Places & Races
Runners- this page is all about you! Whether you’re scoping out a new route or trail, or need a new race to train for- we’ve got you covered.
Places
Below is our staff’s recommendations for local running. Check them off your running bucket list one by one, or share them with someone you know would like to try a new spot.
Peninsula
About:
Following the shoreline of 167-acre Lake Maury is the five-mile Noland Trail in Newport News. Dedicated as a gift from the Noland Family in 1991, the trail has fourteen bridges, picnic areas, benches, handicap access, and mile markers. Each fall The Mariners’ Museum hosts a 10K run on the Noland Trail. Other Attractions: Mariners’ Museum, Lake Maury, Lion’s Bridge
Noland Trail
Newport News
About:
There are easily over 10-miles of trails that take you throughout the Yorktown Battlefields, Historic Yorktown, and around Wormley Pond. Plus, you can transition over to Newport News Park at George Washington’s Headquarters for even more mileage! Other Attractions: Historic Yorktown, Yorktown Beach, Yorktown Victory Center, Local Eateries
Yorktown Battlefields
Yorktown
About:
The Virginia Capital Trail is a dedicated, paved bicycle and pedestrian trail crossing four counties and 51.7 miles between Jamestown and Richmond, Virginia — that is, between the Colony of Virginia's first capital and Virginia's current capital.
Capital Trail
Williamsburg
About:
Bordering the Chesapeake Bay in Hampton, Buckroe Beach offers eight acres of family-friendly sandy beach. The Boardwalk, from the fishing pier to Pilot Ave., offers 0.7 miles of waterfront running. Run an easy out-and-back course or embark on a run through the surrounding community. Other Attractions: Blend of Buckroe (coffee shop), Fishing Pier, Summer Concert Series, and Outdoor Movies
Buckroe Beach
Hampton
About:
On this 565-acre property you’ll find beautiful nature trails, paths for walking, jogging and biking, miles of beaches and of course spectacular views of the Chesapeake Bay. There is a 1.8-mile paved trail along the seawall and boardwalk bordering the Chesapeake Bay. There is easily 5+ miles of exploring (running) when you include the entire Fort and National Monument area!
Fort Monroe
Hampton
About:
City Center at Oyster Point is a business district in the Oyster Point section of Newport News. It is inspired by the rich maritime history of the city, landscaped in a southern living style with grand vistas to a 5-acre fountain. The fountain is 0.35 miles in diameter and combined with the surrounding area, you can easily complete 3+ miles of excellent running in an urban, city center setting. Better yet, join Flat-Out Events on Wednesday evenings for a free group run. Other Attractions: Aromas Coffee Shop, Paragon Theaters, Local Eateries, Summer Concert Series, Summer Farmers Market.
City Center Fountains
Newport News
About:
This is a 3.25-mile paved trail that takes you around the beautifully landscaped Villages of Kiln Creek and Golf Course in Newport News/York County.
Kiln Creek Fitness Trail
Newport News / Yorktown
About:
This is a 3-mile trail that begins and ends in the parking lot of the Hampton Teen/Aquatic Center. The trail loops around the outside of the 27-hole Hamptons Golf Course and is level and paved all the way (newly paved in 2012!). Expect walkers, runners, rollerbladers, bicycles, baby strollers and dogs on leashes.
Matteson Trail
Hampton
About:
This 8,000-acre park with two fresh water reservoirs is one of the largest municipal parks east of the Mississippi. There are over 30 miles of trails in the Newport News Park complex including a 5.3-mile multi-use bikeway. Other Attractions: 5-star archery range, Disc golf course, Horse show arena with a stage, 30-acre aeromodel flying field, Ropes and initiative course, 5-mile mountain bike trail
Newport News Park
Newport News
About:
This is a 456-acre recreational facility features two lakes, wetlands and multi use gravel tails. This park also host the 24 Hour Run/Walk for Cancer.
Sandy Bottom Nature Park
Hampton
About:
This park is on the York River and is designated as a Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. There are more than 30 miles of hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails.
York River State Park
Williamsburg
About:
This 600 acre forested park features approximately 2 miles of multiuse trails and more than 20 miles of mountain bike trails winding through historical sites, forests, creeks, and open meadows.
Freedom Park
Williamsburg
About:
This is a 3.6 mile loop located in Williamsburg that features a lake and several rolling hills.
WISC
Williamsburg
About:
This 3.5 mile trail loops through a landscape of beaver ponds, wetlands, and forests.
Greensprings Trails
Williamsburg
About:
This 545 acre park offers a wide variety of recreational activities including several miles of hiking and mountain bike trails.
New Quarter Park
Williamsburg
Southside
About:
This 1 1/2 mile tree lined loop trail is located just off Volvo Pkwy. It has a lake and beautiful scenic open spaces. There are 65 acres of hardwood forest and wetlands. Picnic tables and benches are scattered along the trail.
Oak Grove Lake Park
Chesapeake
About:
This 11-mile paved multi-use trail that connects to Deep Creek Park. The trail is a multi-use trail open to bicycling, walking, running/hiking, horseback riding, and boating. The north trail head is located at the intersection of Dominion Blvd. and Old Rt. 17 in Chesapeake, VA, and runs south 8.3 miles, adjacent to the Dismal Swamp Canal.
Dismal Swamp Canal
Chesapeake
About:
3 miles of hiking/walking trails. Located in the heart of Chesapeake the trails take you through a mature hardwood forest with many varieties of trees and plants.
Chesapeake Arboretum
Chesapeake
About:
Located at 900 City Park Drive the park offers a 3/4-mile paved running/walking loop.
Chesapeake City Park
Chesapeake
About:
There are 19 miles of trails in the park. The trail system takes you through a variety of habitats such as swamps, salt marsh, maritime forest, freshwater wetlands, dunes, and bay shoreline.
First Landing State Park
Virginia Beach
About:
Mount Trashmore park has a system of multi-use, hard surfaced trails and 10 fitness stations. There are 3 trail systems to explore, the Perimeter trail is 2.2 miles, the Lake trail is 1.5 miles and the Mountain trail is 1.2 miles. The park has great amenities and nice views of the lake.
Mount Trashmore
Virginia Beach
About:
The Jordan Bridge stretches across the Elizabeth River connects the City of Portsmouth and the City of Chesapeake. A round-trip of the Jordan Bridge is about 3 miles.
South Norfolk Jordan Bridge
Norfolk
About:
The Boardwalk stretches from 2nd to 40th street that covers 3 miles and features a separate bike path, ideal for strolling, rollerblading, and biking. During the summer months there is live music at 4 stages along the Boardwalk.
Virginia Beach Boardwalk
Virginia Beach
About:
This trail is a developing project that will one day span 11.5 miles, connecting communities of Suffolk and Chesapeake. The trail is currently about 3.4 miles.
Suffolk Seaboard Coastline Trail
Suffolk
Races
Fallen Heroes 4 miler
Saturday, May 28, 2022
Chesapeake
Chesapeake
Fallen Heroes 4 miler
The Tidewater Striders have teamed up with Virginia Beach Fallen heroes to put on a family fun event to help raise money for local fallen Special forces Families! come out on Memorial Day weekend and run for a great cause and for some Fun! we will have an Afterparty onsite with Pizza and Beer!
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Chick-Fil-A 5K
Sunday, May 29, 2022
Newport News
Newport News
Chick-Fil-A 5K
Those crazy cows are back for the 15th annual Chick-l-A 5K! The 2022 event will feature the 5K and the
Running of the Cows Half Mile! The race will feature the scenic Mariners' Museum, Lions Bridge and
lots of family fun in Newport News, VA. Join us for a great run and Eat More Chicken!
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43rd Annual Elizabeth River Run 10k
Sunday, September 4, 2022
Norfolk
Norfolk
43rd Annual Elizabeth River Run 10k
This is a 10k on a flat & fast point to point course starting at Old Dominion University, running around campus then heading North on the Elizabeth River Trail through gorgeous, historic tree-lined neighborhoods along the waterfront, over the Hampton Blvd Bridge with sweeping views of the Elizabeth and Lafayette Rivers and finishing in a verdant private park at the Port of Virginia.
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Crawlin' Crab Half Marathon & 5K
Sunday, October 2, 2022
Hampton
Hampton
Crawlin' Crab Half Marathon & 5K
Come see for yourself why Runner’s World named BayPort Foundation Crawlin’ Crab Half Marathon
presented by Bon Secours In Motion is a must run Half Marathon! Are you looking for a at and fast
course? Do you love running by the water? Do you enjoy celebrating after your race? The 11th Annual
BayPort Foundation Crawlin’ Crab Half Marathon Weekend is the perfect place to run, crawl, and
SHELLebrate.
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Wicked 10K
Saturday, October 29, 2022
Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach
Wicked 10K
Come experience Coastal Virginia’s largest Halloween race and party. The Old Point National Bank
Wicked 10K presented by Bon Secours In Motion shows off Virginia Beach’s wicked side. Do you love
Halloween? Do you love running by the ocean? Are you looking for a few tricks and treats? The Old
Point National Bank Wicked 10K Weekend is the perfect place to celebrate Halloween and enjoy wicked
good times.
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Norfolk Harbor Half Marathon
Sunday, November 20, 2022
Norfolk
Norfolk
Norfolk Harbor Half Marathon
Join us for the 9th annual Chartway Norfolk Harbor Race Weekend presented by Bon Secours In
Motion. Enjoy Norfolk, Virginia’s Downtown, thriving art community, historic neighborhoods, and Old
Dominion University’s campus as you take on the 5K, 10K, or Half Marathon. Keep an eye out for
Norfolk’s iconic mermaids along the course as you experience this at, fast course! (Hint: there are
over 20 along the Half Marathon course.)
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Surf-n-Santa 5 Miler
Saturday, December 17, 2022
Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach
Surf-n-Santa 5 Miler
The 2022 BayPort Credit Union Surf-n-Santa 5 Miler presented by Bon Secours will be back with a brand new theme plus the same favorite traditions. This evening run allows you to experience the magic of the Holidays. Run through the holiday lights on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk before you celebrate your run at our post-race party.
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