EHQ Valley Falls 6 and 12 Hour

The EHQ Valley Falls 6 and 12 Hour race is a timed endurance event held at Valley Falls State Park in Fairmont, West Virginia. Scheduled for Saturday, May 9, 2026, the race challenges participants to complete as many laps as possible within their chosen time frame. The event is hosted by EHQ Events and serves as a fundraiser for The Innocent Lives Foundation, an organization dedicated to protecting children from exploitation.

The event operates on a single loop system, where only completed laps are counted toward a runner's final distance. The race officially begins at 7:00 AM and concludes at 7:00 PM.

Valley Falls State Park is located along the Tygart Valley River and is characterized by its scenic waterfalls and rugged Appalachian terrain. Each loop is approximately 5.25 miles long and includes roughly 750 feet of vertical gain, making for a total of 1,500 feet of elevation change per lap. The course features a diverse mix of single-track trails, gravel service roads, rocky climbs, and stream crossings. In early May, Northern West Virginia typically experiences mild but damp spring conditions, with average highs of 21°C and lows of 8°C. The trails can become quite muddy, particularly on the uphill climbs, so trail shoes are strongly recommended. To preserve the ecosystem, runners are strictly required to stay on the marked trails even in muddy sections.

Two fully stocked aid stations are provided—one at the start/finish area and one at the halfway point—offering water, electrolytes, and standard ultra-running snacks including vegan options. This is a cup-conscious event, and runners are encouraged to carry their own hydration packs or handheld bottles. While camping is prohibited within Valley Falls State Park, local lodging is available at Tygart Lake State Park (which offers a runner discount) and the nearby Camapra facility. Participants may set up personal aid stations, including canopies, near the start/finish line to support their effort throughout the day.

All participants receive a participation memento and a shirt designed by local artists (deadline for guaranteed shirt size is April 5, 2026). Unique, locally made awards are presented to the top three male and female finishers in both the 6-hour and 12-hour categories. Additionally, the event features the "Suicide Pace" award for the fastest individual lap in each category, as well as milestone mementos for runners who reach specific distances such as a Marathon, 50K, 50 Mile, or 100K during their timed window.