10th Annual Run the Chessie!
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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. 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. |
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The 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, 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 ¾ marathon, you won’t have to worry about hitchhiking back to your car. Ideal for the first-time marathoner! USATF Certification VA22005DJR .
The 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. USATF Certification VA22004DJR.
The 10K
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.
The 5K
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.
The 26.2 Relay
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.
Virtual Option
There will be a Virtual Option for the Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K and 5K races. Runners may run their Virtual Race on a course of their choosing, any time from October 1 to October 25, and may self-report their times. Amenities for the virtual races will include t-shirt, medal, race sticker, finisher certificate, and posted results. Amenities will be mailed to the participant. Virtual runners will not be eligible for awards.
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 ¾ marathon, you won’t have to worry about hitchhiking back to your car. Ideal for the first-time marathoner! USATF Certification VA22005DJR .
The 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. USATF Certification VA22004DJR.
The 10K
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.
The 5K
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.
The 26.2 Relay
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.
Virtual Option
There will be a Virtual Option for the Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K and 5K races. Runners may run their Virtual Race on a course of their choosing, any time from October 1 to October 25, and may self-report their times. Amenities for the virtual races will include t-shirt, medal, race sticker, finisher certificate, and posted results. Amenities will be mailed to the participant. Virtual runners will not be eligible for awards.
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The Details
Walkers are welcome in the 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon. Full Marathon registration includes custom finisher swag (your choice of embroidered hat, custom socks, or custom neck gaiter), long sleeve unisex t-shirt (super comfy 100% ring spun cotton in odd number years, top quality moisture wicking tech in even number years), race sticker, custom medals for all finishers, awards to top overall finishers, recognition and podium ceremony for age group winners, post-race pizza, fresh cooked pancakes and syrup, fruit, snacks, and drinks. Half Marathon registration includes a long sleeve unisex t-shirt (super comfy 100% ring spun cotton in odd number years, top quality moisture top wicking tech in even number years), race sticker, custom medals for all finishers, awards to top overall finishers, recognition and podium ceremony for age group winners, post-race pizza, fresh cooked pancakes and syrup, fruit, snacks, and drinks. 10K & 5K runners will receive a short sleeve unisex t-shirt (super comfy 100% ring spun cotton in odd number years, top quality moisture wicking tech in even number years), race sticker, custom medals for all finishers, awards to top overall finishers, recognition and podium ceremony for age group winners, fresh cooked pancakes and syrup, fruit, snacks, and drinks following the race. Marathon Relay registration includes a long sleeve unisex t-shirt (super comfy 100% ring spun cotton in odd number years, top quality moisture wicking tech in even number years), race sticker, custom medals for all team members, trophies for the winners of each division, and post-race pizza, fresh cooked pancakes and syrup, fruit, snacks, and drinks. 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. |
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Registration Details
Registrations and payment will only be accepted online at runsignup.com.
Students will be required to show proof of current enrollment at packet pick up. Registration will be cut off on October 24, 7 p.m. ET and there will be no race day registration. We cannot guarantee t-shirt availability for late registrants. Registrants may transfer to a different race, or defer, up to October 18, 2025. Transfers may require a small fee from runsignup.com plus any difference for transferring to a more expensive race. We are sorry that we cannot make refunds for any reason. Runners may defer their registration to a future race, up to October 18. After October 18 we cannot make any deferrals. Marathon Relay team captains will be required to pay the entire registration fee for the team (up to 4 members) and set up a team name and password so that other team members may enter their information on the registration website.
In the event that races must be cancelled due to hazardous conditions, or for any other reason, all registrants will be transferred to the VIRTUAL races.
Students will be required to show proof of current enrollment at packet pick up. Registration will be cut off on October 24, 7 p.m. ET and there will be no race day registration. We cannot guarantee t-shirt availability for late registrants. Registrants may transfer to a different race, or defer, up to October 18, 2025. Transfers may require a small fee from runsignup.com plus any difference for transferring to a more expensive race. We are sorry that we cannot make refunds for any reason. Runners may defer their registration to a future race, up to October 18. After October 18 we cannot make any deferrals. Marathon Relay team captains will be required to pay the entire registration fee for the team (up to 4 members) and set up a team name and password so that other team members may enter their information on the registration website.
In the event that races must be cancelled due to hazardous conditions, or for any other reason, all registrants will be transferred to the VIRTUAL races.
Marathon |
Date |
Price |
Student (student ID required) |
-- |
$39 |
Super Early Discount |
1/1 - 5/31 |
$59 |
Early |
6/1 - 7/31 |
$65 |
On-Time |
8/1 - 9/30 |
$71 |
Late |
10/1 - 10/24 |
$87 |
Virtual Option |
1/1 - 10/24 |
$59 |
Half Marathon |
Date |
Price |
Student (student ID required) |
-- |
$29 |
Super Early Discount |
1/1 - 5/31 |
$49 |
Early |
6/1 - 7/31 |
$55 |
On-Time |
8/1 - 9/30 |
$59 |
Late |
10/1 - 10/24 |
$72 |
Virtual Option |
1/1 - 10/24 |
$49 |
10K |
Date |
Price |
Student (student ID required) |
-- |
$26 |
Super Early Discount |
1/1 - 5/31 |
$32 |
Early |
6/1 - 7/31 |
$36 |
On-Time |
8/1 - 9/30 |
$39 |
Late |
10/1 - 10/24 |
$45 |
Virtual Option |
1/1 - 10/24 |
$32 |
5K |
Date |
Price |
Student (student ID required) |
-- |
$24 |
Super Early Discount |
1/1 - 5/31 |
$29 |
Early |
6/1 - 7/31 |
$33 |
On-Time |
8/1 - 9/30 |
$35 |
Late |
10/1 - 10/24 |
$40 |
Virtual Option |
1/1 - 10/24 |
$29 |
26.2 Relay |
Date |
Price |
Student (student ID required for all) |
-- |
$99 |
Super Early Discount |
1/1 - 5/31 |
$107 |
Early |
6/1 - 7/31 |
$127 |
On-Time |
8/1 - 9/30 |
$147 |
Late |
10/1 - 10/24 |
$167 |
Amenities
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Full Marathon
Half Marathon
10K & 5K
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26.2 Relay
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Course Description & Map
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The trail follows a very gentle grade throughout. The surface is smooth gravel and grass, usually about 10 feet wide. Overhanging trees may drop branches and nuts, adjoining cliffs may drop rocks, there are still a couple of sections where livestock may be dropping things, there are a couple of small springs which may be seeping, and very rarely there may be a small root in the trail. So you will want to keep your eyes on the trail at all times, and watch where you step for many reasons.
Full Marathon Course: Start time 8 a.m. The course starts and ends at the midpoint of the Chessie Trail. It consists of an out-and-back loop east towards Buena Vista, and then an out-and-back loop west towards Lexington. The full route will be completed twice. Half Marathon Course: Start time 8 a.m. The course starts and ends at the midpoint of the Chessie Trail. It consists of an out-and-back loop east towards Buena Vista, and then an out-and-back loop west towards Lexington. The race will start and finish on the Chessie Trail at the McKethan Park/I-81 overpass. From McKethan Park the course will go approximately 4 1/4 miles towards Buena Vista. At the boat launch near Buena Vista, the course will turn around and retrace the trail 6 3/4 miles towards Lexington. It will pass the starting line and continue until reaching the Lexington trailhead and then looping back about 2 1/2 miles back to the finish line at McKethan Park. 10K Course: Start time 8:15 a.m. Race will start and finish on the Trail at McKethan Park/I-81 overpass. From McKethan Park the course will go towards Buena Vista, 2.5K, then turn around just after the South River bridge and proceed back to the starting line at McKethan Park, and continue 2.5K towards Lexington before turning back to finish at McKethan Park. 5K Course: Start time 8:25 a.m. Race will start and finish on the Trail at McKethan Park/I-81 overpass. From McKethan Park the course will go towards Lexington, 2.5K, then turn around near the middle of the two horseshoe bends, and proceed back to the finish line at McKethan Park. 26.2 Relay Course: Start time 8 a.m. Same course as the Full Marathon. All exchanges will take place at the start/finish line. Aid/drink stations will be set up at the start/finish, all turn-around points, and near the South River bridge. Water and Gatorade will be available at all stations, as well as fruit and snacks. Refillable liquid containers are highly encouraged in order to reduce the amount of landfill trash generated by the races. Facilities for refilling reusable cups and containers will be available at all aid stations. Porta-potties will be set up at the start/finish, Old Sheppard Road, Buena Vista turnaround, and the Lexington turnaround. View a map of the course here. |
Course Rules: No strollers. No animals allowed in race, except service animals. Ear buds are permitted, but are discouraged for safety reasons. Stay to the right when encountering oncoming runners. Walkers are welcome in the 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon races.
Trail Etiquette:
Bag Drop: A bag drop area will be set up near the starting line. Runners must have their bib number present when checking bags in and out. Do not put valuables such as money or electronics in your bag. We will make every effort to see that your belongings are safely returned to you, but cannot take responsibility for the loss or damage of any valuables. Spectators: Spectators may park at McKethan Park for free, and walk a short distance down to the trail and the start/finish line. There are very few access points to the trail and none with good parking, so the best choice for spectators is to remain at the start/finish line. The full and half marathon runners will come back by the start line about 8 1/2 miles into the race. 10K runners will also come by the start/finish area halfway through their race. The start/finish area is beneath an I-81 overpass, so spectators may stay out of the sun/rain, if they so choose. There is a small amount of bleacher seating at the start/finish area, but you may want to bring your own chair. |
Packet Pick-Up
Packet Pick-Up: Registrants may pick up their packets, Friday, October 24, between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. at Walkabout Outfitters, 21 S. Main St., Lexington, VA 24450, except registrants who sign up the Friday just before the race. Those registrants will have to pick up their packets at the race on Saturday. You may pick up someone else’s packet, with their permission and a copy of their ID. Packets may also be picked up prior to the race near the starting line, Saturday 6:30-8:00 a.m. (we can’t guarantee that runners who come after 7a.m. will receive their packet before the race). Participants will be required to show ID and students must have current student ID.
Awards and Age Groups
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Custom medals will be given to all finishers of the Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K and all 26.2 Relay team members. There will be video cameras at all course turnarounds and only those runners who have completed their entire course will be eligible for awards. Awards will be presented as soon as results are available. The top three male, female, and non-binary finishers of the Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K and 5K will receive gift certificates. Marathon Relay winning teams in each division will receive a trophy. Individuals who set a course record will receive a $50 cash prize. Age-group first, second, and third place in the Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K will receive a podium award ceremony and photo-op with trophy (no actual physical award). Age-groups male, female, and non-binary: 12 and under, 13-18, 19-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80 and over.
We strongly recommend that you stay to claim your award. However, if you are not able to stay, we can mail it to you. There is a $25 packing and postage charge and you can pay here. A huge trophy will be presented for the “Top Run” to the finisher with the highest “age percentage score” (runsignup.com). Results may be delayed for this award, so it will be mailed if the winner is not able to be present at the award ceremony. |
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Results
Results will be posted at runroanoke.com, runsignup.com, and runthechessie.org.
Refunds & Transfers
Registrants may transfer to a different race, or defer, up to October 18, 2025. Transfers may require a small fee from runsignup.com plus any difference for transferring to a more expensive race. We are sorry that we cannot make refunds for any reason.
Race Day Info
Average race day temperatures are perfect for endurance running with a low of 38° and high of 62°. Check out the forecast here.
If you are using GPS or a mapping service, enter 79 McKethan Park, Lexington, VA.
Parking at McKethan Park will open at 6:30 a.m. Look for signs from Old Buena Vista Road. Handicap parking is available in the P1 parking area and there will be a shuttle to the trail for those who need assistance. Packet pickup will be available from 6:30 – 8:00 a.m. near the start/finish line (we can’t guarantee that runners who come after 7 a.m. will receive their packet before the race). There are bathroom facilities at pavilions 1 & 2, and more at the starting line. A bag drop area for personal belongings will also be set up near the starting line; you must have your bib number to drop and pick up your bag. Do not leave valuable items in your bag. Porta-potties will also be available near the starting line. Post-race snacks and drinks for the runners will be set up near the start/finish line
The Full Marathon, Half Marathon, and Marathon Relay will start at 8:00 a.m. The 10K will start at 8:15 a.m., and the 5K will start at 8:25 a.m. Awards will be presented as results become available. All race support functions will cease operation at 3 p.m. The large gates at the boundaries of cattle fields will be open during the race until 1 p.m., after that runners/walkers will need to use the push-through pedestrian gates.
For best results your bib number should be worn on your front, at chest height.
Please do not try to access McKethan Park except on race day. The park is the property of VMI and is not open to the public without a permit. The gate may be locked at any time and you will be sorry if your car is inside.
If you are using GPS or a mapping service, enter 79 McKethan Park, Lexington, VA.
Parking at McKethan Park will open at 6:30 a.m. Look for signs from Old Buena Vista Road. Handicap parking is available in the P1 parking area and there will be a shuttle to the trail for those who need assistance. Packet pickup will be available from 6:30 – 8:00 a.m. near the start/finish line (we can’t guarantee that runners who come after 7 a.m. will receive their packet before the race). There are bathroom facilities at pavilions 1 & 2, and more at the starting line. A bag drop area for personal belongings will also be set up near the starting line; you must have your bib number to drop and pick up your bag. Do not leave valuable items in your bag. Porta-potties will also be available near the starting line. Post-race snacks and drinks for the runners will be set up near the start/finish line
The Full Marathon, Half Marathon, and Marathon Relay will start at 8:00 a.m. The 10K will start at 8:15 a.m., and the 5K will start at 8:25 a.m. Awards will be presented as results become available. All race support functions will cease operation at 3 p.m. The large gates at the boundaries of cattle fields will be open during the race until 1 p.m., after that runners/walkers will need to use the push-through pedestrian gates.
For best results your bib number should be worn on your front, at chest height.
Please do not try to access McKethan Park except on race day. The park is the property of VMI and is not open to the public without a permit. The gate may be locked at any time and you will be sorry if your car is inside.
Race & Awards Schedule
Day |
Time |
Event |
Friday |
10am-7pm |
Packet Pickup |
Saturday |
6:30am |
Parking Opens |
6:30-8:00am |
Packet Pickup (we can’t guarantee that runners who come after 7am will receive their packet before the race) |
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8:00am |
Start of 26.2, 13.1, & 26.2 Relay |
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8:15am |
Start of 10K |
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8:25am |
Start of 5K |
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9:00am |
5K Overall & Age-Group Winners Awards |
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9:15am |
10K Overall Winners Awards |
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9:30am |
10K Age-Group Winners Awards |
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9:50am |
13.1 Overall Winners Awards |
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10:05am |
13.1 Age-Group Winners Awards |
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11:30am |
26.2 Male Overall Winners Awards |
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12:10pm |
26.2 Female, Non-Binary, & Relay Overall Winners Awards 26.2 Male Age-Group Winners Awards |
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12:30pm |
26.2 Female & Non-binary Age-Group Winners Awards |
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3:00pm |
All Race Support Ceases |
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5:00pm |
McKethan Park Gate is Locked |
Area Lodging
There are many hotels and B&Bs in the Lexington, Rockbridge, Buena Vista area. Usually there is plenty of capacity, but depending on events at the area colleges and the Virginia Horse Center, they can fill up. So don’t delay in making your reservations. Visit
lexingtonvirginia.com for some great suggestions.
lexingtonvirginia.com for some great suggestions.
Volunteer
Sign up to volunteer for race support! Volunteers will be expected to be available from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. or from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For their efforts, volunteers will receive a custom “Race Crew” t-shirt, and join in the post race pizza party. Contact Eric Sheffield at [email protected] for more information or to sign up.
Contact
If you have questions or concerns, please contact our race director, Eric Sheffield at [email protected].
Thank you to our 2024 sponsors!
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Website created and maintained by Laurel Worth Sheffield. © Friends Of The Chessie Trail
