Jackson River Scenic Trail Marathon
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Event details
The Jackson River Scenic Trail race day is Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Covington, Virginia. The event offers multiple distances beginning and ending at the Intervale Trail Head, 1903 Dressler Dr., off US 220, just north of Covington, VA 24426. Distances include:
- Marathon
- Half marathon
- 10K
- 5K
Entry fees listed are $75 for the marathon, $45 for the half marathon, $40 for the 10K, and $30 for the 5K. Each event page lists 571 spots remaining and prices increase after January 10, 2026. Registering by May 13, 2026 is required to guarantee a T-shirt.
Course and logistics
The course is USATF certified and follows the Jackson River Scenic Trail, which uses an old Chesapeake and Ohio Railway railroad bed. The surface is smooth crushed gravel and is described as mostly flat with some light hills. The trail passes small communities, cultivated fields, and small patches of woodland; wildlife sightings are noted as possible.
Packet pick-up is available Friday, June 12 from noon to 8:00 pm at the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism. Day-of packet pick-up begins at 6:30 am at the event.
Awards and finish-area amenities
All finishers receive a commemorative finisher's medal. Unique awards are given to the top three overall male and female finishers in each distance. The top three male and female finishers in each age group receive a certificate; age groups are: 12 & under; 13-18; 19-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60-69; and 70+. Awards will not be mailed. Local vendors at the Intervale finish area will offer refreshments and services, including tubing by Alleghany Outdoors (15% discount for runners), food trucks, and shoe measurements by Fleet Feet. The event is scheduled as rain or shine; severe-weather status announcements will be made via the race website, social media, local media, and email. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.