Runners make the turn from Second to Juliana Street after completing the first half mile of the 2-mile race.

The first mile makes an immediate turn onto Fourth Street, unlike the half marathon which continues straight. The course rounds the block passing the historic Blennerhassett Hotel, the U.S. Bureau of the Fiscal Service, the Municipal Building with the Wood County Courthouse in the middle of it all. Turning from Fourth Street onto Avery Street, racers will pass behind the Municipal Building before making a right turn onto Second Street. Here, participants will pass the Wood County Resiliency Center, opened in 2024. After turning back onto Juliana Street from Second Street, participants will pass the 0.5 mile marker. When participants cross Third Street, they will be able to see half marathoners finishing the second mile of their race. In a few hundred feet, runners and walkers will recross the starting line and begin the slow, long climb up Juliana Street. The end of the first mile is around Parkersburg Catholic Elementary School.

The News and Sentinel Half Marathon and Two-Mile Race will be held Aug. 16.

Register for the races at: https://www.newsandsentinelhalfmarathon.com/

Questions? Contact Race Coordinator Sarah Watson at halfmarathon@newsandsentinel.com