Chessie Trail Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, & 26.2 Relay - Lexington, Virginia - Running

The Chessie Trail Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, & 26.2 Relay is a Running race in Lexington, Virginia consisting of a Marathon and Half Marathon and 5K and Marathon Relay and 10K.

Run The Chessie!

Run America's most spectacular rail trail! The Chessie Nature Trail was voted one of the top three recreational trails in the nation in 2023. 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, 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.

Marathon 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 doesn't happen, if you have to change your marathon run to a half marathon or A¾ marathon, you won't have to worry about hitchhiking back to your car. Ideal for the first-time marathoner! USATF Certification VA22005DJR .

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. USATF Certification VA22004DJR .

10K runners will head towards Buena Vista first, turning back just after South River, then continue past the starting line towards Lexington, turning once more and running the final 2.5K downhill to the start/finish line. USATF Certification VA22003DJR . Runners wishing to participate in the USATF Virginia Fall Grand Prix must be USATF members and enter their membership number on the registration form by Thursday, October 24 (11:59 pm).

5K 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. USATF Certification VA22002DJR .

26.2 Relay runners will follow the same course as the Marathon. There will be four legs to the relay of approximately 8.5m, 4.6m, 8.5m, and 4.6m. Runners may run more than one leg for their team. Each team will be issued a standard aluminum relay baton, which they will be required to carry on their bodies for the entire race. All exchanges will take place at the start/finish area. Teams are encouraged to decorate their baton with their team colors, logo, etc. The winning team in each division will be awarded a trophy. Winners will be determined by first across the finish line (not chip time). There will be three divisions, all female, all male, and mixed gender. Relay team captains will be required to pay the registration fee for the team and set up a team name and password so that other team members may enter their information on the registration website.

Walkers are welcome in the 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon.

Full Marathon registration includes a custom embroidered finisher's hat, long sleeve, unisex, tech t-shirt, race sticker, 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 long sleeve, unisex, tech t-shirt, race sticker, custom medals for all finishers, awards to top overall finishers and age group winners, and post-race pizza, snacks, and beverage.

10K & 5K runners will receive a short sleeve, unisex, tech t-shirt, race sticker, custom medals for all finishers, awards to top overall finishers and age group winners, and snacks and beverage following the race.

Marathon Relay registration includes, long sleeve, unisex, tech t-shirt, race sticker, custom medals for all team members, trophies for the winners of each division, and post-race pizza, snacks, and beverage.

There is 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, so register now to ensure your spot.