June 5, 2021, marks the first annual Discover the Friendly City 5K run. The race begins at Palatine Park and ends at Hometown Market which is located in Fairmont’s historic downdown.

Details are here:

  • Date: June 5
  • Start Time: 9:00 AM
  • Start Location: Palatine Park, Everest Drive, Fairmont
  • Cost: $30.00

There is free transportation between the race’s beginning point and the Hometown Market. You can find out more information at the Main Street Fairmont website. To register for the run, you can go to the website or click here. Run in person or join the Virtual 5K. There is also a Kids 1K fun run that begins at 10:00 AM.

Registration for all races ends June 4, 2021, at 6:59 PM EDT.

Interesting Sights to See Along the Route

You may be wondering what sights you can see on the route to “discover” Fairmont. The Friendly City sights along the course include:

  • The Luminaries of Marion County Mural: Designed and painted by a team of Fairmont State University students, this enormous mural showcases five (so far) of Marion County’s “luminaries” or historical figures. These include Johnnie Johnson, the rock ‘n’ roll legend; Col. George S. “Spanky” Roberts, aviator; Julia Pierpont, wife of Francis Pierpont and the founder of Decoration Day or what is now known as Memorial Day; “Aunt Hat” Wilson, believed to be the last slave born in West Virginia; Coal Miner, a tribute to all the coal miners in West Virginia. You can learn more about the mural here.
  • The Million Dollar Bridge and the Monongahela River. Completed in 1921, the bridge celebrates its 100 anniversary this year. Read up on the history of this bridge that spans a river and a century here.
  • Eighth Street Confectionary: This longstanding eatery was a Fairmont staple. Sadly, they closed just recently. You can watch a video of their history here.
  • “High Gate” also known as The Watson Mansion is currently owned by Cheri Satterfield. Having been extensively restored and enhanced, the National Landmark is a venue for community gatherings, weddings, art exhibits, meetings, and parties. You can learn more of its history here.
  • Fairmont Senior High School: Established in 1876 and built on its current location in 1928, this famous school is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You’ll find more information about it here.
  • Additional sights include: Beth’s House, The Old U.S. Post Office, The Old YMCA Building, Jacob Hutchinson Block, and the Feast of the Seven Fishes Mural on Monroe.

Discover How Friendly Fairmont Is

As you run (or observe the runners) you might just discover how warm and friendly Fairmont, West Virginia, in Marion County is. In fact, you might just want to live here. So check out these homes for sale in Fairmont and give us a call. We can help you become a part of this neighborly town.