Races Near Me: Upcoming Running Races

Kick off your Thanksgiving morning with a beloved Parkersburg tradition! Since 1979, the Parkersburg Turkey Trot has brought families, friends, and runners together for a scenic run or walk through City Park. What began under Dr. Gary Ogilvie’s direction and carried on by Joe Corra continues today as a festive blend of friendly competition and family fun. The first male and female finishers each take home a LARGE fresh turkey and a unique Turkey Trot hoodie, and all registered participants are entered into drawings for 50+ door prizes with winners posted after the race. You can pick up your official Turkey Trot shirt or register at the Wood County Rec Building in the City Park  on Wednesday before Thanksgiving from 10 AM to 6 PM or Thanksgiving morning from 7 AM to 8:45 AM—but register early to guarantee your shirt! Join us for one of Parkersburg’s most enduring and heartwarming traditions this Thanksgiving morning!

Celebrate the 2026 Christmas season at this festive one-mile run/walk benefiting the Children’s Home Society of Parkersburg. Our goal is to raise $5,000, with every dollar supporting the organization’s mission to protect and nurture children. It’s a joyful way to welcome the holidays, bring the community together, and make a meaningful difference. The event will begin and end on Market Street in downtown Parkersburg, with Bicentennial Park as the gathering point. Transformed into a cheerful Christmas Village, the park will offer complimentary coffee, hot chocolate, sweet treats, festive music, and a special visit from Santa. A $5 entry donation includes a Santa hat and a Christmas mug showcasing holiday artwork created by a child in a Children’s Home Society program.

First of four low key races to keep your competitive spirit going through the winter months, or more important just to keep you running or walking during the winter no matter what the weather. After the last race ( March Hare ) a hoodie will be given to all who finished at least three of the four races. Hoodies will be given to all that finish at least three of the four Winter Series races, The Jingle Bell; Icicle ; Valentine Classic; and the March Hare. They will be given out at the March Hare. Don't miss out on the early pricing. $10.00 River City Runners and Walkers Club members, and $15.00 for non-members until the 1st. of the month. $17.00 from the 1st of the month until race day!

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HALF MARATHON:The Parkersburg News and Sentinel Half Marathon begins at 8:00 a.m. (Wheelchair division 7:50 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 te