2019 Chessie Trail Marathon, Half Marathon, & 5K - Lexington, Virginia - Running

The 2019 Chessie Trail Marathon, Half Marathon, & 5K is a Running race in Lexington, Virginia consisting of a Marathon and Half Marathon and 5K.

2019 Chessie Trail Marathon, Half Marathon, & 5K
October 19, 2019

Run The Chessie!

Run the trail with more locks and dams per mile than any other trail in the United States! The seven-mile Chessie Trail, situated at the southern end of the Shenandoah Valley, parallels the scenic Maury River and connects historic Lexington, Virginia, with the boom-town community of Buena Vista. The smooth gravel and grass trail runs along the former Chesapeake and Ohio rail line and parts of the earlier James and Kanawha Canal towpath. Youall run 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, wild turkeys, 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.

This year the Full Marathon is back following a very successful inaugural run last year! Runners will get to see the whole trail twice. You will be amazed at how the landscape changes as the sun comes over the cliffs transforming the narrow valley and the sparkling river at its bottom. Spectators will agree that this is the best marathon course ever as they cheer on their loved ones five times without ever having to leave the park-like setting of the start/finish area. And while we certainly hope this doesnat happen, if you have to change your marathon run to a half marathon or A¾ marathon, you wonat have to worry about hitchhiking back to your car. Ideal for the first-time marathoner!

Half Marathon runners will see nearly all of the trail as they head east towards Buena Vista, loop back to the starting line on the way to Lexington, and then loop back down to the finish line.

5 K runners will head towards Lexington, running along remote sections of the Maury River through forests and fields, and at the base of towering limestone cliffs. When the river bends into a double horseshoe, they will loop back for a slightly downhill finish.

Walkers are welcome in both the Half Marathon and 5K.

Full Marathon registration includes a custom embroidered race hat, complimentary brew from Lexingtonas own Southern Inn (except students & minors), long sleeve tech t-shirt, custom medals for all finishers, awards to top overall finishers and age group winners, and post-race pizza, snacks, and beverage.

Half Marathon registration includes a complimentary brew from Lexingtonas own Southern Inn (except students & minors), long sleeve tech t-shirt, custom medals for all finishers, awards to top overall finishers and age group winners, and post-race pizza, snacks, and beverage.


5K runners will receive a tech t-shirt, medals to top overall finishers and age group winners, and snacks and beverage following the race.

Plenty of free parking near the start and plenty of other activities to make a weekend of it in the most beautiful part of Virginia! Registration for each race is limited to the first 300, so register now to ensure your spot.