Embark on an extraordinary nocturnal adventure at the Coopers Rock 50 km and Half Marathon Night Run on April 25, 2026, in Bruceton Mills, WV. This unique nighttime event, a one-year special edition, invites runners to experience the rugged beauty of Coopers Rock State Forest under the cover of darkness. The challenging and scenic courses wind through nearly every trail on the south side of the forest, revealing towering boulder formations and breathtaking overlooks of Cheat Canyon and Cheat Lake. Both distances are single-loop, ensuring a constantly evolving journey through the West Virginia wilderness.

Prepare for a demanding but rewarding experience. The 50K ultra-marathon features a significant 5000 feet of elevation gain, while the Half Marathon presents a formidable 2000 feet of climbing. Runners can expect rocky and technical terrain, including "big climbs" and "big descents," with potential for mud, roots, and challenging footing throughout. Aid stations, spaced 3-7 miles apart, will be well-stocked with typical ultra-marathon fare like cookies, chips, pickles, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, along with water and Gatorade. 50K participants also have the convenience of drop bag access at Aid Station #2.

Starting at 8:30 PM from the Overlook Area, participants will navigate the trails as night descends, making for a truly memorable race. Typical race day conditions in late April bring highs around 69°F and lows around 46°F, with a 21% chance of precipitation. Finish your incredible journey and celebrate with a complimentary post-race meal of meat and veggie burritos and desserts. This race, organized by The Coopers Rock Foundation, not only offers an epic challenge but also supports the preservation of the forest, with all profits reinvested into trail and facility maintenance. Spaces are limited to a combined 250 entries, so secure your spot for this exceptional night of trail running.