Babcock Gristmill Grinder Half Marathon

April 19, 2025
Babcock State Park
Trail
Distances
Starting Time

10:00 AM

Fees

$25+

Perfect For

Ready to sign up?

100-500
Some Hills
High: 52°
/ Low: 28°

Nestled in the challenging mountainous terrain of Babcock State Park in the center of southern West Virginia, the Babcock Gristmill Grinder Half Marathon trail run more than lives up to its name, offering runners a rugged course along single- and double-track trails in the heart of the state’s whitewater rafting country.

The race, which has grown from a field of about 40 runners at its first race to nearly 300 every year today, also features spectacular overlook views as you run through the mountains, as well as plenty of lush green vegetation and waterfalls along the way.

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.

Overview
Nestled in the challenging mountainous terrain of Babcock State Park in the center of southern West Virginia, the Babcock Gristmill Grinder Half Marathon trail run more than lives up to its name, offering runners a rugged course along single- and double-track trails in the heart of the state’s whitewater rafting country. The race, which has grown from a field of about 40 runners at its first race to nearly 300 every year today, also features spectacular overlook views as you run through the mountains, as well as plenty of lush green vegetation and waterfalls along the way.

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.

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Babcock Gristmill Grinder Half Marathon Course Map

Distances
Starting Time

10:00 AM

Fees

$25+

Perfect For

Ready to sign up?

Train with Runna

Use code HALF for 2 weeks FREE

Ready to sign up?

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