First Light, First Steps
Race morning on the Greenbrier River Trail awakens the senses, as runners gather at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, anticipation and excitement building in the crisp mountain air. At 8:00 a.m., the full marathon begins with the blast of the Steam Engine Train Whistle, sending participants on a 26.2-mile journey from Cass to Marlinton along a mostly flat, gently downhill (1% grade) trail. The course is USATF-certified, giving runners official times for this scenic point-to-point route.
The half-marathon (not yet certified) starts at 9:45 a.m. from Stillwell Park in Marlinton, following a 13.1-mile out-and-back course along the same beautiful trail. Runners head south so as not to overlap with the marathoners, reach a turnaround just over six miles in, and return to the park, enjoying the same picturesque riverside scenery that makes either distance unforgettable.
Trail Treasures & Hidden Gems
The trail’s wooded stretches, framed by fall foliage and the gentle river, offer a serene, immersive experience. Among its highlights, an 800-foot tunnel near mile 16 stands out as a hidden gem. With the exception of some added lighting that has been placed throughout the tunnel to help runners safely make their way through, emerging from near-darkness, runners are greeted by a water stop and a long wooden bridge spanning the river. It’s a moment that leaves a lasting impression. Wooden bridge crossings, flowing rivers, and looming rock faces also contribute to the trail’s dramatic beauty.
Roots & Running Dreams
Kellyn’s connection to Cass runs deep. “I grew up here. My grandma had a gift shop in Cass. Some of my earliest memories are exploring the town with the other kids, hearing the train whistle, and enjoying the summers.”
“One of those summers, my uncle Ray, who’s our lead biker for the marathon, took me on a bike ride on the River Trail when I was a kid. And while that was a struggle for me at the time, it was the first time I really explored more than the first mile of the trail, and I really came to appreciate the raw beauty of the area.”
Years later, distance running and a visit home sparked the idea for the Greenbrier River Trail Marathon. “All I could think about during that run was how great it felt to be out there and how I wanted my running friends to come for a visit and run with me…to share this trail that had been in the background of my life for so long, with those that shared my love for running. From that first thought, the GRTM was born.”
What began as a grassroots effort among family and friends has grown steadily, with strong support from volunteers, sponsors, and the community. The introduction of the Half Marathon in 2021 expanded the course to welcome even more runners, further cementing the event as a beloved regional tradition.
Water Stop Showdown
The race emphasizes fun for both runners and the community. “We want to make sure that our event is fun, not just for our runners but for the community as well, and our volunteers are what make our event possible. We simply couldn’t do it without them,” Kellyn says. Each year, groups compete in the “Best Water Stop Competition,” with runners voting on their favorites. The top three stops receive a monetary prize for their group or organization, giving back to the groups that make the event so vibrant. Volunteers have decorated stations, played music, offered snacks, and ensured every runner felt supported.
Beyond the fun, safety is a top priority. Volunteers staff every aid station with hydration and nutrition, while medical responders, bike patrols, and HAM radio operators provide essential support throughout the course, ensuring runners can enjoy the day with confidence.
Perseverance on the Trail
The Greenbrier River Trail Marathon & Half has seen its share of unforgettable stories over the years. Runners go to great lengths to be part of the event, from one participant hitchhiking from D.C. just to make it to the start, then volunteering to help after he completed the course, to another flying in from Hawaii only to face travel delays due to a hurricane the night before. Their determination, combined with the dedication of volunteers, creates a truly special experience.
One of the more challenging aspects of hosting a race in such a remote location is the unpredictability of the weather. “2022 is a year that we’ll never forget because of the hurricane that wreaked havoc all along the east coast the weekend of our race,” Kellyn recalls. “In order to ensure that runners would be able to get through the trail, I drove the marathon course ahead of the runners, where I encountered a rockslide, broken tree limbs, and slippery conditions that almost sent my truck into the river. Fortunately, in spite of the close calls, everything worked out pretty smoothly and the determined racers made it through the rainy conditions relatively unscathed.”
These moments of perseverance, both from organizers and runners, embody the spirit of the race. They turn each mile into a memory and every challenge into a story worth telling.
Looking Ahead: Purpose and Partnership
The 2025 Greenbrier River Trail Marathon & Half takes place on October 5. To register or learn more, please visit grtmarathon.com.
Kellyn emphasizes the race’s purpose: “We aim to provide the highest quality marathon and half marathon experiences that we can for our runners. Our purpose and reason for keeping up this labor of love is to provide an opportunity for everyone to run, in search of their own personal goals – whether that’s their first, one of many on the way to their 50-state goal, their fastest, their slowest, or just to get out and enjoy the day, on our trail, in our little corner of the world.”
Proceeds from the race go to maintaining and improving the Greenbrier River Trail and supporting other local athletic activities through the Greenbrier River Trail Marathon Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Step Into the Story
Lace up your running shoes and experience the Greenbrier River Trail Marathon and Half, where every mile of the journey becomes a story to remember.
