Jackson River Scenic Trail Marathon

Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K and 5KSaturday, June 4, 2022 

Start/finish location is at the Intervale Trailhead.
Marathon begins at 7:00am, half marathon at 7:15am, 10K at 7:30am and 5K at 7:45am

About The Jackson River Scenic Trail Marathon
(A Boston Marathon Qualifier Race)

The Jackson River Scenic Trail follows its namesake river, winding its way between Intervale, just north of Covington, to Smith Bridge Trail Head 14.4 miles north. The trail follows an old railroad bed of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway (Hot Springs Branch) and passes through small communities, cultivated fields, and small patches of woodland along the way. It’s common to see wildlife from the trail (birds, turtles, raccoons, rabbits, groundhogs, and deer).

Packet pick up on Friday, June 3rd will be at Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Tourism office, 110 Mall Road, from 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm and from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm at the Covington Farmers’ Market located at 134 West Main Street, so you can plan to join the festivities downtown!

On Saturday morning, packet pick up will move to the Intervale Trailhead and open at 6:30am. The Marathon will begin at 7am, the half marathon at 7:15am, 10K at 7:30am, and 5K at 7:45am. All races begin and end at the Intervale Trail Head in Covington, Virginia. Field parking is available however we encourage carpooling whenever possible.

The course is on the smooth crushed gravel surface of The Jackson River Scenic Trail. The trail is mostly flat with some light hills. This is an in and out course meaning all races begin and end at the Intervale Trail Head. Each race has well-marked turn around points with volunteers making sure you don’t miss them. There will be hydration stations on both the way out as well as on the return back. Port-a-johns are available at the start/finish, and at the trailheads of Petticoat, Smith Bridge and Natural Well. Refreshments will be available at the finish line.

Marathon runners should be able to finish the race in a 14:00 pace. This is a 6:30 full marathon time. Half Marathon runners should be able to finish the race in a 14:00 pace. This is a 3:05 half marathon time.

Age brackets for the races depend on participation.