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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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This is a 3.6 mile loop located in Williamsburg that features a lake and several rolling hills.

WISC

Williamsburg

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This 3.5 mile trail loops through a landscape of beaver ponds, wetlands, and forests.

Greensprings Trails

Williamsburg

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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

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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

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Located at 900 City Park Drive the park offers a 3/4-mile paved running/walking loop.

Chesapeake City Park

Chesapeake

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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

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Over 3.8 miles of walking trails and bridges wind through pristine wooded areas, along beautifully landscaped open areas, and adjacent to picturesque creeks and marshes in the park. Five pedestrian bridges cross the creeks and marshes, and numerous overlooks are strategically located for resting and sightseeing.

Windsor Castle

Smithfield

Races

One City Marathon Weekend

Friday, March 3, 2023 - Sunday, March 5, 2023
Newport News

One City Marathon Weekend

Now in its 9th year, the Newport News One City Marathon is a great point-to-point marathon option located in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. The course is known for fast times and a high percentage of Boston Qualifying times. There are also additional race distances available including Half Marathon, 5K and Nautical Mile Fun Run. If you are up for a challenge, run the 5K on Saturday, and either the Half or Full Marathon Sunday!
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Shamrock Weekend

Friday, March 17, 2023 - Sunday, March 19, 2023
Virginia Beach

Shamrock Weekend

The 51st running of the Yuengling Shamrock Marathon Weekend will take place in Virginia Beach, Virginia on March 17-19, 2023. This St. Paddy’s Day tradition has a race distance for every goal: Marathon, Half Marathon, 8K, and challenges. No matter the distance, you’ll experience the best of Coastal Virginia on our flat, fast, and scenic course before you cross the finish line overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The party continues after the race at our post race celebration on the beach with Yuengling Beer, Murphy’s Irish Stew, and Live Music.
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Long Creek 60K

Sunday, April 2, 2023
Virginia Beach

Long Creek 60K

The Long Creek 60K/30K explores all 9 trails of First Landing State Park. The race runs through maritime forests, cypress swamps, salt marsh, and bay shoreline. The trail runs along the beach of Broad Bay in some areas. The run offers spectacular views of the water and the surrounding habitats.
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Striders Dismal Swamp 5 Miler / 1 Mile

Saturday, April 22, 2023
Chesapeake

Striders Dismal Swamp 5 Miler / 1 Mile

This is a 2.5-mile out and 2.5-mile back course on the closed 2-lane roadway at the Dismal Swamp Trail Park in Chesapeake. One Miler is .5 miles out and back. 1 mile is an up-and-back on the Trail.
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Striders Spring Marathon & Half Marathon

Sunday, April 23, 2023
Chesapeake

Striders Spring Marathon & Half Marathon

This is a Marathon and Half Marathon course on the closed 2-lane roadway at the Dismal Swamp Trail Park in Chesapeake. The full Marathon course will be USATF Certified course and that means its a Boston Qualifying race.
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Above the Clouds 5K

Saturday, May 6, 2023
Virginia Beach

Above the Clouds 5K

SPARC presents, Above the Clouds 5K in honor of Dr. Albert K. Lin. Please join us for our inaugural run/walk as we raise awareness of brain cancer, and to remember and honor Dr. Albert K. Lin. Dr. Lin continues to inspire us to live our lives to the fullest, and to finish the race, in a manner most worthy of a prize that lasts for eternity.
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17th CHKD RunWalk for the Kids

Saturday, May 6, 2023
Virginia Beach

17th CHKD RunWalk for the Kids

The RunWalk for the Kids is a project of The King's Daughters to benefit the Children's Pavilion, CHKD's Mental Health Hospital. 10K, 5K & 2 Mile Walk options. This year's 10K race will be part of the Tidewater Striders' Grand Prix!
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Muddy Princess

Sunday, May 21, 2023
Virginia Beach

Muddy Princess

You don’t have to be Wonder Woman to join Muddy Princess - run, jog or walk the course. Muddy Princess is 100% Fun, 100% Teamwork, 75% Challenge and 0% Competition. The 2023 edition of the 5k obstacle mud run for woman has got even bigger, muddier and better with 18+ Obstacles.
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Fallen Heros 4 Miler

Saturday, May 27, 2023
Chesapeake

Fallen Heros 4 Miler

This is a 2-mile out and 2-mile back course on the closed 2-lane roadway at the Dismal Swamp Trail Park in Chesapeake. Little Heroes Kids Mile is out .5 and back .5. 4 MILE RUCK FOR THE FALLEN- All rucks must be 40 lbs!
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The Warrior 8K Challenge, Fallen Heroes 5K & JR Warrior 1 Mile

Saturday, June 10, 2023
Virginia Beach

The Warrior 8K Challenge, Fallen Heroes 5K & JR Warrior 1 Mile

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Joggin' for Frogmen 5K and Tadpole Trot

Saturday, June 24, 2023
Virginia Beach

Joggin' for Frogmen 5K and Tadpole Trot

Inspired by US Navy SEALs (Frogmen), the mission of the Joggin’ for Frogmen Race Series is to activate communities from around the world to honor the sacrifices of our Naval Special Warfare service members and veterans, and to support the families of our fallen heroes. Our races bring communities together to celebrate the lives of America’s fallen and to express our deep gratitude to those still serving.
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Coast Guard Cutter 5K, 10K, & 15K Combo

Saturday, August 5, 2023
Portsmouth

Coast Guard Cutter 5K, 10K, & 15K Combo

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