Yes—Active Southern West Virginia (Active SWV), the nonprofit reviving the Beckley Half Marathon & 5K, has received a Community Grant from the Beckley Area Foundation to support the race. Active SWV is a regional health and wellness nonprofit, and the Beckley Area Foundation is a community foundation that funds local projects across the region. For runners, the practical takeaway is simple: outside money is going into the event's operations, specifically to improve timing and the racer experience. Below is what the grant covers, when and where the race happens, and how to sign up.
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Table of Contents
- What the grant actually pays for
- Who is behind the funding
- When and where the race happens
- Why this year is notable
- What participants get and how to register
- Frequently Asked Questions
What the grant actually pays for
The grant funds a project Active SWV calls "Back to Beckley Half." According to Active SWV's announcement, the money buys new equipment to support race timing and the overall racer experience. that focus matters for participants.
Reliable timing equipment means cleaner results, accurate splits, and fewer disputes at the finish line—the kind of infrastructure a returning race needs to run smoothly. One honest limit: no public source discloses the grant's dollar amount. The reporting on the award confirms the support but not its size, so treat "grant support" as verified and the figure as unknown.
Who is behind the funding
The Beckley Area Foundation is a regional community foundation that administers the Community Grant program awarded here. Community foundations pool donations and distribute grants to Impact: Cities States and Communities Seeing Changes”>local nonprofits and civic projects. Active SWV is the recipient and race organizer. The grant is a partnership: a local funder backing a local nonprofit to rebuild a community event, rather than a corporate sponsorship or entry-fee subsidy.
When and where the race happens
The Beckley Half marathon & 5K is scheduled for Saturday, September 26, 2026, in Beckley, West Virginia, per the WV Tourism event listing. Mark the date if you plan to train or travel.
The course is tied to local landmarks. According to Active SWV, events start and finish at the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, and the half marathon runs through New River Park, the Lewis McManus Rail Trail, and uptown Beckley.
Why this year is notable
This is the half marathon's return after an 11-year absence. WVVA reported that Active SWV revived the event in 2026, which explains the push to invest in equipment.
For a race restarting from scratch, grant-funded timing gear is foundational. It signals the organizers are building for a repeatable annual event, not a one-off.
What participants get and how to register
Beyond the run, there are tangible perks. Per Active SWV coverage, participants receive a t-shirt, a medal, and a post-race meal of bean soup, cornbread, and pepperoni rolls—a distinctly West Virginian spread.
A few points to check before you commit: To lock in a spot, use the official Beckley Half Marathon & 5K registration page. Register early if you want a guaranteed shirt size, since race-day supplies are usually limited.
- Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026, in Beckley, WV.
- Distances: Half marathon or 5K.
- Youth: Kids ages 12 and under register free for the 5K.
- Start/finish: Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much was the grant?
The amount has not been publicly disclosed. Reporting confirms the grant support but not its dollar value.
Do kids have to pay for the 5K?
Youth ages 12 and under can register free for the 5K, according to Active SWV.
Where do the races start?
All events begin and end at the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine in Beckley, West Virginia.
