Hector Falcon Triumphs at the University of Charleston Marathon
The city of Charleston, West Virginia, witnessed a historic return to long-distance racing on Sunday, April 12, 2026, as the University of Charleston Marathon drew hundreds of athletes to the state’s capital. Barboursville native Hector Falcon claimed the top spot in the men’s division, marking a significant milestone in both his personal career and the city’s sporting history.
Race Results: Falcon and Choleva Lead the Pack
Hector Falcon dominated the field, crossing the finish line on Capitol Street with an official time of 2 hours, 27 minutes, and 27 seconds. Falcon maintained a rigorous pace, averaging approximately five minutes and 37 seconds per mile. This victory represents Falcon’s eighth overall marathon win, a feat he celebrated in a social media post following the event.
In the women’s division, Abbie Choleva of Marietta, Ohio, secured the win. Choleva completed the 26.2-mile course in 3 hours, 6 minutes, and 24 seconds, averaging roughly seven minutes and seven seconds per mile.
A Historic Return to Charleston
The event marked the return of a full marathon to the city for the first time in nearly 30 years. The race attracted a diverse group of over 700 runners representing three countries and nearly 40 different U.S. States. In addition to the full marathon, the weekend’s athletic schedule included a half-marathon and a 5k race.
Course Route and Logistics
The race was designed to showcase the capital city, with the start and finish lines located on Capitol Street. The route took runners through several key areas, including:
- Kanawha City
- Elk City
- The University of Charleston campus
Community Impact and Professional Qualification
Beyond the competition, the marathon served a philanthropic purpose. All proceeds from the event are designated for the University of Charleston’s Honors College.
For serious athletes, the event provided a critical opportunity for qualification. Because the race met necessary standards, participants can leverage their official times to qualify for prestigious international events, including the London Marathon and the Boston Marathon.
- Male Winner: Hector Falcon (2:27:27)
- Female Winner: Abbie Choleva (3:06:24)
- Participation: 700+ runners from ~40 states and 3 countries
- Beneficiary: University of Charleston Honors College
- Significance: First city marathon in nearly three decades
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2026 University of Charleston Marathon?
Hector Falcon of Barboursville won the men’s race, and Abbie Choleva of Marietta, Ohio, won the women’s race.
Can this race be used for Boston Marathon qualification?
Yes, runners who competed in the Sunday race can use their times to qualify for the Boston Marathon and the London Marathon.
Where did the marathon proceeds go?
The proceeds from the marathon, as well as the accompanying 5k and half-marathon, go toward the University of Charleston’s Honors College.
With the successful execution of this inaugural event, Charleston has re-established itself as a destination for distance runners, blending athletic competition with academic support for the local university.