By Natalie Taylor
Despite the changing tides and shift in West Virginia’s economy, coal and coal mining are still very near and dear in the hearts of Southern West Virginians. In celebration of this sentiment, the Coal Dust Run 5K was created to showcase the proud history and heritage of coal communities.
In five short years, the Coal Dust Run 5K has grown into a successful event for the city of Williamson, WV. What started as a fun run has become the single largest fundraiser for the Historic Coal House and Tug Valley Chamber of Commerce. In 2012, the Coal Dust Run had 89 runners and walkers, which was a great turnout for the small Mingo County town. In 2015, participation was just shy of reaching 400.
The Coal Dust Run is a 5K that takes runners along a downtown course and through a city underpass the Tug Valley Road Runners Club painted to resemble a mine entrance. The route then goes through coal dust zones where runners are doused with homemade coal dust. By the end of the race, every participant looks like they spent the day working in a coal mine. The event also offers a dust-free lane for those who don’t want to get quite so dirty.
Prior to the race start, which is signified with the blaring horn of a coal truck, runners both young and old congregate in front of the historic Coal House, a building built from 65 tons of coal, wearing t-shirts in honor of friends and family members who worked or died in the mines. Last year, a coal miner ran the entire race in his mining stripes, steel-toed boots and hard hat.
This year’s event will take place on Saturday, September 10, at 6:30 p.m. Register online by visiting www.facebook.com/coaldust5K and clicking on “Get Tickets.” Participants receive a t-shirt, bib and finisher’s medal. The 2016 medal is symbolic of company mining scrip, which was issued to employees as payment.
The Coal Dust Run 5K is an untimed, family-friendly event. It is hosted by the Tug Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Tug Valley Road Runners Club, and proceeds from the event are used to keep the Coal House open year-round and free-of-charge to the public.
About the Author
Natalie Taylor is the executive director of the Tug Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Williamson Convention and Visitors Bureau. She is a member of the Tug Valley Road Runners Club and serves as the race director for the Coal Dust Run 5K.
