WILLIAMSON, W.Va. — The Tug Valley Road Runners Club and other volunteers are gearing up for the 19th Annual Hatfield and McCoy Marathon.

The Marathon begins in South Williamson, Kentucky, travels through Matewan, West Virginia and finishes in Williamson.

“We have runners coming from as far as Canada and as far as Korea,” said President of the Tug Valley Road Runners Club and Race Director Alexis Batausa. “We’re looking forward to everybody coming here.”

As of now, people from 46 states are represented in the marathon.

“People always see the hospitality that we show to them,” added Batausa. “We really do care. We stay out here all day because there’s no time limit for this race. People love this race.”

This year, race organizers have added a new slogan to the marathon, “How far can you run carrying a stolen pig?” Runners can purchase a stuffed animal pig during the marathon’s expo and carry it throughout the race. 

“With the feud itself, everyone thinks it started because of a pig. There’s more to the history itself but it’s a fun-factor and also memorabilia. I mean, it’ll be fun just running with a pig while you get to the finish line.”

The race is Saturday, June 9th. Participants have the option to run a full marathon, half marathon, double half marathon or 5k.

The expo is Friday, June 8th at Belfry High School from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m.

For more information, or to register, log on to hatfieldmccoymarathon.net or follow the event on Facebook.

The post Volunteers gear up for Hatfield and McCoy Marathon appeared first on Mountain Top Media.

WILLIAMSON, W.Va. — 5K races are nearly a weekly occurrence in many mountain communities in the spring, summer and fall, and 10K’s, marathons and other fitness events are also growing in popularity. This weekend, however, an event is being held in Williamson that will push participants to the limit. EKB News Reporter Shelby Porter explains.

[su_youtube url=”https://youtu.be/lmCKtYbMDSA” height=”340″ responsive=”no”]SOT[/su_youtube]

The post Preview of an endurance race in Williamson this weekend appeared first on Mountain Top Media.

WILLIAMSON, W.Va. — Preparations are being made for the 5th Annual Cause for Paws race in Williamson. This year’s race will be dedicated to Dr. Michael L. Koch, who passed away in January. Koch operated Tug Valley Veterinary Clinic and worked with local animal rescue groups. The Cause for Paws race is organized by the Tug Valley Road Runners Club with proceeds benefiting Save Our Strays, a not-for-profit no-kill animal rescue in Mingo County. The race is scheduled for Saturday, February 17th, at the Williamson Field House. Race day registration will begin at 9 a.m. with runners hitting the courses at 11 a.m. Participants can register in person at the Coal House or during the Winter Market scheduled for Saturday February 10th at the Williamson Field House. For more information, follow the event on Facebook.

The post Preparations being made for 5th annual Cause for Paws race appeared first on Mountain Top Media.