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Greenbrier River Trail Marathon

Cass, WV
Sunday, October 4, 2026


  5 Stars from 1 Reviews

Course Description
The Greenbrier River Trail Marathon is a flat/slightly downhill (1% grade), point-to-point course on the scenic Greenbrier River Trail in Pocahontas County, WV. The marathon will start in Cass Scenic Railroad State Park and run south on the trail, finishing at Stillwell Park, in Marlinton, WV.

The course surface is packed gravel with a number of flat, wooden bridge crossings and then pavement for approximately the last two miles of the course.

October Other Marathons in October Other Marathons in West Virginia Marathons near Cass, WV



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Race Information

Race Dates

2026: Sunday, October 4, 2026
2025: Sunday, October 5, 2025

Course Information

Profile: Downhill
Type: Point to Point
Surface: Mostly on Trails

Boston Qualifier?: Yes
World Marathon Major Qualifier?: No

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 52°F (11°C)
Average High: 59°F (15°C)
Average Low: 45° F (7°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 100.49
Course Score: 100.82

Race Size

2025: 166 Finishers
2024: 187 Finishers
2023: 163 Finishers
2022: 130 Finishers
2021: 166 Finishers
2020: No Results

BQ Percentages

2025: 4.8%
2024: 6.4%
2023: 5.5%
2022: 3.9%
2021: 10.2%
2020: N/A

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: No

Weather Averages for Last 5 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 65°F  (18°C)
Low: 48°F  (9°C)

Race Start Conditions

50°F  (10°C)
Humidity: 92%

Clear
NNE 5 mph

PR Score

99.39

Course Score

100.82






Greenbrier River Trail Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Greenbrier River Trail Marathon was the 290th largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 252nd largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2025, 4.8% of Greenbrier River Trail Marathon finishers achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2024, 6.4% of finishers qualified for Boston.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Greenbrier River Trail Marathon ranked 288th among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and 250th in 2024. In West Virginia, it ranked 3rd in 2025 and 2nd in 2024. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for runners comparing Boston Marathon qualifying potential across different races.

The Greenbrier River Trail Marathon has a Course Score of 100.82, ranking it as the 32nd fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 1st fastest marathon course in West Virginia.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are slightly above the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Greenbrier River Trail Marathon a PR Score of 100.49. The PR Score ranks the Greenbrier River Trail Marathon as the 24th best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 1st best marathon for a PR in West Virginia.

Together, these rankings provide a quick snapshot of how the Greenbrier River Trail Marathon compares with other marathons in the U.S. and West Virginia for speed, PR potential, Boston Marathon qualifying success, and overall participation.

Greenbrier River Trail Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed32nd fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 1st fastest marathon course in West Virginia
Top 7% Nationally#1 of 3 in West Virginia
PR Potential24th best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 1st best marathon for a PR in West Virginia
Top 6% Nationally#1 of 3 in West Virginia
Boston Qualifier Rate288th highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 3rd highest BQ percentage in West Virginia
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 61% Nationally#3 of 3 in West Virginia
Race Size290th largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 3rd largest marathon in West Virginia
Based on 2025 results
Top 49% Nationally#3 of 6 in West Virginia

Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.



Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 2485 feet (757m)
Min Elevation: 2126 feet (648m)

Elevation Gain: 25 feet (7m)
Elevation Loss: 363 feet (110m)


Greenbrier

Course updated 05/06/2025




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Race Reviews


5.0
Based on 1 reviews
Write Your Own Review

Scenic and Well-Organized Country Miles

Full Review:

This is a great small marathon that runs along the Greenbriar River Trail, a converted rail line trail. There is a very slight, consistent drop in grade, but it mostly registers as flat. The trail is hard packed dirt and gravel, providing stable footing. It was not rainy the year I ran it and did not require trail shoes.

If you enjoy quiet country runs with scenic views of mountains and nature, this is a good choice for you. It begins at the Cass Railway museum (bring your credit card to shop) and at the sound of the train whistle you do a quick loop around town and then on to the trail. The course runs through the old Sharps Tunnel, which is given a minimal lighting treatment, and then passes across a dramatic bridge. The tree cover over the course kept the temperature steady and cool, on a sunny day that had a low of 40F and a high of 60F.

The organization is small, and I think they had some hiccups my year, but they worked hard to keep things running smoothly. (The pasta dinner had to shift locations last minute and the medals were delayed due to shipping problems). The race director kept everyone informed. They had great swag and age group prizes (water bottles, sometimes its nice to get a practical prize). I also enjoyed getting the posts via their Facebook page with personal stories of runners and pacers. I really appreciated the care and attention to personal experience. I ran it the year my father, who grew up in Alderson an hour south on the river, passed away, so it was an important race for me.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

The race ends in Marlington, a charming town where they serve the pre-race pasta dinner, and they offer a free shuttle to take you to the start in Cass, so I'd recommend staying in Marlington. I stayed at some cabins just a short distance from the finish and packet pickup area. There is also a small grocery store. You can pay for a shuttle to take you in the opposite direction if you want to stay near the start. Also, if you drive up past Alderson, eat at the Big Wheel restaurant, you won't regret it!
Reviewed by Sara Light About 2025