Chessie Trail Marathon

Chessie Trail Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, and 26.2 Relay

The event on November 7, 2026 takes place on the Chessie Nature Trail in the southern Shenandoah Valley. The trail runs about seven miles alongside the Maury River and links Lexington, Virginia with Buena Vista. The surface is mostly smooth gravel and grass and follows a former Chesapeake and Ohio rail line and portions of the James and Kanawha Canal towpath.

The full marathon covers 26.2 miles on the trail with no road crossings or pavement sections on the course. Runners pass farmland, limestone cliffs and small caves, a bamboo stand, and remnants of stone locks and dams. Wildlife sightings can include deer, wild turkeys, river otters, fish, ducks, rabbits, and occasionally bald eagles. Volunteers staff aid stations and support the course.

All four race courses are USATF certified and the event is sanctioned by USATF; the marathon is a Boston qualifier. Aid stations offer water, Gatorade, fruit and snacks, and facilities for refilling reusable containers are provided. Amenities vary by distance but include chip timing, custom finisher medals, race shirts, post-race food, and free parking near the start/finish.

A virtual option is available for the Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K and 5K with mailed amenities and self-reported results; virtual participants are not eligible for awards. Registration is accepted online only; transfers or deferrals are allowed through October 31, 2026 and refunds are not offered.

Distances: Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

• Marathon (26.2 miles)
• Half Marathon (13.1 miles)
• 10K
• 5K
• 26.2 Relay (four legs)