Run the summit

AUGUST 2024

Join us in the heart of Appalachia at the Summit Bechtel Reserve to experience running West Virginia’s wild and wonderful terrain. This 10,000 acre reserve has robust wilderness and resort facilities to offer a unique race-cation on the boarder of the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Choose your distance and plan to spend the weekend in the area with add on adventure activities and lodging recommendations.

Registration coming soon!

Run the Summit Facebook Event Page

The Hare Raising 5K will travel on 8′ wide packed gravel trails with limited elevation passing around Tridave Lake.
The Grouse Flush 10K will start on wide 8′ packed gravel trails and then dart into the flowing trails and brush along 4′ wide mountain bike trails.
The Grin & Bear It Half Marathon will loop the 10K route twice for optimum spectator support. 

All the races will stagger start crossing the CONSOL Energy Bridge.

Grin & Bear It Half Marathon Race

Follows the same path as the Grouse Flush 10K for two loops on packed 8′ wide gravel to start. Around mile 1.5 the route reduces to 4′ wide dirt trail and finishes back to an 8′ wide packed gravel. The start has an added loop along the dotted line to increase the spectator access. The second loop will not include the dotted segment. 

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Grouse Flush 10K Race

Starts near the CONSOL Energy Bridge at Bravo Base Camp and follows packed 8′ wide gravel, dirt trails 4′ wide through Action Point, then passing Tridave Lake and looping around Adventure Valley, finishing back at Bravo Base Camp. 

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Hare Raising 5K Race

This can we a walk or a run. there will be plenty of time for racers to go at their own pace. This course follows packed gravel trails and boardwalks looping around Goodrich Lake with limited elevation, beginning and ending near the CONSOL Energy Bridge at Base Camp Bravo. 

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racers can expect

Lunch

Race entry includes an Appalachian themed lunch at the Fork in the Road Dining Hall and finisher awards; vegan options available.

Fresh spring salad with ramp vinaigrette, fried catfish with remoulade sauce, baked macaroni and cheese, hearty bean soup (white and great northern beans, carrots, celery, brown sugar, garlic, rosemary, sage), roasted spring vegetables, jalapeño cornbread with ramp butter, apple butter cake.

Racers will receive an event shirt and high-quality race sticker. Top finisher will be awarded race medals in 10-year age groups for male and female.

Chip timing, aid stations, and morning packet pick up will be provided. 

Location: Summit Bechtel Reserve –

Nestled in the wilds of West Virginia, the Summit Bechtel Reserve is an expansive 10,000 acre property boasting world-class facilities, scenic views, lodging and recreational activities that are second to none. This impressive property is home to numerous notable features such as one of the largest amphitheaters in the world, over 70 miles of multi-use trails, one of the largest Outdoor Skateparks in the country, a 3,300 ft zipline and much more. Several new additions to the property include a private boutique hotel and a family adventure camp.

A little background: In 2013, the Summit opened its doors as the Boy Scouts of America’s the 4th National High Adventure Base and the future home of all National Scout Jamborees. Some additional highlights include a partnership with West Virginia University where the Summit is a host site for Science Adventure School for thousands of sixth graders from around the state each fall. In recent years, the Summit has expanded operations to better serve the local community by hosting events for businesses and organizations.



DIRECTIONS

Racers will enter through the North Gate in GLEN JEAN. Anticipate a 15 minute drive to the Fork in the Road Dining Hall once in The Summit gate. Landmarks near the correct entrance: The Cold Spot and historical Bank of Glen Jean. 

2550 Jack Furst Drive
Glen Jean, WV 25846

North Gate: Lat. 37.924163  Long. -81.15217

for a good cause

Proceeds will benefit the free programs offered by Active Southern West Virginia for the communities in southern West Virginia. This includes free elementary school Kids Run Clubs, fitness certifications for volunteers, equipment for Workplace Wellness, and projects that support equity in walkability and bike-ability of rural communities.

Race volunteers are needed. Spectacular races can only happen when there are exceptional volunteers. Race volunteers are provided detailed instructions well in advance, direct access to race staff, race shirt, and meal. It’s a great way to be part of all the action without committing to the finish line. Sign up here if you are interested in learning more; https://forms.gle/f1xgmVrY7N8f7PSn7.

 

Summit amenities

Situated in the wilds of West Virginia, The Summit Bechtel Reserve is a training, Scouting, and adventure center for the millions of youth and adults involved in the Boy Scouts of America and anyone who loves the outdoors. The Summit Bechtel Reserve is also home to the National Scout Jamboree and the Paul R. Christen National High Adventure Base.

Summit Reservations will be available.

Activities need to be reserved by 3/24/24

Advanced reservations are needed for all lodging, add on activities, and meals by 3/24/24. Discount pricing provided for registered racers. Run the Summit lodging discount code: RUNSBR2023. 

 

become a sponsor

SPONSORSHIP LEVELS AVAILABLE

Sponsors will benefit from months of event promotion and can expect exposure through press releases, social media, television interviews, radio interviews, monthly newsletters, and signage during the event. Website links can be included, and sponsorships can be customized.

All funds raised at the Run the Summit event will support free physical activity programs across Nicholas, Fayette, Raleigh, Summers, Kanawha, and Boone counties. Active SWV’s mission as a non-profit is to provide an ecosystem of physical activity for the residents of southern West Virginia by offering programs led by trained volunteers from within the communities they serve. Active SWV seeks for everyone to enjoy a healthy and active lifestyle by targeting populations that face the greatest economic and social barriers with our free programs.

The Run the Summit race event is an exciting and unique opportunity that will draw attention from many people in the area and surrounding states. This event will take place entirely on the Summit property with all racers starting and finishing on the CONSOL Energy Bridge. An Appalachian themed lunch and awards ceremony will follow.

Secure your spot as a sponsor today. Please contact the Active SWV development director for additional questions and commitments at [email protected] or (304)254-8488. Customized promotions can be arranged.

SPONSORSHIP TIERS:

Platinum: $5,000 – $9,999

Gold: $3,000 – $4,999

Silver: $2,000 – $2,999

Bronze: $500 – $1,000


SPONSOR WITH IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS

Your business or organization can be part of the event by offering aid station supplies, racer packet inserts, finish line snacks, signage and flagging, or through volunteering as a course marshal the day of the race. 

2023 Run the Summit Sponsors