5K races near Martins Ferry

The Pocono Mountains Marathon Race Festival is a fall running event held at Promised Land State Park in Greentown, Pennsylvania. The start and finish lines are located at the Upper Lake Overflow Parking Lot. Participants can select from a 5K, 10K, half marathon, or full marathon. The marathon is a certified Boston Marathon qualifier, with PA certification number 21011NP. The course winds through the state park during the fall foliage season, offering a wooded Pocono park running experience rather than city streets. Elite Feats organizes the event, and Mark Hughes is the race director. Awards are presented in male, female, and nonbinary categories, with age-group awards for nonbinary runners in the marathon, half marathon, and 10K. First-time half marathon and marathon finishers receive a commemorative plaque alongside their finisher medal. Registration includes a shirt, medal, and running socks.

The Veterans Trail Festival begins and ends at the Recreation Hall in Raccoon Creek State Park, near Hookstown, Pennsylvania. The event features a 5K run/hike and also offers 20-mile and 50K trail races, accommodating walkers, newer trail runners, and ultra runners on the same day. The 5K follows an out-and-back path with a water station at the midpoint. The 20-mile and 50K routes primarily use single-track trails, presenting rocks, roots, challenging footing, and steep inclines, which often lead to the typical finisher comment: “That was harder than I thought it would be.” The longer races include five aid stations and ham radio tracking. The event benefits veteran and military service members via the Outdoor Immersion Team; 5K participants can also engage in fundraising.

The Oglebay Twinkle Trot 5K is a holiday night run at Oglebay in Wheeling, West Virginia, during the resort’s Festival of Lights season. Runners and walkers begin in the evening, starting and finishing on Camp Russell Lane near the zoo. Wolf Creek Race Management provides chip timing, but the event welcomes a wide range of participants: experienced runners, first-timers, joggers, walkers, kids, and special guests. The course guides participants through Oglebay’s light displays, featuring millions of lights, festive scenes, and holiday music. All participants must carry or wear a personal light for visibility. Many runners decorate their clothing with lights and winter themes. The event also offers registration, packet pickup, a DJ, kids’ activities, free parking, and restrooms near the start and finish, creating a family holiday outing.

Gobble Til We Wobble is a Thanksgiving morning 5K run/walk in St. Clairsville, Ohio. It begins at 9:00 a.m. at the Central Park Amphitheater on Fair Street. The St. Clairsville Recreation Department organizes this community holiday race, where runners and walkers participate in the same 5K event before their Thanksgiving plans commence. The event is in its fourth running and supports the St. Clairsville Alumni Association through local fundraising. Early registrants will receive an embroidered toboggan, suitable for late November. Medals are awarded to the top three overall male and female finishers, as well as the top three male and female finishers in age groups ranging from 13-and-under to 60-and-over.

The T-Town Turkey Trot is an annual 5K run or walk in Toronto, Ohio, beginning at 8 a.m. from 408 N. River Ave. This is an untimed fun run, making the setup suitable for walkers, families, and runners seeking a Thanksgiving-morning outing rather than a chip-timed race. The route follows the Ohio River, and the event collects funds for the Helping Hands of Toronto food pantry. Medals are awarded to the top three male and female finishers, a raffle is sponsored by J.E. Foster Funeral Home, and coin presentations occur immediately after the race. The Turkey Trot is also included in the Gem City Quadfecta Challenge.

The Pat Campbell Fighting Cancer 5K is a St. Patrick's Day weekend run and walk in Toronto, Ohio, beginning on North River Avenue near the Ohio River. The run commences shortly before the walk, with registration available on race morning. This event is designed for both runners and walkers, not exclusively for competitive racers. It supports cancer patients with unmet needs throughout the Ohio Valley, and all funds raised assist individuals and families undergoing cancer treatment. The course follows the Ohio River, holds USATF certification, and is professionally timed, making it suitable for those aiming for a quick early-season 5K or participating for the cause. Attendees are encouraged to wear green or kilts. The event features a live National Anthem, color guard, food, music, and an Irish Blessings raffle. Awards are presented to the top overall male and female finishers and the leading participants in each age group. Every participant aged 12 and under receives a medal. Since 2010, the race has contributed over $273,000 to the Ohio Valley Fighting Cancer Fund, a registered 501(c)(3) charity.

The Monroe County Jr Fairboard 5K is a morning 5K run and walk held at the Monroe County Fairgrounds. The Monroe County Junior Fairboard hosts this event, with entry fees contributing to improvements at the Monroe County Fair. Runners and walkers will navigate the fairgrounds course. This event serves as a local fair-related fundraiser, distinct from large road races. Participants receive a T-shirt. Those who register early are guaranteed a swag bag and shirt; pickup details will be posted on the event's Facebook page.