Mile 0 starts with the Wood County Courthouse at 1 Court Square. Completed in 1901 and boasting five stories, the courthouse reflects the elaborate wood and stonework, and gorgeous stained glass that encapsulates the detailed and skilled work of that era. During the 1950s, the original steeple was removed, and it was not until 2020 that a new, 7,000-pound steeple was placed, making the courthouse the tallest in the state of West Virginia at a whopping 164 feet. A marble bust of former State Circuit Judge James Monroe Jackson stands in front of the west entrance. The Wood County Courthouse is said to be fireproof due to the amount of steel and iron in the framework. It is a beautiful start to the half marathon. (Photo by Art Smith)

PARKERSBURG — Mile 0 starts with the Wood County Courthouse at 1 Court Square. Completed in 1901 and boasting five stories, the courthouse reflects the elaborate wood and stonework, and gorgeous stained glass that encapsulates the detailed and skilled work of that era. During the 1950s, the original steeple was removed, and it was not until 2020 that a new, 7,000-pound steeple was placed, making the courthouse the tallest in the state of West Virginia at a whopping 164 feet. A marble bust of former State Circuit Judge James Monroe Jackson stands in front of the west entrance. The Wood County Courthouse is said to be fireproof due to the amount of steel and iron in the framework. It is a beautiful start to the half marathon.The News and Sentinel Half Marathon and Two-Mile Race are Aug. 16 Register for the race at: https://www.newsandsentinelhalfmarathon.com/. Questions? Contact Race Coordinator Sarah Watson at halfmarathon@newsandsentinel.com.