The Jackson River Scenic Trail Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k, and 5k

This fun event has something for everyone! The USATF certified course  begins and ends at the Intervale Trail Head of The Jackson River Scenic Trail in Covington, Virginia. The trail follows an old railroad bed of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway. The course has a smooth crushed gravel surface and is mostly flat with some light hills. The trail follows its namesake river, winding it's way through small communities, cultivated fields, and small patches of woodland. It isn't uncommon to see wildlife along the way.

WEATHER

This is a rain or shine event.  In the case of severely inclement weather, announcements regarding the race status will be made on the website (www.jacksonrivermarathon.com), on Facebook and via local media.  If there is sufficient advanced notice of a severe weather event, notices will also be sent via the email submitted with your registration.

AWARDS

All finishers receive a commemorative finisher's medal.

Unique awards will be given to the overall top 3 overall male and female finishers of the marathon, half marathon, 10K and 5K races. 

The top three male and female finishers in each age group of each race will receive a certificate of accomplishment. Our age groups are:  12 & under; 13-18; 19-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60-69, and 70+.

The awards ceremony will be at the Intervale Trail Head 30 minutes following the completion of each distance (5K, 10K, Half and Full Marathon) by the top 3 males and females for that particular race.  It is understood that this means some participants may still be on the course while others are receiving awards but we want to avoid holding people overly long before handing out awards.  

Please note that awards will NOT be mailed so please attend the ceremony for your race!

At the Intervale Finish Line:

Local businesses will be providing refreshments, food, and experiences on the Jackson River & Trail from 6am-12noon at the finish line. Hang out after your finish and enjoy tubing brought to you by Alleghany Outdoors (15% discount for runners), food trucks, shoe size measurements by Fleet Feet, and alcohol and beverages sold by the Alleghany Highlands Trails Alliance! More information on vendors to come soon! 

*Register by May 13, 2026 if you want a T-shirt!!! After that date there is no guarantee that a shirt will be available for you on the day of the race.

Packet Pick-up will be from noon-8pm at the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism on Friday, June 12th. On-site packet pickup the day of the race will be available starting at 6:30am on Saturday, June 13th. 

Join fellow runners on June 13, 2026 for the The Jackson River Scenic Trail Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k, and 5k. It's a fantastic Marathon, Half-Marathon, 10K, 5K featuring a flat and fast course in Covington.