BY KYLE LOVERN
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
WILLIAMSON, W.Va. — Are you a Hatfield or a McCoy? Find out Saturday, June 14. The 26th annual Hatfield McCoy Marathon will take place in Mingo and Pike counties with the finish line ending in downtown Williamson.
The Tug Valley Road Runners Club holds the race.
“The 2025 Hatfield-McCoy Marathon will be a memorable race,” club president and local runner Alexis Batausa said. “Like other years, this race means a lot to our region, and amazing volunteers from our communities are involved.
“This year will be a challenge with the missing swinging bridge (at the Sprigg golf course) after February’s flooding in our region. Our team has worked hard to make sure the newly adjusted courses will work out for our races and participants. Our race director, Selena Ferguson, is ready for the challenge, along with our amazing volunteers, to make this race memorable.”
The annual event also features a pair of half marathons and a 5K for those who do not want to run the full 26.2-mile marathon.
Runners can choose between the full marathon or the Blackberry Mountain Half Marathon, the River Road Half Marathon, the Jeannie Rivard 5K, and the fun Kid’s Run for the youngsters.
Pre-registered participants may pick up their runner’s bib and shirt from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, June 13. Last-minute registrants may register on-site or on their mobile phone devices. Volunteers will help assist runners in finding their bib number. Participants should receive an email with their designated bib number. Runners can inform organizers about which race they are racing and their last name.
For those who want to “carb-up” before the Saturday morning races, there will be a pasta dinner Friday from 4 to 8 p.m.
In the past, runners from several states and other countries have run in the local race. The marathon has grown through the years. Hundreds of dedicated running enthusiasts participate in the event.
The full marathon race starts at the parking lot of Food City grocery store on Saturday, June 14 at 7 a.m.
There are 23 water stops along the course, fully stocked with water, Gatorade, fruit and other items.
Helen Falcon set a new course record for the marathon June 8, 2024 at 2:33.
For more information on the different races, check out the website hatfieldmccoymarathon.com.