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

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

Date

• Date: October 1, 2026
• Location: Chessie Trail-McKethan Park, Lexington, VA
• Website: www.runthechessie.org

Event Overview

• Annual Event: 11th Annual Run The Chessie!
• Trail Description: The Chessie Nature Trail has been voted as one of the nation’s top recreational trails.
• Scenic Route: The trail runs alongside the Maury River, connecting historic Lexington to Buena Vista.
• Terrain: Smooth, flat gravel and grass paths ideal for running.

Course Details

• Marathon: 26.2 miles, runs the entire trail with scenic views the whole way.
• Half Marathon: Covers nearly the entire trail with loops back to the starting line.
• 10K: Starts towards Buena Vista, with a turnaround back to the finish.
• 5K: Focused along the Maury River, providing beautiful natural scenery.

Relay Information

• Format: Follows the same course as the Marathon in four legs.
• Team Participation: Teams can run multiple legs and decorate their baton.
• Divisions: All female, all male, and mixed-gender teams.
• Registration: Team captains must register and manage team entries.

Walking Participation

• Walkers: Welcome in the 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon.

Registration & Pricing

• Online Only: Registration and payment accepted online only via Race Page.
• Registration Deadline: November 6 at 7 p.m. ET: no race day registration.
• Transfer Options: Transfers can be made until October 31, with requirements for fees and proof.
• Refund Policy: No refunds will be issued for any reason.

Merchandise & Amenities

• Custom Swag: Earn custom finisher swag, including hats, t-shirts, and medals.
• Post-Race Food: Enjoy pizza, pancakes, and refreshments after finishing.
• Parking: Free parking available near the start to accommodate participants.
• Online Results: Results will be available online for all events.

Volunteer Opportunities

• Getting Involved: Volunteers needed for various support roles during the event.
• Volunteer Benefits: Receive a custom “Race Crew” t-shirt and enjoy post-race pizza.
• Contact: For information, reach out to Eric Sheffield at runthechessie@gmail.com.

Local Lodging

• Availability: Many hotels and B&Bs are available in the area.
• Reserve Early: Book your stay promptly due to potential events nearby.
• Lodging Resource: Visit here for lodging options.

Race-Day Information

• Temperatures: Average temperature of 38° to 62° on race day.
• Arrival: Parking opens at 6:30 a.m.: plan to arrive early.
• Start Times: Full Marathon and Relay at 8:00 a.m., 10K at 8:15 a.m., 5K at 8:25 a.m.
• Post-Race: Awards will be presented as results are finalized.