5K races near Huntington-Ashland

Tri-State Miles And Climbs

Huntington-Ashland hosts 11 5K races in 2026 within 80 km of the city centre — upcoming dates, recurring series, and other races nearby, all in one place.

Huntington runners really show up around Harris RiverFront Park, downtown, and Marshall’s campus when River City 5 Miler/5k rolls out. The route covers 04 km with a gain of +7 m. Meeks Mountain Trails, Grindstone Trail, and Corn Husker Trail keep trail runners honest. The Guyandotte River gives fast, flat trail work after deep woods and singletrack. Marshall University Cross-Country sits in the local mix. The Marshall University Marathon, River City 5 Miler/5k, and State Games trail races anchor the calendar.

ACE (Ashland Cycling Enthusiasts) gives Ashland riders the playbook, and the club has been around since January 2003. Bear Creek gets the love because locals call it TDF quality roads. One climb hits 4 km with 1,796 m elevation. Another climb runs 5 km with 863 m elevation. The Six Hills route, Big Nebo, Short Nebo, Greasy Ridge, Pleasant Ridge, Taylor Ridge, and Leatherwood Road hold the climbing. The SMBT route and Wayne-Cabell Century carry the long-day energy.

Fall is the best stretch for both running and riding, with cooler air and enough daylight for Z2, intervals, and long base miles. Summer keeps things lively, and the Ultraviolet Mushroom Hunt lands on July 1 with a night hike on Meeks Mountain Trails using UV flashlights. Cyclists still chase early starts on Bear Creek, Kinnickinick creek, and Symmes Creek before the day gets heavy. Runners lean into River City speed, Barboursville Park hill work, and Meeks Mountain singletrack. Winter shrinks the calendar feel, but the same loops still work when locals keep the pace steady.