2027 The Jackson River Scenic Trail Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k, and 5k

The Jackson River Scenic Trail Marathon and Half Marathon in Covington, Virginia, draws a small but devoted field of roughly 100 runners each year, from a dozen states. As of 2024, the race had run 12 editions, with about 9% of participants returning annually—a quiet loyalty that speaks to the event's charm. The USATF-certified course starts at the Intervale Trail Head and follows an old railroad bed along the Jackson River.

The crushed-gravel surface is smooth and mostly flat, with just a few light rollers. Runners wind through small communities, past cultivated fields, and into pockets of woodland, with the river as a constant companion. Wildlife sightings are common, and the low-key atmosphere—aided by the small field and community support—makes this a welcoming race for first-timers seeking a scenic, manageable half marathon.

All finishers receive a commemorative medal and a participant T-shirt. The awards ceremony takes place at the trail head after each distance, with unique awards for top finishers and age-group winners. It's a straightforward, heartfelt event that rewards runners with a peaceful yet scenic route and a sense of genuine small-town hospitality.