The Reader Marathon was West Virginia’s first distance run and — at the time — only one of four in the United States. The others were the Boston Marathon; the Berwick, Pa., Marathon; and the Yonkers Marathon, now known as the New York Marathon.

The Wetzel County race was actually 10 miles long and was conducted over the hills near Reader from 1959-61. Two runners died in the 1961 race and the ARA refused to sanction future races.

This Labor Day is the 50th anniversary of the third and final race. The Christian Patriotic Front, a non-profit religious organization, will sponsor a commemorative run on Labor Day, beginning at Reader Bridge, at 10 a.m.

Participants in this “Anything Goes” commemorative can run, walk, bicycle, or use any other means to transverse the course. They may also cover it on four-wheelers or motorcycles. Runners and walkers will travel counterclockwise and motorized participants will travel clockwise.

Official entry forms may be obtained by calling George Wade at 304-406-3317 or writing to the Reader Marathon Commemorative, in care of George Wade at PO Box 562, New Martinsville.

Participants will receive a commemorative t-shirt and a reception will be held later at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Reader.