CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Runners from across the Mountain State and the country gathered this weekend in the Capital City to compete in the University of Charleston’s 5K, half marathon, and marathon.
The marathon was announced in April 2025 in partnership with Charleston Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin and the Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau. The event served as a qualifier for the Boston, New York, and London marathons. The 5K took place Saturday, while the half marathon and marathon events were held Sunday.
University of Charleston President Dr. Marty Roth said that students played a big role in hosting the event.
“They did an amazing job, planning the event, organizing the event, staffing the event,” Roth said Sunday during the marathon. “We have over 200 students throughout the 26-mile course. They’re out there manning water stations, helping make sure the people know exactly where to turn and when, and just being there to encourage them, support them, and cheer them on and urge them to get to the finish line.”
University of Charleston junior Minke Engelvrecht was one of the student volunteers. Engelvrecht said that volunteers woke up early Sunday morning and were happy to help out.
“Just seeing the smiles on people’s faces, especially after they finish,” Engelvrecht said. “It’s such a rewarding feeling and I think everyone that volunteers today feels the same way.”
Engelvrecht is from South Africa. Roth noted the similarities between UC’s diverse student population and the runners who came to Charleston this weekend.
“We’re really blessed at the University of Charleston, where we have students every year from over 40 states and 50 countries,” Roth said. “To see that same level of participation here for a community event is just amazing.”
Charleston Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin gushed over the hospitality that West Virginians showed visitors.
“Texas, Arizona, Florida. I mean, [people from] all across the country are here in the Capital City today,” Goodwin said. “Not only is it inspiring, but it is so wonderful to see how we connect. It doesn’t matter if you’re from Charleston, if you’re from Dunbar, St. Albans, you’re saying ‘if you’re in the state of West Virginia, we got you.’ We got all hands on you. This is so great.”
Runners in Sunday’s half marathon and marathon raced under sunny skies and 70-degree temperatures.
California native and visiting runner Geny Munoz said she was thrilled with her experience in Charleston. Munoz ran in the half marathon.
“The scenery and running along the river, everything was great,” Munoz said. “The weather was absolutely perfect.”
Money raised from the events this weekend is directly impacting UC education, Roth said.
“All the proceeds from the event will go to the University of Charleston honors college,” Roth explained. “We have about 50 or 60 students that participate in the honors college, so the funding will help us bring in subject matter experts on important things that are happening in our world today. It’ll provide funding, to help support research, the students can do side-by-side with our faculty and also help them with funding to go to conferences and different events outside of Charleston that’ll enrich their learning experiences.”
Roth continued that the weekend truly was a team effort.
“I really want to thank everybody in community, the city of Charleston, the Convention and Visitors Bureau, all of our terrific sponsors — this is one of those events that really takes a village to make successful, and coming together, I think we’ve done that.”