Where will you watch this year's race?
Chances are there's a fantastic location near you to enjoy the 2016 Morgantown Marathon, presented by WVU Medicine. Grab your signs and root for the runners at these great gathering spots on Sunday, September 18!
First: Get to know the course map
The Morgantown Marathon covers a lot of ground throughout the city, affecting traffic and local travel for a few hours. Check out the weekend's race maps here.
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Pooches welcome: Krepps Park
Bordering the quiet Suncrest neighborhood, Krepps Park is home to wooded paths and a popular off-leash dog park. Catch the first part of Mile 1 before walking across the park for Mile 3...then you can head over to the Coliseum and the finish line!
Early risers: Van Voorhis Rd.
If you like to be where the action is, catch the start of Mile 2 on Van Voorhis Rd. There's plenty of parking and a Starbucks to satisfy your pumpkin spice latte craving. Prepare to hang out, and walk down to the intersection of Van Voorhis and Chestnut Ridge Rd., where the marathon course twists through in Mile 6. Don't worry, Dunkin' fans, there's coffee for you nearby, too.
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The Student Section: College Avenue
Winding into the heart of WVU's downtown campus in Mile 10, College Ave. is close to dorms, fraternity and sorority houses, and the Mountainlair, WVU's student union. It's probably a good idea to access this stretch on foot! Togas are optional.
Historic homes: South Park & Morgantown High School
With plenty of parking, Morgantown High provides a good vantage point for Miles 11 and 12. Historic South Park sidewalks are a bonus, but be a good neighbor and stay off the lawns!
Skateboards & tennis courts: Marilla Park
You'll find the home to Morgantown's only skate park settled along the Decker's Creek Trail. A favorite with families, Marilla Park offers lots of parking and good spots to cheer on marathoners in Mile 15.
A lonesome stretch: Greenbag Road
Sixteen miles into the race, Greenbag Rd. snakes along the southern edge of town. With no sidewalks, it can be a lonely place for a runner who needs encouragement. The Atomic Grill, located at the corner of Dorsey Ave. and Greenbag, is a good place to give competitors a spirit-lifting cheer in Mile 19!
Urban trails: White Park
Known for its many wooded hiking/biking paths, White Park is home to the Morgantown's ice rink and municipal ball fields. Mile 19 of the marathon course winds through this popular family recreation spot.
Bands, bands, bands: Hazel Ruby McQuain Amphitheatre
Situated along the Monongahela River and rails-to-trails system, runners will pass local entertainment playing under the Hazel Ruby McQuain Amphitheatre bandshell in Mile 25. With plenty of benches and parking, there's only one thing this cheer spot needs: MORE COWBELL!
Welcome to Mount Doom: Seneca Center
The Seneca Center offers the perfect spot to watch tiring marathon runners climb the brutal final ascent to the finish! Seriously, this hill is already becoming legendary in running circles. This shopping complex at the bottom of the Monongahela Blvd. was the longtime home to the Seneca Glass factory, a big part of Morgantown's history.
Finish big: WVU Coliseum
If you can't get enough of crowds and the emotion as runners finish, there's no place like home. NOTE: There's NO parking at the Coliseum on race day, so plan ahead!
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AVOID: The Mileground Roundabout
The first intersection of its kind in town, the roundabout at Mileground Rd. and Route 705 has famously confused local drivers since it opened. Add the lack of nearby parking and you're better off steering clear of this Mile 9 start!
Just remember...
Wherever you plan to watch, remember: the race's 26.2 mile course offer runners a true tour of the city, affecting traffic patterns all over. Check road closures, plan ahead, and enjoy this special morning in the University City!
