DAVIS — The Canaan Valley Running Company recently hosted 600 runners at their first annual Moonlight on the Falls Marathon on August 28-29, 2021. The race, which was held at Blackwater Falls State Park in Tucker County, West Virginia, gave runners the ability to beat the summer heat by enjoying the cool, summer mountain nights and the star filled sky.
In addition to the marathon, the race also featured a quarter marathon, a half marathon, and a distance challenge, which were held on an approximate 6.5-mile looped course that began and ended at Pendleton Point. Runners were allowed to run solo, or as a two-person relay, four-person relay, or a six-person relay team.
“Sometimes all the stars align! Overall, I couldn’t be happier with the inaugural Moonlight on the Falls Marathon at Blackwater Falls State Park. We had runners from over 30 different states join us to run under the stars through the park. We are already working on next year’s race and can’t wait!” stated Robby McClung, owner and founder of the Canaan Valley Running Company.
McClung added, “We would also like to thank everyone on the Blackwater Falls State Park team for supporting the race and preparing the park to ensure our runners and visitors had a fantastic time. The race would not be possible without their support and hard work!”
The Canaan Valley Running Company would like to thank race sponsors Appalachian Timing Group, Highland Outdoors, Emerald Tree Boutique, Mountain Top Realty and the Tucker County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.
Along with the 600 runners, there were another 600 spectators in attendance. These approximate 1,200 individuals helped support local businesses and tourism by enjoying everything Tucker County and West Virginia has to offer.
The top finishers of the race included:
Distance Challenge
- Male – Steve Schall of Williamsport, PA – 52.4 miles
- Female – Jennifer Theiller of Charlotte, NC – 45.85 miles
Marathon
- Male – Adam Lowe of Martinsburg, WV – 3:05:52.15
- Female – Margaret Powers of Pittsburgh, PA – 3:42:35.75
Half Marathon
- Male – Misha McCormick of Newark, OH – 1:32:37.98
- Female – Gretchen Pifer of Morgantown, WV – 1:41:25.77
Quarter Marathon
- Male – Stephen Malcolm of Martinsburg, WV – 48:10.71
- Female – Kayla Johnson of Princeton, WV – 52:28.66
Registration for the second annual Moonlight on Falls Marathon, which will be held on August 27-28, 2022, will begin on November 2.
For more information on the Canaan Valley Running Company and to register for upcoming races, visit canaanvalleyhalfmarathon.com.
About the Canaan Valley Running Company:
Founded in 2018, the Canaan Valley Running Company is an outdoor adventure and lifestyle company located in Tucker County, West Virginia. The Canaan Valley Running Company hosts several annual events, which include the Moonlight on the Falls Marathon, Canaan Valley Trail Run and the Canaan Valley Half Marathon, 10K and 5K, to introduce individuals to the beauty of West Virginia. They also provide runners and outdoor adventurers resources and information on their blog. In addition, the Canaan Valley Running Company is in the process of producing a premium apparel line, which will fit the needs of runners and casual hikers alike. For more information, visit canaanvalleyhalfmarathon.com.
