Students Hosted Charity 5K Race in Morgantown

The race on the Mon-River Rail Trail raised funds to support water projects and student engineering clubs.

Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Running

Students Hosted Charity 5K Race in Morgantown

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West Virginia University students organized a 5K race on the Mon-River Rail Trail to collect water donations for counties facing outages. The event brought together local runners to support critical infrastructure initiatives.

Why it matters

The proceeds from the event help fund regional water projects and support student groups like the American Institute of Chemical Engineers. By addressing both immediate relief and long-term utility projects, the race provides a dual benefit to the state.

The race featured more than 60 participants who completed the route on the Mon-River Rail Trail. These runners and walkers also contributed bottled water donations intended for West Virginia counties experiencing outages.

The players

Engineering Without Borders

This organization manages technical and engineering projects to improve water access for communities in need.

American Institute of Chemical Engineers

This professional student club collaborated to host the charity event and receives half of the race proceeds.

Appalachian Commission of Technical Assistance and Training

This entity coordinates and oversees the implementation of various technical engineering projects within the region.

The details

Engineering Without Borders partnered with the American Institute of Chemical Engineers to manage the race, with funds divided between future water initiatives and the AIChE club. Local projects supported by these efforts are coordinated through the Appalachian Commission of Technical Assistance and Training.

The 5K race occurred on the morning of September 20, 2026.
Engineering Without Borders is scheduled to travel to Mingo County in November 2026.

Season Trajectory

This race signals a continued trend of student-led engineering efforts aimed at stabilizing regional utility services in West Virginia. The funds raised will directly impact upcoming operational timelines for water projects in Mingo County and eventually influence the group's international project scope in the Bahamas.

The event provides immediate relief for counties currently experiencing water outages through the collection of bottled donations. For the engineering students involved, the successful turnout ensures the necessary financial backing for upcoming field work in Mingo County.

The takeaway

This event demonstrates how student organizations can effectively bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world utility needs. Residents looking to support similar future initiatives can participate in university-sponsored service events to aid in infrastructure development.