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 …
MORE
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 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!
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 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.
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.
LESS
Best for first timer, friendly
I participated in the half-marathon distance in 2024 and was a little disappointed by the trail surface. In retrospect it was because I was shooting for a PR, and the … MORE
I participated in the half-marathon distance in 2024 and was a little disappointed by the trail surface. In retrospect it was because I was shooting for a PR, and the grass/leaves on the trail were a little slippery.
This year I chose this race for my first marathon attempt. While my time was a little disappointing, that was to be expected for a first timer. I felt the race was well organized. I liked that the packet pickup and bag check were both at the starting line. I was amused (and a little scared) by the calf chasing me, but that only lasted a few steps and then the curious calf ran after another runner. The calves and their moms were far in the later part of the run (thankfully, so I could focus on pushing against the famous marathon wall.)
Despite being a small race (about 100 marathoners each year), the aid stations were well stocked with Gatorade, water, pretzels, Oreos, gummy bears, neatly laid out on a table. For the last 8 miles or so I would grab a few of each and get on my way.
Swags were great and I liked the medal. For 2025 it was a lizard. (I wouldn’t like the squirrel but that is just me). They even have a PR bell, which I rang proudly after recovering from the desperation that lasted from mile 18 to 25.
Lastly, there was a slight ascend from mile 18 to 24. I couldn’t tell if I hit the wall or if it was the ascend that killed my pace. Given that the marathon repeated this section of the trail twice and I felt nothing the first time, it was probably the wall.
Small race with a big heart
Easy packet pickup, but low key. Ample parking with enough porta potties. A little tight at the start of the race with a crowd of people. Small race so no … MORE
Easy packet pickup, but low key. Ample parking with enough porta potties. A little tight at the start of the race with a crowd of people. Small race so no staggered start. (ended up mis stepping on a rock less than a mile into the race and sprained my ankle with a fall). An out and back but was kept interesting with the views. Did get a little toasty for that time of year, had to strip down to the sports bra to feel comfortable. Neat history to the area with the train. Nice medal and long sleeved tech shirt. Do go to the natural bridge state park that’s near by, amazing!!
Flat course and well run event
This course is flat! It is 2 segments that are out and back. One is about 4 miles, the other 2. If you do the full marathon, you will do … MORE
This course is flat! It is 2 segments that are out and back. One is about 4 miles, the other 2. If you do the full marathon, you will do each segment twice. I picked up this race as one of my 50 states since I was more or less in the area running Marshall University Marathon the next day. I feel the race coordinators did a good job letting people know what to expect of the course (out and backs are not exciting, especially when you do it twice), the volunteers were great, and the aid stations had water, gatorade, and some fruit. This is a trail race (felt like a rails to trails line), so there will not be a lot spectators cheering along the way.
One of my favorites
Lots to like about the Chessie Trail Marathon. Pre-race communication was good, packet pickup the afternoon before was well staffed, and also available the morning of. The course is scenic, … MORE
Lots to like about the Chessie Trail Marathon. Pre-race communication was good, packet pickup the afternoon before was well staffed, and also available the morning of. The course is scenic, and I liked how it was 2 out and back segments, done twice (start/finish is in the middle of a line). The longer segment was the first/third, so the last segment was almost a victory lap type feeling and you got to see the other runners (half too) multiple times, very friendly atmosphere. Total ascent was 292 ft on my watch. The weather was almost perfect, clear and 24 at the 8:00 start, and mid 60s by noon.
Aid stations were well spaced, well staffed, and had water, sports drink, and fruit. The swag was what I consider great, distance specific ribbons on the medal, a hat for marathon finishers that was distance specific, and distance specific shirts featuring the current year’s Chessie Trail inhabitant; 2023 was an anatomically correct squirrel 🙂
I was back of the pack and aid stations stayed stocked and staffed. I am including a pic of the food table at the start/finish.
Lexington VA also is a nice place to visit, the old city where packet pickup was has many good restaurants and things to see.
Fun, Flat, Friendly, and Cows
While you're enjoying the great scenery, watch your step in the open range. Curious cows may leave some obstacles on the trail, but that's the only thing to worry about … MORE
While you’re enjoying the great scenery, watch your step in the open range. Curious cows may leave some obstacles on the trail, but that’s the only thing to worry about in this little race. It made me feel like a bunch of friends and neighbors organized a race and did a great job. It’s on a dirt trail in the woods that’s a little rough and rocky in a couple of sections, pretty smooth most of the way, and being on a retired railroad line next to a river, it’s flat. Really flat. I appreciated the great support from the race crew, spectators, and fellow runners. Parking was a little hectic because the race is on the verge of outgrowing the available space. In addition to the usual shirt and medal, I also got a very nice hat. Good snacks and pizza at the finish, too.
This race was a perfect fit for my preference to run smaller, lesser-known marathons on my 50-state journey. Put this one on your calendar.
A great race to run!
10/10 would recommend this race if you’re looking for a speedy scenic run on a well-groomed surface. I did the marathon relay for the second year in a row this … MORE
10/10 would recommend this race if you’re looking for a speedy scenic run on a well-groomed surface. I did the marathon relay for the second year in a row this year—it’s lots of fun to be out there with your teammates! Race day is very well organized, and there are great amenities both at the start/finish and at aid stations along the course.
Scenic local race worth traveling for
I have wanted to do this race for awhile since I am in Lexington often to see my daughter at W&L. Once you register, book your lodging ASAP because it … MORE
I have wanted to do this race for awhile since I am in Lexington often to see my daughter at W&L. Once you register, book your lodging ASAP because it is very limited. Packet pickup was easy and race day logistics were minimal. The trail was somewhat muddy from heavy rains the night before. Race conditions were pretty close to perfect, though, despite the mud. Cool start at about 46 degrees and overcast. By the end of the race it was sunny and high 50s so really awesome weather. Most of the runners are local or from Virginia but I thought it was worth traveling to do it. The course runs along the Maury river and through pastures so it is very scenic. I hit mile 13 and didn’t even realize I was almost finished. The marathon is the same loop twice, which really wouldn’t have been that bad. Technical long sleeved shirts in unisex sizes were ok. Would have liked women’s sizes. But really no complaints for a local race. I would do it again if I was going to be in the area.