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This page covers the 2026 edition, which has already taken place. See the next Parkersburg News and Sentinel Half Marathon and Two Mile Race (August 21, 2027) →
Parkersburg News and Sentinel Half Marathon and Two Mile Race

Parkersburg News and Sentinel Half Marathon and Two Mile Race

Parkersburg News and Sentinel Half Marathon offers a community-driven race with strong volunteer support and a challenging course.

Race Date

Aug 15, 2026

Location

Parkersburg, WV

Runner Favorite84

Quick facts

Date
Saturday, August 15, 2026
Location
Parkersburg, West Virginia
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 21K, 2 Miles
Course
Loop Course
Terrain
Road
USATF certified
Yes
Finishers on record
18,349

Highlights

Good For

Destination Worthy

Atmosphere

Local CommunityGreat SwagWell Supported

The Experience

The Parkersburg News and Sentinel Half Marathon, first run in 1998 and now in its 26th edition, has become a beloved fixture in West Virginia. Attracting runners from approximately 21 states, this race boasts a loyal following, with about 40% of participants returning year after year. While the course is described as challenging and rolling, the heart of the event lies in its exceptional community and volunteer spirit.

Runners can expect a well-supported race with around 14 aid stations for the half marathon, manned by enthusiastic volunteers who consistently earn high praise. The event offers a pre-race pasta dinner and a post-race pizza luncheon, along with a tech shirt and finisher's medal. The race finishes on Market Street, with thousands of spectators lining the route, creating a festive atmosphere leading into the Parkersburg Homecoming Festival Parade.

Recent editions have seen field sizes around 698 finishers, a growing trend that speaks to the race's enduring appeal. The competition is often strong, with typical winning times around 70 minutes, and the event serves as the RRCA WV State Championship, adding a competitive edge for local and visiting runners alike.

Race-provided description

HALF MARATHON: The Parkersburg News and Sentinel Half Marathon begins at 8:00 a.m. in downtown Parkersburg and is the RRCA WV State Championship. The rolling course will take you out of the city and into the scenic surroundings of West Virginia before looping back into the commercial area. You will finish the race to the cheers of thousands of spectators lined up on Market Street prior to the Parkersburg Homecoming Festival Parade. All participants in the Half Marathon will get a tech shirt, pre-race pasta dinner, finishers medal, & post-race pizza luncheon.   TWO MILE RACE: Starting line is at Third and Juliana streets at the Towne Square Parking Garage and the finish line is at Sixth and Market streets. The Two Mile Race is the RRCA West Virginia Championship. Race begins at 8:10 a.m. To participate on a Company, Family, or School team for the 2 Mile Run, please select your existing team or create a new team during registration.  Top 4 fastest team members determine the team score. All participants in the 2 Mile will receive a T-shirt.   Schedule: Friday, August 14, 2026, Locations Listed Below 2-9 p.m. - Registration/Packet Pickup for all Events - Parkersburg Municipal Building, 1 Government Sq, Parkersburg, WV 26101 5-9 p.m. - Pre-Race Pasta Dinner* - St. Francis Xavier Parish Center, near Finish Line (included with Half Marathon) *2-mile participants, guest and children tickets may be purchased at the door. (2-mile tickets $3 with bib present, Guest tickets $7, & Children $4) Saturday, August 15, 2026, Locations Listed Below 6-7 a.m. - Packet Pickup for Half Marathon & 2 Mile - Parkersburg Municipal Building, 1 Government Sq, Parkersburg, WV 26101 8:00 a.m. - Half Marathon Run & Half Marathon Walk Starts 8:10 a.m. - 2 Mile Run & 2 Mile Walk Starts 9:30 a.m. - Awards for 2 Mile Run & 2 Mile Walk - Bicentennial Park, 201 3rd St, Parkersburg, WV 26101 11:00 a.m. -1 p.m. - Post-Race Pizza Lunch* - St. Francis Xavier Parish Center, near Finish Line (included with Half Marathon) *2-mile participants, guest and children tickets may be purchased at the door. (2-mile/guest $5 & Children $4) 11:30 a.m. – Course Closed 12:30 p.m. – Awards for Half Marathon Run & Half Marathon Walk – St. Francis Xavier Parish Center, near Finish Line 12:30 p.m. – Parade begins (Market Street)   Odgen Newspaper Half Marathon & Parkersburg News and Sentinel Half Marathon: Runners who complete in both the Odgen Newspaper Half Marathon & Parkersburg News and Sentinel Half Marathon will receive a special tech shirt! *Must be preregister in the Parkersburg News and Sentinel Half Marathon by August 1 to get special shirt.

Logistics

Race Day

Saturday, August 15, 2026

Start Time

8:00 AM

Giveaway

T-Shirt

Start Location

519 JULIANA ST, Parkersburg, WV, 26101

Directions

Course Info

USATF Certified

Course Type

Loop Course

Terrain

road

Surface

Paved

Difficulty

Hilly

Net Drop/km

-0.09 m

Separation

1.7%

Also Offers

21K2 Miles

USATF Certified Course

WV22002MS · News and Sentinel Half Marathon

Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.

Course Map

Quality Score

Runner Favorite84
Methodology
Heritage20/20

27 years running

Size13/15

~358 finishers a year

Momentum5/5

growing or steady

Loyalty20/20

36% returning runners

Course & details12/15

USATF certified · 5 timing sources

National draw9/10

runners from 31 states

Front-pack speed5/5

winner 1:08:24

Weather0/10

typical high 84°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

66°

Afternoon (High)

83°

Hot conditions — adjust pace expectations, prioritize hydration

0.2"

Precipitation

8 mph

Wind

76%

Humidity

Historical Finish Times

How 18,349 finishers actually crossed the line across 27 years.

Most recent

2026

Total finishers

18,349

Median time

2:14:53

Latest turnout

358

States

49

10%
25%
75%
90%
1:00p50 median ≈ 2:004:30

Turnout by year

2017–2026

'17'18'19'22'23'24'25'26
See full results

Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.

Race Photos

Frequently asked

When is the Parkersburg News and Sentinel Half Marathon and Two Mile Race?

The Parkersburg News and Sentinel Half Marathon and Two Mile Race was held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM. The next edition is on August 21, 2027.

Where does the Parkersburg News and Sentinel Half Marathon and Two Mile Race take place?

It takes place in Parkersburg, West Virginia.

What distances does the Parkersburg News and Sentinel Half Marathon and Two Mile Race offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 21K, 2 Miles.

Is the Parkersburg News and Sentinel Half Marathon and Two Mile Race course flat and good for a PR?

The Parkersburg News and Sentinel Half Marathon and Two Mile Race is a hilly, loop course course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.

How many people run the Parkersburg News and Sentinel Half Marathon and Two Mile Race?

HalfRuns has finish records for 18,349 runners who have completed the Parkersburg News and Sentinel Half Marathon and Two Mile Race.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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