KM and Half Marathon Night Run takes place on Saturday, April 25, 2026, starting at 8:30 PM at Coopers Rock State Forest in Bruceton Mills, West Virginia, United States. Participants will experience a unique nighttime trail run through the south side of the forest, featuring scenic overlooks of Cheat Canyon and Cheat Lake, with temperatures typically ranging from the mid-40s to low 50s Fahrenheit in late April, and potential for cool, clear skies ideal for stargazing. The event requires all runners to use a light source and be prepared for dark conditions, with both the 50K and half marathon courses offering significant elevation gain and no repeating loops.

What distances are available for this event?

• →50 Kilometer (31.1 miles) starting at 8:30 PM
• →Half Marathon (13.5 miles) starting at 8:30 PM

What are the registration fees for the 50K?

• →$100 — registered by February 1, 2026
• →$115 — registered February 2, 2026 to March 8, 2026
• →$115 — registered March 9, 2026 to April 17, 2026 (no shirt guaranteed)
• →$130 cash/check — in-person at packet pickup (no shirt guaranteed)

What are the registration fees for the Half Marathon?

• →$75 — registered by February 1, 2026
• →$90 — registered February 2, 2026 to March 8, 2026
• →$90 — registered March 9, 2026 to April 17, 2026 (no shirt guaranteed)
• →$105 cash/check — in-person at packet pickup (no shirt guaranteed)

What is the event schedule and timing?

• →Pre-race meeting: 8:10 PM on April 25, 2026
• →Start time: 8:30 PM for both distances
• →Packet pickup: 5:00 PM to 8:10 PM on race day at the Overlook Area
• →50K cutoff: 6:00 AM (9 hours 30 minutes total)
• →Half Marathon cutoff: 1:30 AM (5 hours total)
• →Post-race meal starts around 10:30 PM

What are the cutoff times for 50K aid stations?

• →Aid 1 — Mile 5.0: 10:05 PM
• →Aid 2 — Mile 10.4: 11:40 PM (drop bags available here)
• →Aid 3A — Mile 15.9: 1:25 AM
• →Aid 3B — Mile 19.8: 2:35 AM
• →Aid 4 — Mile 26.9: 4:35 AM
• →Aid 3C — Mile 29.5: No cutoff listed
• →Finish — Mile 31.1: 6:00 AM

What are the cutoff times for Half Marathon aid stations?

• →Aid 1 — Mile 5.0: 10:20 PM
• →Aid 4 — Mile 9.3: 11:55 PM
• →Aid 3 — Mile 11.9: No cutoff listed
• →Finish — Mile 13.5: 1:30 AM

What mandatory gear is required for participants?

• →Light source (headlamp/flashlight) with extra batteries or backup light — required at all times
• →Cell phone with the number provided at registration — required at all times
• →Caltopo app installed, signed in with real name, and QR code scanned before the event for live tracking
• →Bib visible on the front at all times

What are the key race rules and restrictions?

• →Participants must be 18 years or older on race day
• →Late starts are not permitted
• →No pacers allowed
• →If you drop out, notify a volunteer before leaving the course
• →50K runners must collect 2 punch marks on their bib to be considered an official finisher

What is included in registration for participants?

• →Free post-race meal (meat or vegetarian sandwich burritos + dessert) for registered runners
• →Finisher's gift with event graphics for all finishers
• →Shirt (Sweat Vac technical) guaranteed only for those registered by March 8, 2026 (must be picked up in person)

What awards and prizes are available?

• →Awards to top men and women finishers of each distance
• →Awards given at the finish line with no formal ceremony

What are the refund and transfer policies?

• →70% refund until March 8, 2026 (Ultrasignup fees not refunded)
• →No refunds after March 8, 2026 — NO EXCEPTIONS
• →No deferrals to next year — NO EXCEPTIONS
• →Entry transfer to another runner allowed until April 17, 2026

What are the course details for the 50K?

• →Distance: 31.1 miles (50 km)
• →Elevation gain: 5,000 feet
• →Course covers nearly every trail on the south side of Coopers Rock State Forest, featuring scenic overlooks of Cheat Canyon and Cheat Lake, and towering boulder formations
• →No repeating loops; includes two out-and-back sections

What are the course details for the Half Marathon?

• →Distance: 13.5 miles (~21 km)
• →Elevation gain: 2,000 feet
• →Course is a shorter version of the same trails as the 50K with no repeating loops

What facilities are available for crews and drop bags?

• →Drop bags (50K only): Leave inside Picnic Shelter #1 at the Overlook Area (Aid Station #2 at mile 10.4) or return to car after checking in at Aid #2
• →Crew access for Aid Station #3: Park at Overlook Area or Day Use parking lot and walk/bike ~1.5 miles via Roadside Trail
• →Crew access for Aid Stations #1 & #2: Via the large gravel lot at the Overlook Area
• →Crew access for Aid Station #4: Via Day Use parking lot

What lodging options are near the event?

• →Coopers Rock State Forest Campgrounds (Rhododendron & McCollum): 61 County Line Drive, Bruceton Mills, WV 26525 — Wvstateparks ↗
• →Chestnut Ridge Campground: 346 Chestnut Ridge Camp Road, Bruceton Mills, WV 26525 — Chestnutridgepark ↗
• →Multiple hotel options in and around Morgantown, WV
• →Limited stargazing cabins available at Coopers Rock State Forest

What is the event cap and location details?

• →Combined race cap: 250 entries
• →Location: Coopers Rock State Forest, Exit 15 off I-68, roughly 15 minutes east of Morgantown, WV
• →Start and finish: Overlook Area, 3 miles south of the interstate exit along the main forest road