WVU Medicine Morgantown Marathon is this weekend

The organizers of the WVU Medicine Morgantown Marathon don’t try to sugarcoat the challenges the 26-mile course presents. Even their social media posts include the hashtag #YesItsHilly.

“Our marathon has over 2,000 feet in elevation gain over its course, which is significantly more than most races,” race director Jamie Summerlin said. “Over the course of 26 miles, it is very challenging.”

Despite the grueling run, the fourth annual event draws participants from all over the U.S., including WVU Medicine employees and former patients. More than 1,000 runners, including more than 70 from WVU Medicine are expected to participate, Summerlin said.

This year’s Marathon Weekend, which includes the Mountain Mama 8K, the 13er (half marathon), and the full marathon, begins Saturday, Sept. 15, with the Health and Wellness Expo at the WVU Coliseum. Click here for the schedule of events.

For those who don’t wish to run, Summerlin encourages supporters to cheer participants on from the sidelines (much of the marathon’s path will be going by local business districts and neighborhoods) or donate a “hero mile” to support local charity.

The general public can pay $50 and businesses can pay $200 to donate a mile of the track to either a veteran or active service member. A sign will be posted at the purchased mile along the track, celebrating the soldier and his or her service.

All proceeds from the WVU Medicine Morgantown Marathon support veterans through Operation Welcome Home, a non-profit job placement organization dedicated to helping veterans and their families overcome barriers to employment.