Jackson River Scenic Trail Marathon

Event

The Jackson River Scenic Trail race takes place on Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Covington, Virginia. The event offers four distances:

• Marathon
• Half Marathon
• 10k
• 5k

Entry fees listed for the events are $75 (full marathon), $45 (half marathon), $40 (10k), and $30 (5k). Registering by May 13, 2026 is required to guarantee a T-shirt.

Course

The USATF certified course begins and ends at the Intervale Trail Head on the Jackson River Scenic Trail, 1903 Dressler Dr., off US 220 just north of Covington. The trail follows an old Chesapeake and Ohio Railway railroad bed. The surface is smooth crushed gravel and the route is mostly flat with some light hills. The trail runs alongside the Jackson River through small communities, cultivated fields, and patches of woodland; wildlife may be seen along the way.

Awards and logistics

All finishers receive a commemorative finisher's medal. Unique awards are given to the top three overall male and female finishers in each distance. The top three male and female finishers in each age group receive a certificate; age groups are: 12 & under; 13-18; 19-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60-69; 70+. Awards are presented at the Intervale Trail Head shortly after each distance finishes and will not be mailed.

Packet pick-up is scheduled at the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism on Friday, June 12, with on-site packet pick-up available the day of the race. This is a rain-or-shine event; race status announcements will be made on the event website, on Facebook, and via local media. Local vendors will provide food, refreshments, tubing, shoe measurements, and beverages at the finish area. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.