Racing for a Cause
Since 2016, the Tug Valley Road Runners Club has partnered with Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College for the Southern Harvest Half Marathon. The Southern Harvest Half Marathon raises money for the Southern Foundation. “The Foundation helps with scholarships for future students to attend school at Southern,” says TVRRC President Alexis Batausa.
Since the race exists to raise money for Southern, it makes sense to start and end on their Williamson campus. Runners will utilize US Route 119 towards Logan before returning to the Williamson campus. “It’s a unique course, but a really good one,” Alexis says.
Everyone who completes the half-marathon will receive a finisher medal, and will be eligible for age awards. Since it’s the 5th year for the event, they have added the Southern Harvest 24 hour Endurance Challenge to the mix, meaning there will be four races throughout the weekend: the half marathon, 5K, 1.6 mile walk, and the 24 Hour Endurance Challenge.
For Alexis, the best thing about the race is seeing the community come together. “I love seeing the community coming together for the event, and all of the participants from around the country,” he says.
The Southern Harvest Half Marathon and 5K will take place from November 13-14, 2021. To learn more about the race and how to register, visit their Facebook page.
Photos from Tug Valley Road Runners Club Facebook page