Coopers Rock 50 Km
Bruceton Mills, United States • 25 Apr 2026
Event overview
The Coopers Rock Foundation will hold a nighttime trail run on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Coopers Rock State Forest near Bruceton Mills, WV. The event offers two distances and is limited to 250 combined entries. The race starts and finishes at the Overlook Area.
Distances
- 50 km - covers nearly every trail on the south side, no repeating loops
- Half Marathon (21 km) - shorter version of the same trails, no repeating loops
Course and terrain
The trail network includes rocky sections, boulder formations, and several scenic overlooks of Cheat Canyon and Cheat Lake. The 50 km route has about 5000 feet of elevation gain; the half marathon has about 2000 feet of elevation gain.
Aid stations and cutoffs
The 50 km course has six aid stations and the half marathon has three, spaced about 3 to 7 miles apart. Stations will provide standard ultra food and drinks. The event enforces cutoff times; participants who miss a cutoff must stop and follow volunteer instructions.
Logistics
Packet pickup is available on race day at the Overlook Area. Drop bags are allowed for 50 km runners at Picnic Shelter #1 (Aid Station #2). Campsites and a small number of cabins are available at Coopers Rock State Forest; additional nearby lodging options exist in and around Morgantown.
Rules, gear and eligibility
Participants must be at least 18 years old. Because this is a nighttime event, participants are required to carry a light source plus spare batteries or an extra light. Participants must carry a cell phone and install the Caltopo app for location tracking. Pacers are not permitted. Crews have parking restrictions for Aid Station #3. 50 km finishers must have two punch marks from out-and-back sections to be official finishers.
Entries, fees and refunds
Entry fees vary by distance and registration date. A 70% refund is available until March 8, 2026; after that date refunds are not allowed. Entries may be transferred to another runner through April 17, 2026.
Shirts and awards
Entrants who register by March 8, 2026 will receive a Sweat Vac technical shirt to be picked up in person. Awards will be given to the top men and women finishers as they cross the line, and all finishers receive a customized finisher gift. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.