The Jackson River Scenic Trail Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k, and 5k
- Date
- June 13, 2026
- Distance
- The Jackson River Scenic Trail Full Marathon · The Jackson River Scenic Trail Half Marathon · The Jackson River Scenic Trail 10k & more
From the Organizer
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.
Events
Weather
Race-Day Forecast
Live forecast from the U.S. National Weather Service.
Race Day
Saturday, 6/13
High
90°
Low
64°
Conditions
Chance rain showers then chance showers and thunderstorms
Chance of Rain
39%
Wind
0 to 3 mph
Host City
About Covington, VA
Elevation
1,257 ft
Nearest Airport
LWB
Greenbrier Valley Airport · 23 mi
Major Hub
GSO
Piedmont Triad International Airport · 116 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
Line up lodging and travel early to lock in your race weekend.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at The Jackson River Scenic Trail Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k, and 5k, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
5
Days to train
- Race
- The Jackson River Scenic Trail Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k, and 5k
- Date
- June 13, 2026
Coming Up
More Running races near Covington, VA
Camp Bethel PEP! 5K Run/Walk
5K
21 miles away
Odyssey Trail Running Rampage
23 miles away
YL RoCo 5k & Fun Run
5K
29 miles away
2026 Greenbrier River Trail Bike Trek
21 miles away
From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
The half marathon is the distance where you find out what you're actually made of. Long enough to demand real preparation. Short enough that it doesn't consume your life to train for it. Most people who run their first half describe it as the race that changed their relationship with what they're capable of. Once you cross this finish line, the bar moves. That's not a warning — that's the point.
Race day energy varies by event size, but the finish line feeling is the same regardless. Big races keep the noise going the whole way. Smaller races give you stretches where it's just you and the miles — and that solitude becomes its own kind of fuel.
The half marathon rewards people who show up for the boring training miles.
How long to train: 10–14 weeks. If you're already running consistently, 10 weeks of structured buildup is enough. If you're building from a casual base, give yourself 14.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is The Jackson River Scenic Trail Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k, and 5k?
- The Jackson River Scenic Trail Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k, and 5k is a running race held in Covington, Virginia on June 13, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
- When and where is The Jackson River Scenic Trail Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k, and 5k?
- Saturday, June 13, 2026 in Covington, Virginia at Intervale Trail Head, The Jackson River Scenic Trail, Covington, VA. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for The Jackson River Scenic Trail Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k, and 5k?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
The Jackson River Scenic Trail Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k, and 5k
Jun 13, 2026