2025 Chessie Trail Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, & 26.2 Relay

🏃‍♂️ 2025 Chessie Trail Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K & 26.2 Relay

October 25, 2025

www.runthechessie.org

🎉 10th Annual Run The Chessie!

Run America’s most spectacular rail trail! The Chessie Nature Trail was voted one of the nation’s top three recreational trails in 2023 & 2024. 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.

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.

🌲 Running Experience

• Wildlife Views: View wildlife from fish and ducks to rabbits, deer, wild turkeys, river otters, and even bald eagles (if you are lucky).
• Friendly Volunteers: 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.
• Course Sanctioning: This event is sanctioned by USATF and all four race courses are USATF certified. The Marathon is a Boston Qualifier.
• Ideal for First-timers: 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.

🏅 Race Distances

Marathon

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.

Half Marathon

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.

10K

10K runners will head towards Buena Vista first, turning back just after South River, then continue past the starting line towards Lexington.

5K

5K runners will head towards Lexington, running along remote sections of the Maury River through forests and fields.

26.2 Relay

26.2 Relay runners will follow the same course as the Marathon, with four legs of varying distances for the teams to share.

🚶‍♀️ Walkers Welcome

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

🎁 Registration Includes

• Full Marathon: Custom finisher swag, long sleeve t-shirt, race sticker, custom medals, awards, and post-race food.
• Half Marathon: Long sleeve t-shirt, custom medals, awards, and post-race food.
• 10K & 5K: Short sleeve unisex t-shirt, custom medals, awards, and post-race food.
• Marathon Relay: Long sleeve t-shirt, custom medals for team members, trophies for winners, and post-race food.

🅿️ Parking & Location

There is plenty of free parking near the start and 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.

💻 Virtual Option

There will be a Virtual Option for the Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K races, allowing runners to participate on a course of their choosing.

📝 Registration Details

Registrations and payment will only be accepted online at https://runsignup.com/Race/VA/Lexington/RunTheChessie. The cut-off for registration is October 24 at 7 p.m. ET.

📆 Race-Day Information

Average race day temperatures are perfect for endurance running with a low of 38° and high of 62°.

The race starts at McKethan Park. Parking opens at 6:30 a.m., and packet pickup from 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.

🏆 Awards

Custom medals will be given to all finishers. The top three male, female, and non-binary finishers will receive gift certificates.

🕒 Race & Awards Schedule

Friday: 10am-7pm Packet Pickup.
Saturday: 6:30am Parking Opens. 8:00am Start of 26.2, 13.1, & 26.2 Relay.
8:15am Start of 10K.
8:25am Start of 5K.

🤝 Volunteer

Sign up to volunteer for race support! Volunteers will receive a custom “Race Crew” t-shirt, and join in the post-race pizza/pancake party.

🛏 Area Lodging

There are many hotels and B&Bs in the Lexington, Rockbridge, Buena Vista area. Don’t delay in making your reservations.

📋 Course Description & Map

The trail follows a gentle grade throughout with smooth gravel and grass. Watch for overhanging branches, and stay focused on the trail at all times.