Virginia 2025 Marathons

The Newport News One City Marathon takes runners on a point-to-point journey across the entire city, featuring a predominantly flat and fast course that winds through lush parks, historic neighborhoods, and vibrant waterways before finishing downtown near the Newport News Shipbuilding. As a USA Track & Field Certified Course with an 18% Boston Qualifying rate, the marathon is celebrated for its strong community support and meticulous organization, offering a memorable experience for both seasoned and novice marathoners.

The Yuengling Shamrock Marathon features a flat and fast course through Virginia Beach, guiding runners past historic landmarks like the Cape Henry Lighthouse and finishing along the scenic Virginia Beach Boardwalk. Celebrating over 50 years of tradition, this marathon combines a Boston-qualifying route with a festive weekend of races, culminating in a lively finish line party with live music and Yuengling beer.

The Shamrock Marathon in Virginia Beach features a flat, scenic route that guides runners through historic sites like the Cape Henry Lighthouse and First Landing State Park, finishing with a stunning oceanfront view on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. As the oldest continuously running road race in the area, it offers a festive atmosphere with live music and Yuengling beer, making it a memorable experience for both competitive and casual runners.

The Virginia Marathon takes runners on a breathtaking journey through the scenic horse and wine country of Loudoun and Fauquier counties, featuring a challenging climb up Bull Run Mountain with over 3,000 feet of elevation gain. Starting and finishing at the historic Hill School in Middleburg, this race provides a memorable experience with its charming landscapes and the welcoming allure of a town rich in history and local culture.

The Charlottesville Marathon takes runners on a scenic journey through lush landscapes and historic neighborhoods, with challenging hills and a mix of roads and paved bike paths. Known for its intimate, community-focused atmosphere, the race offers a boutique experience that celebrates local culture, vibrant music, and the region's craft beer and wine scene, making it a memorable event in one of Virginia's most picturesque settings.

The Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon challenges runners with its staggering 7,430-foot elevation change, cutting through the breathtaking scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Known for its intimate setting and vibrant weekend atmosphere, this marathon in Roanoke, Virginia, offers a rewarding experience for seasoned athletes seeking a true test of endurance amid southern hospitality.

The Tidewater Strider Dismal Swamp Marathon in Chesapeake, Virginia, features a USATF-certified, flat, and fast course along the scenic Dismal Swamp Canal Trail, perfect for setting personal records and qualifying for the Boston Marathon. With a well-organized format, a generous 15-hour time limit, and thoughtful amenities, this race attracts both novice and veteran runners seeking a serene yet competitive experience.

The Jackson River Scenic Trail Marathon takes runners on a captivating journey through the Alleghany Highlands of Virginia, following a smooth, crushed gravel path along the historic Chesapeake & Ohio Railway with gentle gradients and stunning views of the Jackson River. As a Boston Marathon qualifier, this race combines natural beauty with a well-supported course, offering an inclusive experience with multiple race distances and coinciding with the festive Covington Cork and Pork Festival.

The Mathews Marathon offers a serene race experience with its flat course winding through Mathews County's tranquil backroads, featuring a mix of dirt, gravel, and paved paths alongside stunning views of marshlands and the Chesapeake Bay. This race, set for October 18, 2025, is cherished for its community-focused approach, offering participants a warm welcome, a pre-race Carbo Load Dinner, and post-race celebrations, all amidst the rural charm of Virginia.

The Chessie Trail Marathon invites runners to a tranquil journey through Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, featuring a primarily flat course of smooth gravel and grass paths that follow the historic Chesapeake and Ohio railway line. This Boston-qualifying race, set against a backdrop of vibrant fall colors and rich wildlife, offers a peaceful escape from city marathons, enhanced by local camaraderie and a festive Halloween theme.

The Marine Corps Marathon takes runners on a scenic and challenging journey through Arlington, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., featuring iconic landmarks such as the Lincoln Memorial and the National Mall, along with the emotionally impactful "Blue Mile" dedicated to fallen soldiers. Known as "The People's Marathon," this race is celebrated for its military precision, exceptional organization, and an inspiring atmosphere, culminating in an unforgettable finish where Marines award medals to participants.

The Richmond Marathon takes runners on a scenic journey through the heart of Virginia's capital, showcasing vibrant neighborhoods and the picturesque James River amidst the brilliant fall foliage. Known as "America's Friendliest Marathon," it combines enthusiastic crowd support, lively entertainment along the route, and a rewarding downhill finish, making it a top choice for both personal bests and Boston Marathon qualifiers.