Babcock Gristmill Grinder Half Marathon
Overview
Course Description
Part of a state-wide race series known as the West Virginia Mountain Trail Series, the Gristmill Grinder is the series’ first race of the year, and starts and finishes at the Sugar Camp Run Picnic Area on the southern edge of the park.
From there, the course winds through Babcock’s hills, valleys and mountain ridges, takes steep climbs up to the area known as the “Skyline” along the cliffs, and then evens out somewhat along the rolling terrain up along the cliffs.
The steepest climbs and descents occur in the early and late parts of the race, between miles 2 and 3 and then again around the 10-mile marker, race organizers say. There’s also everything you might expect from a trail race along the way — rocky and muddy terrain, with streams and water interspersed throughout the course. There are also three aid stations along the route, and a gradual uphill to the finish line.
