Photo John Cameron / Unsplash
- Marathon
- Half
Chessie Trail
Chessie Trail Marathon
Run America’s most spectacular rail trail!
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2026 edition
Next up
Countdown
5
days to 7 Nov 2026
- Distance
- Marathon
- Course
- Flat
- Climb
- —
- Entry
- $89
About
The race
Run America’s most spectacular rail trail! The Chessie Nature Trail has twice been voted one of the nation’s top three recreational trails. 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 deer, wild turkeys, river otters, fish and ducks to rabbits, , and even bald eagles (if you are lucky). Feel the cool moist air as you pass small caves at the base of towering limestone cliffs, 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…
Location
Lexington, VA, United States
North America · typically 11°C (51°F) on race day
Open in OpenStreetMapBefore you go
Pro tips
Racing it
- 01
Boston Qualifier
The marathon is a Boston Qualifier on a USATF-certified course. If you're chasing a time, the flat trail supports steady pacing, but respect the gravel and grass underfoot.
From the description
- 02
Fall Color and Wildlife
The November race date falls at peak fall color along the Maury River. Watch for deer, turkeys, otters and bald eagles, but keep your pace steady.
From the description
- 03
Cool Morning Start
The marathon starts at 08:00 with a typical race-day temperature of 10.6°C. Dress for a cool riverside morning and plan layers you can shed as you warm up.
From the start time, temperature
- 04
Flat Rail Trail Pace
The course profile is flat, so settle into even pacing early. The smooth gravel and grass surface is built for rhythm rather than hill surges.
From the elevation profile, description
- 05
Marathon Repeat
Marathoners see the whole seven-mile Chessie Nature Trail twice, covering 26.2 miles. Learn the trail's landmarks on your first pass and prepare for the second.
From the description
In Lexington
Getting Around
Lexington is a compact historic town, so downtown is easy to walk. On race day, expect traffic near trail access points and allow extra time to park.
Spectator Spots
The Chessie Nature Trail follows the Maury River, so spectators can look for riverside parks and trail crossings rather than roadside viewing.
Recovery and Character
Lexington has a historic downtown and the campuses of Washington and Lee University and VMI. A gentle walk through town or along the river is a good way to unwind after the race.
Written by AI from the course data and the race's description; city tips are general knowledge. Check race-day details with the organizer.
Every year
Editions
Ballot, charity and tour places
Getting in
- Details
First come, first served
Registrations and payment are only accepted online; registration is limited, so register now to ensure your spot; no race day registration
Club membership
Students can register at a discounted rate with a valid student ID; proof of current enrollment must be shown at packet pickup.
Tour operator package
Travel packages that include a guaranteed entry.