Mountain Fork Half Marathon

Mountain Fork Half Marathon is held in Norton, Virginia, on September 20, 2026, with a 9:00 a.m. start. The single event is a 13.6-mile trail run (about 21.9 km), slightly longer than a standard half marathon, set in the mountains of far southwestern Virginia. With one distance and one start, the race keeps things simple: you line up, head onto the trail, and cover just under 14 miles before returning.

Because this is a trail half with an extra half mile, treat it as a step up from a road half marathon rather than an equivalent. Runners who already train on hills will feel at home; if you are coming from flat roads, add climbing sessions and technical descents to your preparation. A 10- to 12-week build with a weekly long run on dirt, some strength work for your legs, and a plan to fuel through a two- to three-hour effort will get you to the finish comfortably. The later start also lets you travel in that morning.