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

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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

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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

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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

Norfolk Harbor Half Marathon

Sunday, November 20, 2022
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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Glowing Gobbler 5K

Wednesday, November 23, 2022
Newport News

Glowing Gobbler 5K

Before the turkey and the stuffing take part the most LIT holiday run of the season. The Glowing Gobbler 5K is an evening race that gives runners a unique opportunity to run through Newport News Park’s Celebration In Lights. Get in the holiday spirit and have a little run while you are at it.
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Tidewater Striders Turkey Trot 10K & Mile

Thursday, November 24, 2022
Virginia Beach

Tidewater Striders Turkey Trot 10K & Mile

The 45th Annual Turkey Trot 10K and 1 Mile Run provides a traditional quality running event for families & runners of all abilities. All proceeds go to the Tidewater Striders General fund to support our Youth Program and Tidewater Strider Races.
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Tidewater Strider Dismal Swamp 100K/50K/Marathon and 100K Relay

Saturday, December 3, 2022
Chesapeake

Tidewater Strider Dismal Swamp 100K/50K/Marathon and 100K Relay

The 100k starts at 6 am and the 50k & Marathon starts at 6:45 am. There is a 15hr limit (9 PM). The course is an out and back 3.88 miles each way for the 100k and 50k. There are 4 loops for 50k and 8 loops for 100k. The Marathon course is a Certified BQ Course its 6.55 up 6.55 back 2 loops for the Marathon. Pacers are only allowed for 100k runners after the 50k mark! Very fast course! The 100k/50k and Marathons courses are USATF Certified
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Christmas Town Dash 8K & Dasher 1/2 Mile

Sunday, December 4, 2022
Williamsburg

Christmas Town Dash 8K & Dasher 1/2 Mile

The premier holiday running event of the Virginia Peninsula is back! Participants can take in the sites and smells of Christmas as they race through the Busch Gardens campus. All runners receive one discounted ticket to Christmas Town in 2022 and one day-pass to Busch Gardens good for the Spring 2023 season.
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Reindeer Trot 7k, Rally 5k, Christmas 12K Combo Challenge

Sunday, December 10, 2022
Virginia Beach

Reindeer Trot 7k, Rally 5k, Christmas 12K Combo Challenge

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Surf-n-Santa 5 Miler

Saturday, December 17, 2022
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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