2025 Chessie Trail Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, & 26.2 Relay
- Date
- October 25, 2025
- Time (Duration)
- 8:00am (9h)
Event Description
Run America’s most spectacular rail trail!
The Chessie Nature Trail was voted one of the nation’s top three recreational trails in 2023 & 2024.
Situated at the southern end of the Shenandoah Valley, the seven-mile Chessie Nature Trail parallels the scenic Maury River and connects historic Lexington, Virginia, with the boom-town community of Buena Vista. The smooth, flat, and fast, gravel and grass trail runs along the former Chesapeake and Ohio rail line and parts of the earlier James and Kanawha Canal towpath.
You’ll run 26.2 miles without ever having to cross a road, jump a curb, or pound your knees on concrete and asphalt. You’ll glide through an ever-changing landscape along the wild Maury River, through farmland and leafy canopies at their peak of fall color, past ruins of massive stone locks and dams. View wildlife from fish and ducks to rabbits, deer, wild turkeys, river otters, and even bald eagles (if you are lucky), feel the cool moist air as you pass small caves, and enjoy the serenity of a breeze rustling through a bamboo forest. A corps of the most dedicated and friendly volunteers you’ll ever meet has been working for 12 months to provide you with an unforgettable running experience and will cheer you on and provide support throughout the race.
This event is sanctioned by USATF and all four race courses are USATF certified. The Marathon is a Boston Qualifier.
Details ...
Walkers are welcome in the 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon.
Full Marathon registration includes custom finisher swag (your choice of embroidered hat, custom socks, or custom neck gaiter), long sleeve unisex t-shirt (super comfy 100% ring spun cotton in odd number years, top quality moisture wicking tech in even number years), race sticker, custom medals for all finishers, awards to top overall finishers, recognition and podium ceremony for age group winners, post-race pizza, fresh cooked pancakes and syrup, fruit, snacks, and drinks.
Half Marathon registration includes a long sleeve unisex t-shirt (super comfy 100% ring spun cotton in odd number years, top quality moisture top wicking tech in even number years), race sticker, custom medals for all finishers, awards to top overall finishers, recognition and podium ceremony for age group winners, post-race pizza, fresh cooked pancakes and syrup, fruit, snacks, and drinks.
10K & 5K runners will receive a short sleeve unisex t-shirt (super comfy 100% ring spun cotton in odd number years, top quality moisture wicking tech in even number years), race sticker, custom medals for all finishers, awards to top overall finishers, recognition and podium ceremony for age group winners, fresh cooked pancakes and syrup, fruit, snacks, and drinks following the race.
Marathon Relay registration includes a long sleeve unisex t-shirt (super comfy 100% ring spun cotton in odd number years, top quality moisture wicking tech in even number years), race sticker, custom medals for all team members, trophies for the winners of each division, and post-race pizza, fresh cooked pancakes and syrup, fruit, snacks, and drinks.
Get ALL the finer points and register at RunTheChessie.org
