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?Run America’s most enchanting rail trail! The seven-mile Chessie Trail, situated at the southern end of the Shenandoah Valley, parallels the scenic Maury River and connects historic Lexington, Virginia, with the boom-town community of Buena Vista. The smooth, flat, 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 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 fish and ducks to rabbits, wild turkeys, river otters, and even bald eagles (if you are lucky), feel the cool moist air as you pass small caves, and enjoy the serenity of a breeze rustling through a bamboo forest.
This year the Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K, and 26.2 Relay are back and for the first time we will be running a 10K! The bridge over the South River has finally been replaced, so no more detour onto the road and the course will be even faster! This event is sanctioned by USATF and all four race courses are now USATF certified. The Marathon is a Boston Qualifier. In the spirit of the weekend, all runners racing in their Halloween costumes are eligible to receive a free vintage t-shirt and prizes will be awarded for best costumes. Runners setting overall course records will receive a $25 cash prize.
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