2026 Chessie Trail Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, & 26.2 Relay

2026 Chessie Trail Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K & 26.2 Relay

Date: October 1, 2026

Location: Chessie Trail-McKethan Park, Lexington, VA

Event Website: www.runthechessie.org

About the Race

• Historic Trail: The Chessie Nature Trail has been voted one of the top three recreational trails in the nation.
• Scenic Views: Runners will enjoy views of the Maury River and the surrounding landscape.
• Unique Experience: Participants run 26.2 miles without ever crossing a road, providing a serene experience.
• Course Certification: This event is sanctioned by USATF, and all race courses are USATF certified.

Race Options

• Marathon: Runners will complete the entire trail route twice, allowing for stunning views at different times.
• Half Marathon: A beautiful loop incorporating nearly all of the trail.
• 10K: Includes a turn-back near South River before heading back to the start/finish area.
• 5K: Features remote sections of the Maury River, through forests and fields.

Relay Details

• Format: The 26.2 Relay follows the marathon course, divided into four legs.
• Team Info: Teams are encouraged to personalize their relay batons.
• Exchange Points: All exchanges take place at the start/finish area.
• Participation: Teams can have members run multiple legs.

Registration Information

• Online Registration: Only accepted through RunSignUp.
• Deadline: Registration cutoff on November 6 at 7 p.m. ET.
• No Race Day Registration: Ensure early registration to guarantee t-shirt availability.
• Virtual Option: Available for all race categories, allowing participants to run any course of their choosing.

Amenities & Perks

• Finisher Swag: Custom finisher items, including hats, shirts, and medals.
• Post-Race Food: Enjoy pizza, pancakes, snacks, and drinks after the race.
• Awards: Custom medals awarded to all finishers, with additional prizes for top performers.
• Free Parking: Ample parking available near the start/finish area.

Course Description

• Surface: Smooth gravel and grass, generally 10 feet wide.
• Trail Conditions: Watch for natural obstacles such as branches, rocks, and wildlife.
• Marker Points: Aid/drink stations located at strategic points along the course.
• Facilities: Porta-potties available at various locations on the trail.

Sustainability Efforts

• Environmental Awareness: Encouragement of refillable containers to reduce waste.
• Carbon Offsets: Partnership with Coreworks to support local carbon-reducing initiatives.
• Waste Reduction: Focus on minimizing landfill waste through better practices.
• Community Impact: Support local sustainability projects as part of the event's commitments.

Volunteering and Support

• Volunteer Opportunities: Sign-ups available for various race day roles, with perks included.
• Contact: Reach out to Eric Sheffield at runthechessie@gmail.com for more information.
• Community Engagement: Volunteers help create a positive experience for all participants.
• Join Us: Be a part of this annual event and support your local running community!

Contact Information

For any inquiries or additional information, please visit the event website.