Coopers Rock 50 km and Half Marathon

The Coopers Rock 50 km and Half Marathon is a technical trail running event held at Coopers Rock State Forest in Bruceton Mills, West Virginia. For the 2026 edition, the race is designated as a nighttime event, requiring all participants to start and finish in the dark. The courses are known for their rugged terrain, featuring massive boulder formations and multiple overlooks of Cheat Canyon and Cheat Lake. The 50 km distance includes 5,000 feet of elevation gain, while the half marathon (21 km) covers 2,000 feet, both utilizing unique trails without repeating loops.

Bruceton Mills is a town in Preston County, West Virginia, located along the Big Sandy Creek. Geographically, the area is part of the Appalachian plateau, characterized by deep river gorges and dense hardwood forests. Coopers Rock State Forest itself spans over 12,000 acres. In late April, the climate in north-central West Virginia is typically cool and damp; average nighttime temperatures drop to approximately 4°C (39°F), while daytime highs reach 17°C (63°F). Because the 2026 race takes place entirely at night, runners must be prepared for limited visibility and potentially freezing temperatures in the deep canyon sections.

Strict safety protocols are in place for the nighttime format. Runners are required to carry a primary light source, a backup light source or batteries, and a cell phone with the Caltopo app installed for GPS tracking. The race is capped at 250 total entrants across both distances. Aid stations are spaced every 3 to 7 miles and provide standard ultramarathon fare, though the event is cup-less, requiring runners to carry their own hydration vessels. All proceeds from the race are managed by the Coopers Rock Foundation, a non-profit organization that reinvests the funds into trail maintenance and facility improvements within the state forest.